Author: Taylor Warfield, Former Bain Manager and interviewer

Last Updated: March 23, 2026

Freshman consulting internships are early-career programs at firms like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and Oliver Wyman that give first-year college students a head start on a consulting career. Most of these programs are short (one day to ten weeks), focus on training and networking, and many specifically target students from underrepresented backgrounds.

 

As a former Bain Manager and interviewer, I have helped thousands of candidates navigate consulting recruiting. In this guide, I will cover every freshman consulting internship program available, show you exactly when and how to apply, and share the strategies that give you the best shot at landing one.

 

But first, a quick heads up:

 

McKinsey, BCG, Bain, and other top firms accept less than 1% of applicants every year. If you want to triple your chances of landing interviews and 8x your chances of passing them, watch my free 40-minute training.

 

What Changed in 2026?

 

This article has been updated for the 2026 recruiting cycle with four new programs: Oliver Wyman First-Year Immersion, KPMG Rise, PwC Career Preview, and Bain ADvantage/BASE. Application deadlines, eligibility details, and program formats have been verified against each firm’s careers page as of March 2026. A new comparison table, recruiting timeline, and alternative pathways section have also been added.

 

What Are Freshman Consulting Internships?

 

Freshman consulting internships are structured programs designed for first-year undergraduate students to explore what a career in management consulting looks like. They range from half-day virtual workshops to full 8-to-10-week paid internships, depending on the firm.

 

Most freshman programs are not traditional internships where you join a client project for the entire summer. Instead, they focus on training, mentorship, case workshops, and networking with consultants and other students. Think of them as an extended audition where both you and the firm get to evaluate fit.

 

One important thing to know: the majority of freshman consulting programs specifically target students from underrepresented backgrounds, including Black, Hispanic/Latino, Indigenous, first-generation, and women students. According to Bain’s careers page, programs like Consulting Kickstart exist to “provide exposure to a career in consulting for undergraduate freshmen from underrepresented backgrounds.” If you do not fall into a targeted group, your options are more limited but still exist (such as Oliver Wyman’s First-Year Immersion and PwC Career Preview, which are open to all students).

 

What Freshman Consulting Internship Programs Are Available?

 

Below is the full list of freshman consulting internship programs at major consulting firms. For information on sophomore programs, check out our article on consulting internships for sophomores.

 

McKinsey El Futuro, Up Next, and Ignite

 

McKinsey offers three separate programs for freshmen. El Futuro targets Hispanic and Latino first-year students, Up Next targets Black first-year students, and McKinsey Ignite is sponsored by McKinsey’s Women affinity group. All three are short workshops (half-day to two days) focused on exploring consulting, developing leadership skills, and networking with McKinsey professionals.

 

To apply, you complete the Connect with McKinsey form. There is no separate application for any of these three programs. Applications are typically due in March.

 

Apply here: Connect with McKinsey Form

 

BCG Bridge to Consulting

 

The BCG Bridge to Consulting Program is a two-day workshop for freshman and sophomore students from underrepresented minority groups, including Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, and Indigenous/Native American students. Participants learn about BCG’s work, meet firm leaders, network with peers, and receive interview prep training.

 

Applications are typically due in March. Upon applying, you may be asked to complete the BCG online assessment.

 

Apply here: BCG Bridge to Consulting Application

 

Bain Consulting Kickstart

 

The Bain Consulting Kickstart program is a virtual series for freshman undergraduates from underrepresented backgrounds, including Black, Hispanic, Latin American, and Indigenous students. A major benefit: completing the program guarantees you an interview for the Bain BEL (Building Entrepreneurial Leaders) program the following year.

 

According to Bain, the BEL program has served as a direct pipeline to summer internship offers for hundreds of students. Applications for Consulting Kickstart are typically due in April.

 

Apply here: Bain Consulting Kickstart Application. You can also check out our full list of all Bain internships.

 

Bain ADvantage and BASE

 

Bain also offers two additional early-career programs. ADvantage targets students from diverse backgrounds in the US and Toronto, while BASE (Building and Supporting Excellence) is a US-only program. Both provide workshops, networking, and exposure to Bain’s culture and work.

 

These programs are available to freshmen and sophomores. Check Bain’s internships and programs page for the latest deadlines and eligibility requirements.

