Top Sophomore Consulting Summer Internships
by Management Consulted
Key Insights
- Early Exposure to Consulting Careers: Sophomore summer internships provide students with firsthand experience inside top consulting firms like McKinsey, Bain, BCG, and Deloitte. These programs offer a valuable look at firm culture, project work, and career paths, often leading to return offers or future internships.
- Diversity and Development Focus: Many sophomore programs are part of diversity recruiting efforts and are tailored for students from underrepresented backgrounds. These experiences include mentorship, leadership training, networking, and potential fast tracks to full-time roles.
- Plan Ahead and Apply Early: Deadlines vary by firm, but many applications open in late fall or winter. Interested students should begin researching opportunities early, polish their resumes, and prepare for interviews to maximize their chances of securing a spot.
Many management consulting firms offer internship programs for freshmen and sophomores. Why do firms have sophomore internship programs? Sophomore summer internships are a great way to get your foot into the door at many top consulting firms. Here’s some top internships to check out.
Sophomore summer internships serve as a recruiting pathway for the firms. If you’re considering consulting, it’s a great way to get introduced to a firm’s culture, people, and the type of work the firm engages in. You’ll get to know the firm and better understand the nature of consulting work throughout the program.
Internships also give firms an extended look at potential future employees. Many firms often end up bringing these interns back for a junior year internship or even hiring them on to full-time roles after graduation.
In addition, these sophomore internship programs often serve as additional diversity recruiting channels for the firms. Many are only open to members of underrepresented racial and ethnic groups.
Applications for these sophomore summer internships typically open in late fall or winter, but each firm has different deadlines. If you’re a freshman or rising sophomore, now is the time to start researching firms and getting ready to apply for these summer internships! Enjoy this list of the top sophomore summer internships in consulting.
| Firm | Program | Candidate Group | Application Deadline | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accenture | Accenture Innovation Challenge | Soph | Expected Dec. 2025 | Click here |
| Accenture | Student Leadership Program | Varies depending on track | Expected Dec. 2025 | Click here |
| Bain | Bain BEL | Soph Diversity | Passed (Feb. 25, 2025) | Click here |
| Bain | Connecting & Resourcing Empowered Women (CREW) | Soph Women | Expected Nov. 2025 | Click here |
| Bain | Consulting Kickstart | Fresh Diversity | Passed (Apr. 15, 2025) | Click here |
| BCG | Advance | Soph Women | Passed (Mar. 17, 2025) | Click here |
| BCG | Bridge to Consulting | Fresh/Soph Diversity | Passed (Mar. 20, 2025) | Click here |
| BCG | Growing Future Leaders | Soph Diversity | Sep. 24, 2025 | Click here |
| Capgemini Invent | EPIC Skills Workshop | Soph | Expected Feb. 2025 | Click here |
| Deloitte | Discovery Internship | Soph | Rolling | Click here |
| EY | Expedition EY | Fresh Diversity | TBD | Click here |
| EY-Parthenon | Emerging Leaders Program | Soph | Expected Oct. 2025 | Click here |
| FTI Consulting | IMPACT: Summer Leadership Program | Soph Diversity | Oct. 31, 2025 | Click here |
| KPMG | Embark Scholars: CPA Track | Fresh/Soph Diversity | Rolling | Click here |
| KPMG | Embark Scholars: Technology | Fresh/Soph Diversity | Rolling | Click here |
| KPMG | Growing Future Leaders | HS Seniors (Women) | Expected Feb. 2026 | Click here |
| KPMG | Rise Leadership Conference | Fresh/Soph Diversity | Passed (Feb. 23, 2025) | Click Here |
| L.E.K. Consulting | Kaleidoscope: Undergraduate Diversity Program | Soph/Junior Diversity | Expected Nov. 2025 | Click here |
| McKinsey | Sophomore Summer Business Analyst | Soph | Passed (June 10, 2025) | Click here |
| McKinsey | HBCU Consulting League | Soph/Junior Diversity | Passed (Mar. 17, 2025) | Click here |
| Oliver Wyman | First-Year Immersion Program | Fresh | Expected Oct. 2025 | Click here |
| PwC | Black Talent in Business (Consulting) | Soph Diversity | Rolling* | Click here |
| PwC | Destination CPA | Soph | Rolling | Click here |
| PwC | Career Preview | Fresh/Soph | Passed (Mar. 5, 2025) | Click here |
| PwC | Start Internship | Soph Diversity | Expected Aug. 2025 | Click here |
* PwC recommends applying as soon as you are ready, because applications will close once the firm receives enough submissions.
Sophomore Summer Consulting Internships List
Accenture – Innovation Challenge
Accenture’s Innovation Challenge for sophomores is an immersive case competition designed to cultivate creative problem-solving and digital innovation skills. In this competitive challenge, participants work in teams to tackle real-world business problems, employing design thinking and cutting-edge digital tools to develop innovative solutions that mirror the dynamic environment of Accenture’s consulting projects.
