Year-to-Year Consulting Guide
During your first year, your goal is to explore consulting as a career path, learn how consultants solve problems, and build early analytical, communication, and teamwork skills. Most consulting firms don't offer internships until third year and prefer candidates with a wide range of experiences, so you can pursue any summer experience that will help you build strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Autumn Quarter
Participate in business and career exploration programs, such as a Business First-Year Career Cohort or Exploring Future Careers, to learn about consulting and other business pathways
Join a business RSO focused on an area that interests you
Sign up for the Business Bulletin newsletter to get regular updates on internships and upcoming events
Make a habit of reading business news - as a UChicago student, you get free access to the online editions of leading publications such as The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times
Find potential internship employers by doing research on Pitchbook and LinkedIn
Winter Quarter
Attend the "What is Consulting?" industry overview workshop
Participate in the Winter Quarter Consulting Career Course to gain insights on career pathways and the work of a consultant and map out a personalized career plan
Continue to build general business knowledge by applying for a Spring Break career trek or job shadowing experience
Register for consulting case or other industry competitions such as the UChicago Stock Pitch Competition
Spring Quarter
Participate in the Consulting Immersion Career Course consulting to continue exploring consulting careers through a hands-on, team-based case experience.
Attend on-campus consulting firm presentations to gain industry and firm-specific insights
Participate in the Bain & Company Case Competition Experience or other case-based programs open to first-year students
Register on Handshake for September Consulting Career Intensive taking place the week of September 20, 2027
Summer Quarter
Complete a summer opportunity: any summer experience that gives you exposure to the business world or helps you build analytical, data, and problem-solving skills will put you in a strong position for consulting
Sample summer opportunities that are great for consulting:
Startup internships
Data analysis internships
Business development internships
Economics research assistantships
Nonprofit strategy and management internships
Strengthen Excel and PowerPoint skills before returning for second year by leveraging Wall Street Prep’s advanced series