 

Apply here: Bain Internships & Programs

 

Deloitte Discovery Internship

 

The Deloitte Discovery Internship is one of the few freshman programs that is a full paid internship lasting 8 to 10 weeks. Interns explore Deloitte’s service lines (Audit, Tax, Advisory, or Consulting), complete training, work on client projects, and receive mentorship.

 

Participants who complete the program may be eligible for full-time job opportunities after graduation, making this one of the highest-value freshman programs available. Applications are typically due in April.

 

Apply here: Deloitte Discovery Internship Application

 

Expedition EY

 

Expedition EY is a virtual, app-based learning experience for freshman undergraduates that runs from March to May. Participants engage in educational modules and networking opportunities with EY professionals. Scholarship prizes are available to participants.

 

Applications are typically due in January, making this one of the earliest deadlines on the freshman consulting internship calendar.

 

Apply here: Expedition EY Application

 

KPMG Embark Scholars

 

KPMG Embark Scholars is a multi-year program that begins with an 8-week internship in which participants rotate through KPMG’s Audit, Tax, and Advisory practices. The following summer, participants intern in the practice area of their choice.

 

This program has one of the strongest conversion rates in the industry. According to KPMG, over 95% of Embark Scholars participants receive a full-time job offer after graduation. Applications are typically due in March.

 

Apply here: KPMG Embark Scholars Application

 

KPMG Rise Program

 

The KPMG Rise Program is a leadership development program for freshmen and sophomores who identify as first-generation college students, veterans, individuals with disabilities, or members of other underrepresented communities. The program includes workshops, networking, and exposure to KPMG’s culture.

 

Check KPMG’s campus recruiting page for the latest application deadlines and eligibility details.

 

Oliver Wyman First-Year Immersion Program

 

Oliver Wyman’s First-Year Immersion Program is a virtual experience designed exclusively for college freshmen. Unlike many other freshman programs, this one is open to all first-year students and is not limited to diversity candidates.

 

The program unfolds in three phases: an introduction to consulting, a deep dive into a day in the life of a consultant, and a skill-building session covering case prep, professional development, and resume tips. Participants earn a certificate of completion. Applications are typically due in the fall.

 

Apply here: Oliver Wyman Careers

 

Accenture Student Leadership Program

 

The Accenture Student Leadership Program helps freshman and sophomore students develop leadership and professional skills through virtual learning calls. The program wraps up with a two-day Student Leadership Summit focused on innovative technology, professional development, and networking with Accenture leaders.

 

Accenture offers five tracks: Student Athlete, Women in Technology, Pride Leadership Academy, HBCU Excellence, and HIS Legacy. Applications are typically due in December.

 

Apply here: Accenture Student Leadership Program Application

 

PwC Career Preview

 

PwC Career Preview is a three-day immersive experience open to all high-performing undergraduate students, including freshmen. Participants explore career paths within PwC’s professional services, develop key skills through interactive sessions, and network with firm professionals.

 

This program is open to all students (not diversity-restricted), making it a strong option for any freshman interested in consulting. Applications are typically due in March.

 

How Do Freshman Consulting Internships Compare?

 

The table below compares every major freshman consulting internship program side by side. Use it to quickly identify which programs match your eligibility and timeline.

 

Program	Firm	Format	Duration	Eligibility Focus	Typical Deadline
Consulting Kickstart	Bain	Virtual	Multi-session	Black, Hispanic, Latino, Indigenous freshmen	April
ADvantage / BASE	Bain	Virtual / In-person	Varies	Diverse backgrounds	Varies
Bridge to Consulting	BCG	In-person	2 days	Black, Hispanic/Latino, Indigenous freshmen & sophomores	March
Discovery Internship	Deloitte	In-person	8-10 weeks	Freshmen & sophomores (diversity encouraged)	April
Expedition EY	EY	Virtual (app)	March-May	All freshmen	January
Embark Scholars	KPMG	In-person	8 weeks + follow-on	Diversity candidates	March
Rise Program	KPMG	Virtual / In-person	Varies	First-gen, veterans, disability, underrepresented	Varies
El Futuro	McKinsey	In-person	2 days	Hispanic/Latino freshmen	March
Up Next	McKinsey	In-person	2 days	Black freshmen	March
Ignite	McKinsey	In-person	Half day	Women freshmen	March
First-Year Immersion	Oliver Wyman	Virtual	Multi-session	All freshmen	Fall
Student Leadership	Accenture	Virtual + summit	Multi-month	Various tracks (athletes, women in tech, HBCU, etc.)	December
Career Preview	PwC	In-person	3 days	All high-performing undergrads	March

 

What Do Consulting Firms Look for in Freshman Interns?

