Consulting Internships in the United States: How to Apply and What to Expect

Consulting is a rapidly growing industry, and consulting internships in the United States offer a unique opportunity for international students and recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in this competitive field. Whether you’re interested in management, strategy, or IT consulting, these internships provide a platform to sharpen your problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills while working on real projects with top-tier companies.

For international students and graduates, navigating the process of securing an internship in the U.S. can seem daunting, particularly when it comes to meeting visa requirements. That’s where Intrax Global Internships helps! As a U.S. Department of State J-1 visa sponsor, we facilitate the visa process and help you find internship opportunities in consulting.

In this guide, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about consulting internships in the United States. We’ll cover: 

1. The roles and responsibilities that come with consulting internships
2. Why consulting internships are valuable 
3. The main types of consulting internships in the United States
4. How to apply for a consulting internship
5. How to secure a J-1 work visa for your consulting internship 

If you’re looking to jumpstart your consulting career, this article has the tools and knowledge you’ll need to succeed, and so does Intrax Global Internships! Complete this form to learn more about our programs and services. 

What Is a Consulting Internship?

A consulting internship is a temporary, hands-on work experience that offers students and recent graduates a better insight into the consulting industry. Interns work with consulting firms to help businesses solve complex problems, improve performance, and develop strategies for growth. 

These internships typically last several months to a year and provide invaluable exposure to a fast-paced, client-focused environment. Consulting internships are a great way to gain professional experience and explore whether a career in consulting suits your skills and interests.

Typical Consulting Internship Roles 

International internships in consulting offer a range of roles, depending on the type of consulting firm and its areas of expertise. While IT, strategy, and management consulting internships are the most common fields, internship responsibilities typically revolve around core consulting activities, including:

• Research and data analysis
• Client presentations
• Problem solving and strategy development
• Collaborating with consulting teams

Generally, consulting internships provide exposure to the entire consulting process, from initial research and strategy formulation to presenting solutions and helping clients implement them.

Why Consulting Internships are Valuable 

Both summer consulting internships and longer-term placements are highly sought after and competitive, and for good reason. There are lots of benefits that come with internships in consulting, including: 

• Skill development: International interns hone essential skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and data analysis. Consulting is a highly analytical field, and interns quickly learn how to break down complex problems into manageable tasks. They also improve communication and presentation skills by working directly with clients and colleagues.
• Industry exposure: Consulting interns gain insight into a variety of industries, from finance and healthcare to technology and retail. This broad exposure helps interns develop a deeper understanding of how businesses operate and what challenges they face, making it an excellent opportunity for anyone still exploring their career paths.
• Networking opportunities: Working alongside experienced consultants and interacting with clients provides valuable networking opportunities. Building professional relationships during an internship can lead to mentorship opportunities, future job offers, or recommendations within the industry.
• Potential for full-time offers: Many consulting firms use internships as a pipeline for full-time hires. High-performing interns may receive job offers upon completion of their internships, giving them a clear path to starting their careers.
• Understanding work culture: U.S. internships for international students offer the chance to experience the country’s unique work culture. Consulting interns learn how U.S. businesses operate, how consulting teams collaborate, and how to adapt to different professional environments. 

The best consulting internships are an excellent opportunity to build professional skills, and may lead to full-time offers. But what types of consulting internships are there, and which field is right for you? Before we explain how to apply for an internship in the USA, let’s take a look at the different types of consulting internships on offer. 

Types of Consulting Internships in the U.S.

In the United States, consulting internships for J-1 student interns generally fall into three main categories: 

1. Management consulting
2. Strategy consulting 
3. IT or technology consulting 

Each type offers unique experiences and learning opportunities, and interns can explore various types of consulting depending on their interests, skills, and career goals. 

Management Consulting Internships

Management consulting internships focus on helping businesses optimize their operations, improve efficiency, and resolve organizational challenges. As a management consulting intern, you'll work with clients to identify inefficiencies, analyze organizational structures, and recommend changes to enhance overall performance. Your responsibilities in this paid internship might include: 

• Operational analysis: Interns assist in analyzing company processes, identifying areas where resources are being underutilized, and suggesting improvements.
• Cost reduction strategies: Often, management consultants are brought in to reduce costs. Interns may help research and develop strategies that allow clients to maintain productivity while cutting unnecessary expenses.
• Change management: Interns can be involved in developing plans to help organizations manage change, whether it's implementing new technologies, restructuring teams, or shifting market strategies.

The exposure to various industries and company structures in management consulting helps interns understand the broad business landscape. They gain valuable insight into how companies operate across different sectors.