Application Deadline: Expected December 2025
Application Details: here
Accenture – Student Leadership Program
Accenture’s summer internship is a broad program with several different tracks that students can choose depending on their preferences, experience, and skills. It makes sense, considering how massive Accenture is. The Student Leadership Program at Accenture runs for four months in the summer and pairs interns with a mentor to help develop skills – both soft and hard – throughout the program. The internship culminates with a Student Leadership Conference where interns get to network with firm leadership and potentially receive an opportunity to interview for a full-time or summer analyst position!
Application Deadline: Expected December 2025
Application Details: here
Bain – BEL (Building Entrepreneurial Leaders)
Bain’s sophomore internship program is called Bain BEL (Building Entrepreneurial Leaders). For anyone interested in a career with Bain & Company, Bain BEL is a fantastic opportunity to get a foot in the door and get a head start in recruiting after graduation.
The summer internship program is usually held in August, and runs for 5 days. You’ll get to experience life at Bain, the type of projects the firm works on, the people who work for Bain, and much more. Bain BEL is open to members of several underrepresented groups (learn more).
Application Deadline: Passed (February 25, 2025)
Application Details: here
Bain – Connecting & Resourcing Empowered Women (CREW)
Bain’s CREW program is for sophomore undergraduate women interested in a career in consulting. Over 1.5 days in February (dates TBD), participants will learn about Bain’s culture and work and connect with other women leaders. In addition, participants will have an opportunity to interview for a Bain summer internship role.
Application Deadline: Expected November 2024
Application Details: here
Bain – Consulting Kickstart
Bain & Company’s Consulting Kickstart program is a virtual experience designed for first-year (freshman) undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds. Through a series of interactive workshops, participants gain exposure to the consulting industry, connect with Bain professionals, and develop key business skills. The program also serves as a pathway to Bain’s Building Entrepreneurial Leaders (BEL) Program for eligible second-year students.
Application Deadline: Passed (April 15, 2025)
Application Details: here
BCG – Advance
BCG Advance is an exclusive, invite-only virtual conference designed for sophomore/second-year women at U.S. and Canadian colleges. This half-day event equips participants with insights into consulting leadership and BCG’s recruitment process, helping you prepare for future internship applications while expanding your professional network.
Application Deadline: Passed (April 4, 2025)
Application Details: here
BCG – Bridge to Consulting Workshop
Bridge to Consulting is a summer program for both freshmen and sophomore candidates. Bridge to Consulting is a 2-day workshop where you’ll get a taste of the firm’s work and culture, network with people on the inside, and connect with peers at your level. Upon applying, you’ll be asked to play the pymetrics games. If you need help preparing, join Black Belt and get 8 hours of 1:1 expert coaching with an MBB coach who can walk you through what to expect and how to best prepare.
Application Deadline: Passed (March 20, 2025)
Application Details: here
BCG – Growing Future Leaders
Growing Future Leaders is BCG’s summer internship for sophomores/rising juniors. The 10-week program aims to introduce participants to the culture and community of BCG. Interns with Growing Future Leaders gain core consulting skills, valuable work experience, and personal mentorship from one of the world’s top consulting firms. Plus, it’s a terrific brand name to have on your resume – what’s not to like?
Application Deadline: Passed (September 11, 2024)
Application Details: here
Capgemini – EPIC: Consulting Skills workshop
Capgemini has a 1-day consulting skills workshop for Sophomores. We expect the next program to take place in Spring 2025. Attendees will get the opportunity to network with full-time consultants, take part in a group case study, and receive advice for consulting interviews.
Selected program participants are usually invited to interview for Capgemini’s RISE Program, a case study competition for rising seniors.
Application deadline: Expected February 2025
Application details: here
Deloitte – Discovery Internship
The Deloitte sophomore internship is known as the Discovery Internship. This internship is a chance for participants to gain exposure to real-world consulting projects at Deloitte. In addition, the firm prides itself on offering support and mentorship to Discovery interns throughout the process. The firm encourages members of racial and ethnic minority groups to apply. Participants in Deloitte’s sophomore internship are sometimes invited back for a client services internship the following year. Our advice? Apply!
Application Details: here
EY – Expedition EY
Expedition EY is a virtual program for freshman undergraduate students interested in a career at Ernst & Young. Participants will engage in educational and networking opportunities with peers and EY experts. In addition, they will have the opportunity to apply for scholarship prizes for the following school year.
Application Deadline: Expected January 2025
Application Details: here
EY-Parthenon – Emerging Leaders Program
The EY-Parthenon Emerging Leaders Program is an 8-week program for sophomores.
What is the EY-Parthenon Emerging Leaders deadline? In 2024, it was October 6 and we expect it to remain largely the same in 2025.
Application Details: here
FTI Consulting – Summer Leadership Program
FTI’s summer leadership program “IMPACT” is for sophomores who identify as Black/African American, LatinX, LGBTQ+, APAC, Indigenous, and women. The program usually takes place in May as a 2-day, virtual experience.
Selected attendees will receive priority consideration for the next summer internships – so don’t take the application process lightly! You will record a one-way video interview within 48 hours of applying and FTI will let you know if you have been selected by March 31.