 

Consulting firms evaluate freshman interns on six core qualities. In my experience interviewing candidates at Bain, these are the traits that separate strong applicants from average ones.

 

• Analytical skills are the foundation. Consulting is about gathering data, finding patterns, and building recommendations. Firms want to see that you can think through problems logically, even without a business background.

• Teamwork matters because consultants work in small teams of 4 to 6 people every single day. You need to collaborate, share credit, and manage disagreements constructively. According to McKinsey’s recruiting page, teamwork is one of the top three qualities they screen for across all experience levels.

• Communication skills let you translate complex analysis into simple, clear takeaways. Strong verbal communication helps during team meetings and presentations. Strong written communication helps when you are creating slides and reports.

• Ownership means you take responsibility for your work without needing constant supervision. Firms want freshmen who drive tasks forward, meet deadlines, and ask for help when they are stuck rather than waiting to be rescued.

• Adaptability is critical in consulting because priorities shift daily. A new data point can completely change the direction of a project. Firms look for students who stay calm and pivot quickly rather than freezing up.

• Resilience gets you through the demanding parts of consulting. There will be 12-to-14 hour days. There will be problems you get stuck on. Based on Glassdoor data, consulting has one of the highest employee satisfaction rates in professional services, but it also demands serious mental toughness to handle the workload.

 

What Is the Freshman Consulting Recruiting Timeline?

 

Most freshmen make the mistake of starting too late. Consulting recruiting starts in the fall of your freshman year and moves fast. Below is a month-by-month timeline so you never miss a deadline.

 

• September through October: Research firms and programs. Attend campus career fairs and information sessions. Join your school’s consulting club. Apply for Oliver Wyman First-Year Immersion (fall deadline).

• November through December: Finalize your consulting resume. Begin networking with consultants and alumni via LinkedIn. Apply for Accenture Student Leadership Program (December deadline). Apply for Expedition EY (January deadline, so submit before winter break).

• January through February: Submit your Connect with McKinsey form (for El Futuro, Up Next, and Ignite). Start preparing for case interviews if applicable. Apply for KPMG Embark Scholars and Rise. Apply for PwC Career Preview.

• March through April: Submit applications for BCG Bridge to Consulting, Bain Consulting Kickstart, Bain ADvantage/BASE, and Deloitte Discovery Internship. Follow up on any pending applications. Continue practicing case interviews.

• May through August: Participate in any programs you were accepted to. Network actively during the program. If you did not land a program, use the summer to build consulting-relevant experience through alternatives (see below).

 

How Can You Land a Freshman Consulting Internship?

 

Landing a freshman consulting internship comes down to five things: a strong resume, targeted networking, case interview skills, behavioral interview preparation, and applying early. Here is exactly how to approach each one.

 

How Should You Build Your Consulting Resume?

 

Your consulting resume is the single most important factor in whether you get an interview. According to data from top consulting firms, the average resume reviewer spends less than 30 seconds scanning each resume. Every line needs to count.

 

Follow these rules to build a strong freshman consulting resume:

 

• Keep your resume to one page. If it is longer, cut the weakest content

 

• Start every bullet with a past-tense action verb to show accomplishment

 

• Include a number or metric in every bullet to quantify your impact

 

• Balance quantitative accomplishments (analyzing data) with qualitative ones (leading teams)

 

• Avoid technical jargon, unfamiliar acronyms, and buzzwords

 

• Include personal interests at the end to give reviewers something memorable

 

If you need help crafting a resume that lands interviews, check out our resume review and editing service.

 

How Should You Network with Consulting Firms?

 

Leverage consulting networking opportunities early and often. Attend campus information sessions, career fairs, and consulting club events. The goal is to connect with recruiters, consultants, and alumni from your target firms before you apply.

 

Use LinkedIn to find alumni who work at consulting firms and request 15-minute informational interviews. Ask about their experience, what they wish they had known as freshmen, and any advice for the application process. A survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers found that over 70% of internships come from some form of networking.

 

How Should You Prepare for Case Interviews?

 

Several freshman programs include a case interview component, and strong case skills will set you apart even in programs that do not formally test you. A case interview is a 20-to-40-minute exercise where you solve a hypothetical business problem and present a recommendation.

