Author: Taylor Warfield, Former Bain Manager and interviewer

Last Updated: March 28, 2026

 

The PwC Start internship is a paid summer program designed for college sophomores who want early exposure to professional services at one of the Big Four firms. After successfully completing Start, you receive an early offer for PwC's Advance internship the following summer, which itself converts to a full time job offer at a rate above 90%.

 

In this guide, you will learn exactly who is eligible, what the program pays, how to apply, what the interview process looks like, and how to turn your Start internship into a full time career at PwC.

 

But first, a quick heads up:

 

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What Is the PwC Start Internship?

 

The PwC Start internship is an 8 to 10 week summer program that gives college sophomores hands-on experience in audit, tax, consulting, or advisory at PwC. It is the earliest internship in PwC's talent pipeline and serves as a direct path into the firm's more advanced programs.

 

According to PwC's careers page, Start is a "Career Readiness and Leadership Development Experience" designed for high-performing sophomores looking to grow their business and professional skills. The program runs from roughly June through August each year, with all expenses covered for a national training event at the start of the internship.

 

What makes Start different from other Big Four sophomore programs is the built-in pipeline. If you receive and accept a Start internship offer in PwC's Consulting Solutions or Trust Solutions segment, you also receive an Advance internship offer for the following summer. This means Start is not just an internship. It is the first of two steps that can lead directly to a full time associate position at PwC after graduation.

 

PwC reports that over 90% of its Advance interns receive full time offers. So if you get into Start and perform well, the math strongly favors you ending up with a full time job at one of the world's largest professional services firms. In my experience coaching candidates for Big Four roles, locking in this kind of early pipeline is one of the smartest moves a sophomore can make.

 

Who Is Eligible for the PwC Start Internship?

 

To be eligible for the PwC Start internship, you must be pursuing a bachelor's degree and be in your sophomore year of a four-year program or your junior year of a five-year program. PwC also accepts students from associate degree programs who are transitioning to a four-year institution.

 

What Are the Academic Requirements?

 

PwC's minimum GPA requirement is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. However, based on Glassdoor interview data and candidate reports, competitive applicants typically have a GPA of 3.4 or higher. For more selective service lines like Strategy& or Deals Advisory, the effective GPA bar rises to around 3.6 or above.

 

If you are planning to go into audit or tax at PwC, you should be on track to meet the 150 credit-hour requirement for CPA eligibility by the time you graduate. You do not need to have completed those credits before your Start internship, but PwC wants to see a clear plan.

 

What Majors and Backgrounds Does PwC Accept?

 

PwC accepts students from a wide range of academic backgrounds. The most common majors among Start interns include:

 

• Accounting and Finance

 

• Business Administration and Economics

 

• Information Systems and Computer Science

 

• Data Analytics and Statistics

 

• Engineering (industrial, systems, and other disciplines)

 

You do not need to be a business major to apply. PwC values diverse academic perspectives, especially for its consulting and advisory practices.

 

Is the PwC Start Internship Only for Diversity Candidates?

 

Historically, the PwC Start internship was specifically designed as a diversity program for students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities. PwC's older program descriptions described Start as "uniquely designed for high-performing college sophomores who self-identify as members of traditionally underrepresented minority groups in the professional services industry."

 

More recent PwC job postings describe Start more broadly as a "Career Readiness and Leadership Development Experience" for "high-performing individuals looking to grow their business and professional acumen, and inclusive mindset." The eligibility language has shifted over time, so check the current listing on PwC's careers site for the most up-to-date requirements.

 

PwC also offers a Career Preview program for freshmen. Completing Career Preview leads to an early offer for a Start internship the following summer, creating a three-step pipeline: Career Preview, then Start, then Advance.

 

How Does the PwC Start Internship Compare to Other PwC Programs?

 

PwC structures its early career programs as a multi-step pipeline. Each program feeds into the next, giving students progressively more responsibility and a clearer path to a full time offer. Here is how the programs compare:

 

Program	Year	Duration	Pay Range	Next Step
Career Preview	Freshman	A few days	Unpaid	Start Internship
Start Internship	Sophomore	8 to 10 weeks	$18 to $27/hr	Advance Internship
Advance Internship	Junior/Senior	10 to 12 weeks	$30 to $48/hr	Full Time Offer
Full Time Associate	Post-graduation	Permanent	$60K to $85K+/yr	Senior Associate

 

The key advantage of entering through Start rather than applying directly for Advance is that you lock in your spot a full year earlier. According to candidate reports, the acceptance rate for Start is estimated at 5% to 15%, which is selective but typically less competitive than applying to Advance cold as a junior.

