Which internship to take?

I am a sophomore at a target and prior internships in data science at a well-known hospital, tech consulting at a boutique, and strategy consulting at another boutique. I'm recruiting for '27 SA positions (BCG, Bain, T2, Big4, strategy boutiques).

I have two options for this summer: 

Procurement & Supply Chain Optimization @ F500

AI Professional Services @ mid-sized software firm

Which should I take? I feel like the F500 role is less relevant/interesting, but obviously brand name prestige. On the other hand, AI Professional Services (would basically be AI implementation consulting) seems like such a cool role, but I'm worried that I will have too many boutiques on my resume and no name brand experience. I am sure I can use AI at the F500 and write that on the resume, but the title just seems a little boring to me.

So which one will be most favorably viewed by consulting firms, in the context of my prior experience? The brand name F500, or the interesting role at a boutique? 

Which internship for consulting recruiting?

F500 Supply Chain Optimization
78% (14 votes)
Boutique AI Professional Services
22% (4 votes)
Total votes: 18
2 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, consulting firms value a combination of brand name prestige and relevant, impactful experience. Here's how your options stack up:

  1. Procurement & Supply Chain Optimization @ F500:

    • Pros: The F500 brand name adds credibility and prestige to your resume, which consulting firms highly value. Even if the role seems less exciting, you can frame your experience strategically by emphasizing transferable skills like problem-solving, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration. Highlighting any AI-related work within this role could further enhance its relevance.
    • Cons: The title and focus on procurement/supply chain might not directly align with strategy consulting, so you'll need to carefully tailor your narrative during interviews.
  2. AI Professional Services @ Mid-Sized Software Firm:

    • Pros: This role aligns well with the growing emphasis on AI and technology in consulting. It demonstrates technical expertise and positions you as someone with niche, in-demand skills. The "implementation consulting" aspect mirrors the client-facing problem-solving work consulting firms look for.
    • Cons: The lack of a recognizable brand name could be a drawback, especially since your resume already includes boutique experience. Consulting firms might perceive your profile as lacking diversity in terms of company prestige.

Recommendation:

If your ultimate goal is to maximize your appeal to top consulting firms (MBB, T2, Big4), the F500 role is the safer choice. The brand name will stand out on your resume, and you can still leverage AI-related work within the role to make it relevant. However, if you're particularly passionate about AI and want to differentiate yourself with a unique skill set, the boutique AI role could be a compelling option—just be prepared to address the lack of brand name during interviews.

Ultimately, the F500 role offers a stronger balance of prestige and relevance, which consulting firms tend to prioritize.

Sources: Q&A: Former MBB Consultant, Q&A: Strategy consulting Associate Partner offering career advice, Junior Year Summer - Will Tech Internship Hurt Me?, Economic Consulting Q&A - Past experience at major firms, Allen & Co. - An In-Depth Review

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Beatae et et deleniti rerum ut. Odit sed itaque ipsam libero nam debitis rerum.

Atque eveniet molestiae doloremque dolore perferendis quia earum. Facilis rerum quasi consequatur voluptas. Dolore in sequi modi maxime sint. Voluptas rerum porro culpa odit reiciendis.

Fugit repellat doloremque sed omnis. Sint qui fugit et nesciunt. Et ut officiis voluptatem laboriosam architecto quo et.

Eum ut voluptates rerum qui dolorum fugit. Sequi molestiae dolorum eaque porro.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Consulting

  • Boston Consulting Group 99.5%
  • Bain & Company 99.0%
  • McKinsey and Co 98.5%
  • Oliver Wyman 98.0%
  • LEK Consulting 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Consulting

  • Cornerstone Research 99.5%
  • Bain & Company 99.0%
  • Boston Consulting Group 98.5%
  • McKinsey and Co 98.0%
  • Oliver Wyman 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Consulting

  • Bain & Company 99.5%
  • Boston Consulting Group 99.0%
  • McKinsey and Co 98.5%
  • Oliver Wyman 98.0%
  • LEK Consulting 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Consulting

  • Partner (4) $361
  • Principal (30) $294
  • Director/MD (58) $274
  • Vice President (53) $247
  • Engagement Manager (111) $232
  • Manager (167) $172
  • 2nd Year Associate (185) $142
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (115) $135
  • Senior Consultant (354) $132
  • Consultant (635) $122
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (162) $121
  • 1st Year Associate (575) $121
  • NA (16) $114
  • Engineer (6) $114
  • 2nd Year Analyst (390) $104
  • Associate Consultant (175) $100
  • 1st Year Analyst (1152) $90
  • Intern/Summer Associate (205) $83
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (625) $67
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”