 

Case interviews are difficult and require practice. Having coached hundreds of candidates, I can tell you that it is extremely unlikely to perform well without at least 5 to 20 practice cases. Start practicing early so you build confidence before your interviews.

 

If you want a step-by-step system to learn case interviews quickly, check out my case interview course. It walks you through proven strategies in as little as 7 days and includes practice cases you can do without a partner.

 

How Should You Prepare for Behavioral Interview Questions?

 

Beyond case interviews, you should expect behavioral and fit questions during the interview process. Common questions include:

 

• Why are you interested in consulting?

 

• Why do you want to work at this particular firm?

 

• Tell me about a time you used data to solve a problem

 

• Give an example of a time you led a team

 

• Tell me about a time you failed and what you learned

 

Since these questions come up in nearly every consulting interview, take the time to write out clear, structured answers before your interviews. If you want a step-by-step guide to preparing for 98% of behavioral questions, check out our consulting behavioral interview course.

 

Why Should You Apply Early?

 

Many freshman consulting programs fill their spots well before the official deadline. Submitting your application early signals initiative and ensures your materials are reviewed when the most spots are still available.

 

Create a spreadsheet tracking every program’s deadline, required materials, and application link. Based on the timeline above, you should have at least 3 to 5 applications submitted by the end of March of your freshman year.

 

What If You Don’t Get a Freshman Consulting Internship?

 

If you do not land a freshman consulting program, you are not behind. Many successful consultants at McKinsey, BCG, and Bain did not have consulting experience until their junior year. What matters is how you use the time before sophomore recruiting begins.

 

Here are the best alternative ways to build consulting-relevant experience as a freshman:

 

• Join your school’s consulting club. Student-run consulting organizations provide case practice, training, and leadership opportunities. Leading a project team or holding an executive board position is a strong resume line.

 

• Compete in case competitions. Universities and consulting firms host case competitions where teams solve real business problems and present to judges. These sharpen your analytical and presentation skills.

 

• Pursue a research or analytical internship. If you cannot land a consulting-specific role, look for positions in market research, data analysis, or strategy at local businesses, startups, or on campus. The skills transfer directly to consulting.

 

• Take relevant coursework. Enroll in economics, statistics, accounting, or business communication classes. A strong academic record (3.5+ GPA) is one of the most important signals consulting firms look for in underclassmen.

 

• Target boutique consulting firms. Smaller firms are more likely to offer informal internships to freshmen. These roles let you gain real client experience even if MBB programs are not available to you yet.

 

Any of these paths will strengthen your application when sophomore consulting recruiting begins in the fall of your second year. For more information on what comes next, check out our guide on consulting internships for sophomores.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Are Freshman Consulting Internships Paid?

 

It depends on the program. Full internships like the Deloitte Discovery Internship are paid, with interns typically earning competitive hourly wages. Shorter programs like McKinsey’s workshops or BCG Bridge to Consulting are usually unpaid but may cover travel expenses or provide stipends. Check each program’s page for specifics.

 

Do You Need Consulting Experience to Apply?

 

No. Freshman consulting programs are specifically designed for students with no prior consulting experience. Firms evaluate freshmen on academic performance, leadership potential, analytical thinking, and enthusiasm for consulting rather than work history.

 

Can You Get a Freshman Internship at McKinsey, BCG, or Bain?

 

McKinsey, BCG, and Bain do not offer traditional paid internships for freshmen. Instead, they offer exploratory programs and workshops (like McKinsey El Futuro, BCG Bridge to Consulting, and Bain Consulting Kickstart). These programs serve as a pathway to paid sophomore internships and summer analyst roles.

 

What GPA Do You Need for a Freshman Consulting Internship?

 

Most firms do not publish a minimum GPA for freshman programs. However, based on Glassdoor data and recruiting reports, a GPA of 3.5 or higher puts you in a competitive position. Some programs weight GPA less heavily than leadership, extracurriculars, and diversity of experience.

 

Are Freshman Consulting Programs Only for Diversity Candidates?

 

Most MBB freshman programs target underrepresented groups (Black, Hispanic/Latino, Indigenous, women, first-generation students). However, programs like Oliver Wyman’s First-Year Immersion, PwC Career Preview, and Expedition EY are open to all first-year students regardless of background. If you do not qualify for diversity-focused programs, focus on these open programs and the alternative pathways described above.

 

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