Is it possible to network onto a project / service line for an internship?

Hi everyone,

I networked my way onto a big 4 tech consulting internship. I attend a non-target school so I don't have many alumni to reach out to but I have a small network inside the firm's consulting practice. I have been reaching out to consultants by saying "Incoming Intern", and people have responded well. I have been able to grow my network, however, I have yet to contact anyone above manager.

My question: Can I leverage these and future connections to land in a specific service line for the internship?

I would like to be placed in the Digitial or Tech Strategy divisions as they interest me the most. I have expressed general interest in these during recruitment but nothing greater. I am unfamiliar with intern placement during internships and I am hoping someone can shed some light and offer their perspective.

Thank you for your time, I really appreciate it!

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Class of '26 Oct 2026 Cohort

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“I found my mentoring session with André very helpful, particularly because I came into it with very little understanding of commercial banking. My background is in life sciences and healthcare, and most of my career exploration so far has focused on consulting. Although I had become interested in commercial banking, I had not previously explored the area in any depth. I therefore needed a clear starting point and an honest conversation about what I should understand before deciding whether to pursue it. André helped me establish that starting point. The session gave me a clearer way to think about commercial banking, how it differs from consulting, and what I still need to learn. Before the conversation, I was looking at opportunities and wondering whether I should begin applying alongside consulting applications. Afterwards, I understood that I needed to take a step back and make a more informed decision about whether the work genuinely interests me. One of the most valuable aspects of the session was how it helped me recognise the gaps in my current understanding. I knew that I was new to banking, but I did not necessarily know which questions I needed to answer for myself. André’s guidance helped me think more clearly about where I am now, what I am missing, and what I should begin doing next. Having that direction was useful because it made the process feel more manageable. Rather than treating banking as a broad and unfamiliar industry, I now have a clearer starting point for learning about it. A particularly helpful message was that I should first develop a better understanding of commercial banking and assess whether I actually like the work. I took away a sensible sequence: understand the area, decide whether it appeals to me, and then, if it does, commit to learning and preparing for applications. If I discover that the work does not suit my interests, I should be willing to recognise that and focus my efforts elsewhere. That advice sounds straightforward, but it was an important perspective for me at this stage. The conversation made me realise that I should not rush into applying for commercial banking roles simply because I have found programmes that look interesting. Before the session, I was at risk of moving too quickly from curiosity to applications without having a strong enough understanding of the career itself. André helped me see the value of being more deliberate. I would rather make a considered application based on a genuine interest in the work than spend time applying to positions I cannot yet explain my motivation for pursuing. Another important takeaway was recognising how substantial the differences between banking and consulting can be. Because consulting has been my main focus, it had become my reference point when thinking about other careers. The session helped me realise that I cannot assume banking will involve similar work, suit the same preferences, or require exactly the same preparation. I need to understand banking on its own terms rather than view it mainly as another option alongside consulting. I also appreciated that the session was useful even though I did not finish it with a final career decision. At this exploratory stage, greater clarity about what I do not yet know is meaningful progress. I now feel better equipped to evaluate my interest, identify what I need to learn, and decide whether commercial banking deserves a more focused place in my career plans. Overall, André was very helpful, and the session met an important need for me as someone starting with limited knowledge of the field. Its greatest value was giving me direction and encouraging a more thoughtful approach to my next steps. I left with a clearer understanding of my knowledge gaps, a more realistic perspective on the difference between banking and consulting, and a better sense of how to move forward before committing to applications.”

Class of '27 Apr 2026 Cohort

4.78/5

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“Ashley’s industry expertise and depth of knowledge in product strategy are immediately clear. In every session, she breaks down complex management frameworks into easily digestible insights. Her communication style is direct, clear, and empathetic. Rather than giving vague or generic career advice, she provides highly actionable takeaways—including specific templates for stakeholder communications, prioritization frameworks, and real-world examples from her own leadership background that I was able to implement directly into my team's workflow the very next day. Furthermore, her kind, patient, and approachable demeanor made it extremely comfortable to discuss tough workplace scenarios and honest skill gaps without fear of judgment.”

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2 Comments

Isaiah_53_5 💎🙌💎🙌💎

O

8y

Its pretty difficult to get not only

a) an offer

but,

b) your choice of division

To accomplish this, first of all, you have to be seen as a strong asset not only to the company, but a good fit for the division. You may have interest in the division, but ultimately a manager will make the decision for you to enter it.

Therefore, try to get to know some of the managers in that division, have a 'coffee chat', and keep in contact with them throughout the hiring process. Even if it doesn't work out with their division, typically you can ask if they are able to refer you to another, and manager-manager recommendations are exceptional for producing offers.

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Is it possible to network onto a project / service line for an internship?

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