 

PwC also offers separate programs like Destination CPA (for accounting students who already have an Advance offer) and the Women's Consulting Experience. These do not replace Start but serve different audiences. If you are interested in learning more about how the Big Four recruiting timeline works, check out our consulting recruiting timeline guide.

 

How Much Does the PwC Start Internship Pay?

 

Yes, the PwC Start internship is paid. Based on 117 salary submissions on Glassdoor as of early 2026, PwC Start interns earn between $18 and $27 per hour. The median is approximately $22 per hour.

 

For a 40-hour workweek over an 8 to 10 week internship, that translates to roughly $5,800 to $10,800 in total earnings before taxes. Your exact pay depends on your service line and office location. Advisory and consulting roles tend to pay at the higher end of the range.

 

PwC Program	Hourly Pay Range	Source
Start Internship	$18 to $27/hr	Glassdoor, 2026
Advance Internship	$30 to $48/hr	Glassdoor / Indeed, 2026
Advisory Intern	$37 to $48/hr	PwC pay range listing

 

In addition to hourly pay, PwC covers travel and lodging expenses for the national training event at the start of the internship. Past interns have reported that PwC also organized paid social events, including outings to theme parks and bowling events, during the internship.

 

How Do You Apply for the PwC Start Internship?

 

PwC recruits on a rolling basis, meaning they accept applications on an ongoing basis and close positions as offers are accepted. For most Start internship roles, applications open in the late summer or early fall (typically August through October) for the following summer's program.

 

When Does the Application Open?

 

The application window for PwC Start internships typically opens around August and stays open through the fall. However, because PwC fills positions on a rolling basis, applying early gives you the best chance. Locations close as offers are accepted, so waiting until November or December may mean your preferred office is already full.

 

To find open Start positions, visit PwC's entry-level jobs page at jobs.us.pwc.com and search for "Start" in the keyword field. Set up job alerts so you are notified as soon as roles are posted.

 

What Do You Need to Submit?

 

The PwC application is straightforward. You will need:

 

• A current resume uploaded as a PDF (PwC recommends including "Resume" in the file name)

 

• Your cumulative GPA and anticipated graduation date clearly listed on your resume

 

• Completion of PwC's online assessment (sent to you via email after you submit your application)

 

PwC does not require a cover letter for its entry-level positions. However, if you are applying to other consulting firms that do require one, check out our PwC cover letter guide for tips.

 

Your application is not considered complete until you finish both the online application and the assessment. PwC sends the assessment via email within a few hours of your application submission, so complete it as soon as possible. Having coached hundreds of candidates for Big Four roles, one of the most common mistakes I see is letting the assessment sit in your inbox for days. Speed matters in rolling admissions.

 

If you want your resume to stand out from the thousands of other applicants, our resume review and editing service includes unlimited revisions and a 24-hour turnaround to help you land more interviews.

 

What Is the PwC Start Internship Interview Process?

 

After passing the application screening and online assessment, you will be invited to interview. The PwC Start interview process is less intensive than the Advance internship process, but you still need to prepare. Here is what to expect:

 

• Application screening: PwC's system checks your GPA, graduation date, and eligibility. Missing your graduation date is the most common reason for automatic rejection.

 

• Online assessment: A behavioral and cognitive assessment that evaluates problem-solving skills and professional judgment. This is typically the PwC Career Unlock assessment or a situational judgment test.

 

• Behavioral interview: One or two interviews focused on your motivation, teamwork, and communication skills. Interviewers evaluate you against the PwC Professional framework, which emphasizes whole leadership, business acumen, technical capabilities, and relationships.

 

• Offer decision: Successful candidates receive offers typically within a few weeks of their final interview.

 

Common behavioral questions reported by PwC Start candidates include:

 

• Tell me about yourself and why you are interested in PwC.

 

• Describe a time you worked on a team to solve a problem.

 

• Tell me about a challenge you faced and how you overcame it.

 

• Why are you interested in professional services?

 

Prepare for these questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). For a deeper look at PwC's assessment tests and how to prepare for them, read our PwC assessment test guide.

 

What Do PwC Start Interns Actually Do?

 

Your Start internship begins with a national training event. In recent years, PwC has held this in Orlando, Florida, with all travel and lodging covered by the firm. During training, you will learn PwC's tools, methodologies, and professional standards alongside your entire Start cohort.

