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?
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:
Procurement & Supply Chain Optimization @ F500:
AI Professional Services @ Mid-Sized Software Firm:
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
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