Secrets To Consulting Internship Success
Here is Part Two of my advice regarding ensuring that you get a return offer when you do a summer internship in strategy consulting or management consulting.
You may recall that, in Part One, we talked about how to deal with your project or management leader.
3. You should assume responsibility for all of your own duties and learn about other work streams or areas of work in the office.
Of course, that advice is good no matter what job you are doing, but there are some things you should definitely keep in mind when it comes to consulting:
#1 Be sure to say what you think. Have a clear idea about what you are supposed to do and how you plan to do it, and express that clearly to your manager without being willful or headstrong.
#2 Let your good ideas shine. If you come up with a great new way to do something, or just have a good idea, share it, even if it stretches the limits of your job description. In this business, initiative is sought after.
Third: Be actively interested in the work of your teammates. Your participation in team discussions is expected. It is important that you know what is happening around you, even if your own responsibilities are heavy. You can show an interest in the work of others by politely inquiring about their work streams. Ask intelligent questions and offer to help if needed and appropriate.
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#4 Tell others what you think.
As we have mentioned previously, it is a mistake not to speak up during conference calls and meetings.
Because you are an intern, others won’t expect a whole lot of you, so they won’t judge your thoughts too harshly.
Know enough to be able to make a few intelligent comments. Be prepared to describe your own work stream and the progress you are making.
#5 Meet individually with those you consider partners.
If you want to get a return offer, you will need to cultivate at least two good partners that you can count on.
Don’t waste time in your meetings. When you get together with your partners, it is not for chit-chat unless you are truly close friends. Instead, explore work related topics like what is generally happening in the consulting industry or how the firm could improve it’s relationship with your client.
6. Connect with your clients outside of your project.
Here are a few things you may want to participate in, if you have time. Although, this kind of activity is not required, it can really be helpful in establishing you as a presence:
Attend social events that are specifically for interns, such as office sports teams or happy hours.
-Events at which interns can meet partner, managers and consultants - such as speaker panels
-Recruiting for summer internship - for example schools recruiting or other specific outreach
By participating in this sort of voluntary event, you make a good impression and help people become familiar with you. Your willingness to help and your enthusiasm will shine a spotlight on the good job you are doing. Aside from that, you will learn more about consulting work by doing these activities. It is more than just an office job.
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