Application deadline: October 31, 2025
Application Details: here
KPMG – Embark Scholars Program
The KPMG summer internship is the Embark Scholars Program. Embark is different from most other sophomore summer internships in that it is a multi-year program designed to develop talent into KPMG-ready professionals. Interns in the program rotate through the firm’s Audit, Tax, Advisory, and Business Process Group (BPG) practices. This allows them to see what KPMG is all about and decide which practice to intern for the following summer. Embark is a diversity program, so if you meet the qualifications, we recommend giving it a shot.
Application Deadline: Rolling
Application Details: here
KPMG – Rise Leadership Conference
KPMG’s Rise Program is a leadership program designed for freshmen and sophomores who identify as first-generation college students, veterans, individuals with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and/or people of color. The program takes place in July at the KPMG Lakehouse in Orlando, Florida. Participants have the chance to connect with KPMG professionals, network with peers who share an interest in the firm, and potentially secure an interview opportunity for a future internship.
Application Deadline: Passed (February 23, 2025)
Application Details: here
L.E.K. – Kaleidoscope
L.E.K. Consulting’s Kaleidoscope program is a two-day immersive experience designed for undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds. This program offers interactive workshops, networking sessions, and an in-depth look at L.E.K.’s consulting culture and project work, providing a unique opportunity to explore a future in consulting with a firm committed to diversity and inclusion.
Application Deadline: Expected November 2025
Application Details: here
McKinsey – Sophomore Summer Business Analyst Program
McKinsey’s sophomore summer internship is known as the Sophomore Summer Business Analyst program. This 10-week internship takes place in one of McKinsey’s offices in the U.S. or Canada and focuses on providing participants with a real taste of the firm.
Interns join a project team and work alongside McKinsey consultants on a business problem. Participants also receive hands-on training throughout the summer, as well as mentorship from a Partner. McKinsey also has a Sophomore Summer Tech Analyst program run by McKinsey Digital.
Application Deadline: Expected October 2025
Application Details: here
McKinsey – HBCU Consulting League
The HBCU Consulting league is a 2.5 day program which takes place in the firm’s New York office. It aims to give rising juniors an seniors insight into life as a consultant, while also providing them with opportunities to network with current McKinsey consultants.
Participants in the program will have all travel expenses covered by McKinsey. The application involves submission of a resume, a written response to one of three prompts, and an unofficial transcript.
Application Deadline: Passed (March 17, 2025)
Application Details: here
Oliver Wyman – First Year Immersion Program
Oliver Wyman’s First-Year Immersion Program is a dynamic virtual experience designed exclusively for college freshmen. The program unfolds in three engaging 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 while gaining early exposure to consulting and Oliver Wyman’s culture through flexible, interactive sessions.
Application Deadline: Expected October 2025
Application Details: here
PwC – Black Talent in Business (UK)
PwC UK has a unique summer program for freshmen (if in a 3-year program) and sophomore (if in a 4-year program) students – Black Talent in Business. This program – open to students in London, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds, or Manchester – is a 3-day paid opportunity.
Participants will be exposed to what a career in management consulting at PwC is like, receive amazing networking opportunities, and get on the inside track to a full summer internship. Apply today through the link below!
Application Deadline: Rolling (although we strongly recommend applying as soon as you are ready; PwC may closes early if the firm receives a high volume of interest)
Application Details: here
PwC – Destination CPA
PwC’s Destination CPA is a 3-day event designed to allow participants to discover what life and work at PwC is like. The program is an invaluable opportunity to network with the firm’s employees and put your best foot forward in hopes of receiving a return offer. Any sophomore student is eligible to apply to Destination CPA.
Application Deadline: Rolling
Application Details: here
PwC – Career Preview
PwC’s Career Preview is a three-day immersive experience in Orlando, FL (June 23–25, in 2025) designed for high-performing undergraduate and transfer students. During the event, you’ll explore various career paths within professional services at PwC, develop key professional skills through interactive sessions and hands-on activities, and experience PwC’s inclusive culture while expanding your network.
To attend, complete the relevant interest form.
Application Deadline: Passed (March 5, 2025)
Application Details: here
PwC – Start Internship
PwC’s Start internship is a 6-8 week summer internship for sophomores and rising juniors looking to explore PwC and gain professional experience. Interns are able to join teams in: Audit, Digital Assurance & Transparency, Tax, Advisory, and Products & Technology.
Start is similar to Destination CPA, but PwC encourages folks who identify as Black or African American, Hispanic or Latinx, American Indian or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, or two or more races, protected veterans, individuals with disabilities, and/or first generation college students to apply.
Application Deadline: Expected August 2025
Application Details: here
Conclusion
Consulting sophomore summer internships offer participants a chance to see what life on the inside of a consulting firm is like beyond the marketing jargon you see on every firm’s website. Many find that the work is something they enjoy and go on to make a career out of consulting. Others find that the experience didn’t align with expectations and change their career trajectory – which is ultimately beneficial for both parties.
If you’re applying to a summer internship program, we can help your resume stand out and make sure you are confident and prepared for the interviews!