 

After training, you report to your assigned office and service line. Based on accounts from former Start interns, day-to-day work typically involves:

 

• Supporting research and analysis on client projects under the supervision of senior associates and managers

 

• Preparing presentations, spreadsheets, and deliverables for internal and client-facing teams

 

• Participating in team meetings and brainstorming sessions

 

• Attending professional development workshops and leadership training

 

• Networking with PwC partners, principals, and staff at firm-sponsored social events

 

One former PwC Start intern in cybersecurity described their experience as "the first real dive into the consulting realm" and noted that the work was collaborative and engaging. Another intern reported working on a team project where they analyzed a client and identified value-added services the firm could offer.

 

You should not expect to work overtime as a Start intern. According to multiple intern reports, the program is designed as a standard 40-hour workweek with plenty of structured social and networking events built in.

 

PwC assigns each intern a dedicated coaching team. Your coaches provide feedback on your performance, help you navigate the firm, and support your professional development throughout the internship.

 

How Do You Convert a Start Internship into a Full Time Offer?

 

The PwC Start internship itself does not lead directly to a full time offer. Instead, it leads to an Advance internship offer for the following summer. From there, Advance interns who perform well receive full time associate offers at a rate above 90%, according to PwC.

 

The conversion rate from Start to Advance is extremely high. Multiple former interns report that as long as you show up, do your work, and are not difficult to work with, your chances of getting the Advance offer are close to 100%.

 

That said, you can set yourself up for even greater success by following these strategies. Having coached candidates through Big Four internships, I have seen these tactics make the difference between interns who just survive and those who thrive.

 

How Should You Network During the Start Internship?

 

Networking is the single most valuable thing you can do during your Start internship beyond your day-to-day work. Be intentional about who you meet and what you ask them.

 

Reach out to professionals in the service line you want to join for your Advance internship. Ask for 15-minute coffee chats. Come prepared with specific questions about their work, their career path, and what they look for in junior team members. Do not just ask generic questions you could find on the website.

 

If you already know you want to focus on consulting or advisory, make this clear to your coaching team early. They can help connect you with the right people and ensure your Advance offer aligns with your interests.

 

What Sets Top Performing Start Interns Apart?

 

Based on intern feedback and my own experience coaching Big Four candidates, the interns who stand out tend to do these things:

 

• Ask for feedback proactively. Do not wait until your mid-internship review. Ask your coach or team lead for feedback after your first week.

 

• Volunteer for extra work. When someone asks if anyone can help with a project, raise your hand.

 

• Show curiosity about the business. Ask questions about the client, the industry, and the firm's strategy.

 

• Be reliable. Submit deliverables on time, show up to meetings a few minutes early, and follow up on every commitment you make.

 

• Build relationships beyond your immediate team. Attend every social event and networking opportunity.

 

You typically receive your return offer letter about two weeks after your internship ends, with roughly two weeks to accept. If you need more time, you can request an extension.

 

For a deeper look at what PwC interviews look like for more senior roles, and how to prep for case interviews you may face in your Advance internship round, read our PwC case interview guide.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Is the PwC Start Internship Paid?

 

Yes. Based on Glassdoor salary data from 117 submissions, PwC Start interns earn between $18 and $27 per hour. The firm also covers travel and lodging for national training events and organizes paid social activities during the internship.

 

Can You Choose Your Service Line in the Start Internship?

 

When you apply, you apply to a specific service line or segment (such as Consulting Solutions or Trust Solutions). Your Start internship placement is based on the role you accepted. However, you can express preferences for your Advance internship placement through conversations with your coaching team.

 

How Competitive Is the PwC Start Internship?

 

Estimated acceptance rates for PwC's Start program range from 5% to 15%, based on aggregated data from candidate reports and recruiting community discussions. PwC receives thousands of applications for a few hundred spots. Applying early, having a GPA above 3.4, and demonstrating strong leadership experience will make you competitive.

 

Do PwC Start Interns Work Overtime?

 

No. Multiple former Start interns have confirmed that the program runs on a standard 40-hour workweek. PwC's Start program focuses on learning, development, and exposure rather than intensive client delivery. Overtime is not expected or encouraged for Start interns.

 

What Happens After You Complete the PwC Start Internship?

 

After completing your Start internship, you are eligible to receive an Advance internship offer for the following summer. If you accepted a Start offer in PwC's Consulting Solutions or Trust Solutions segment, you receive an Advance offer in the same segment automatically upon successful completion. The Advance internship is the final step before a full time associate offer. Over 90% of Advance interns receive full time offers from PwC.

 

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