Strategy Consulting Internships 

Strategy consulting internships focus on long-term business planning and decision-making. Interns in this area work closely with senior executives and leadership teams to help shape the future direction of a company, usually dealing with issues related to growth, competition, and market positioning. Key responsibilities in strategy consulting international student internships include:

• Market research and analysis: Interns conduct in-depth research to understand industry trends, competitive landscapes, and emerging market opportunities. They use this data to advise clients on potential areas for expansion or innovation.
• Business strategy development: Interns help create strategies to improve market positioning, grow revenue, or enter new markets. They assist in crafting recommendations that align with the company’s long-term goals and vision.
• Risk assessment: Strategy consultants often evaluate the risks involved in making major business decisions. Interns may help assess potential threats, such as market downturns or shifts in consumer behavior, and suggest ways to mitigate them.

An internship abroad in strategy consulting is well-suited for individuals interested in high-level decision-making and working with top executives. Interns in this field develop strategic thinking skills and gain exposure to key business issues, positioning them for leadership roles in the future.

IT and Technology Consulting Internships

IT and technology consulting J-1 internships focus on helping businesses implement and manage technology solutions. With the rapid advancement of digital tools and systems, technology consulting is a growing field. Interns in this area work with clients to improve their IT infrastructure, adopt new technologies, and streamline digital operations, by assisting with: 

• System implementation: Interns help businesses select and implement software solutions that improve workflow or customer service. This could include assisting in setting up enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, customer relationship management (CRM) platforms, or cloud computing solutions.
• Digital transformation: Interns often assist in guiding companies through digital transformation efforts, which involve adopting new technologies to enhance business operations. This could include migrating data to the cloud, introducing automation tools, or upgrading cybersecurity protocols.
• Technical support and troubleshooting: Technology consultants frequently offer support to clients as they integrate new technologies. Interns help troubleshoot technical issues, assist with training sessions, and ensure smooth transitions.

IT and technology consulting internships are ideal for anyone with a passion for technology and problem-solving. They offer hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools and systems, developing expertise in the rapidly evolving tech space.

How to Apply for a Consulting Internship in the U.S.

To work as a consulting intern in the United States, you’ll need to secure both an internship offer and a J-1 internship visa for the USA. You can’t apply for a J-1 visa until you have an internship offer from a U.S.-based company, so the first step in your journey is to secure your internship. Let’s take a look at the steps involved, including: 

1. Understanding internship eligibility for international students and graduates
2. Preparing your resume and application materials 
3. Networking and researching internship opportunities 
4. Utilizing Intrax Global Internships’ job board 
5. Navigating the interview process

Once you have an internship offer, you can then move on to the next part of the process—securing your J-1 visa. We’ll explain how that works later in the article. 

Internship Eligibility for International Students and Graduates 

Before applying for a consulting internship, it’s important to make sure you meet the eligibility requirements to work in the U.S. on a temporary basis. To be eligible for a consulting internship under the J-1 visa, interns typically need to meet the following criteria:

• Enrollment in an academic program: Students should either be currently enrolled in a degree program outside the U.S. or have recently graduated within the past year.
• English proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate a sufficient level of English proficiency to perform successfully in an American work environment.
• Field of study: The consulting internship should align with your academic background or career goals, which could include fields such as business, economics, or engineering.

Learn more about consulting internship pricing and eligibility here, or request more information from Intrax Global Internships. 

Preparing Your Resume and Application Materials

Once you’ve determined your eligibility, the next step in how to get an internship is preparing a strong application. Consulting firms look for applicants who can show academic excellence, leadership potential, and problem-solving skills. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experiences that align with consulting. Focus on achievements in areas such as data analysis, research, teamwork, and leadership. Include your relevant coursework or projects that showcase your problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking.
• Cover letter: In your cover letter, explain why you’re interested in the specific consulting internship and how your skills and experiences make you a strong candidate. Be sure to emphasize your ability to work in fast-paced environments, your teamwork skills, and your passion for helping businesses solve complex problems.
• Additional materials: Some firms may ask for other materials, like a portfolio of previous work or academic projects, especially for strategy or technology consulting roles. Prepare any case studies, reports, or presentations that demonstrate your analytical and problem-solving skills.

Polished application materials are essential for making a strong first impression on companies with an international internship program.

Networking and Researching Internship Opportunities

Networking is a key part of the internship application process, particularly in consulting. Many consulting internships are filled through connections and referrals, making it important to expand your professional network and seek out opportunities in advance. You can do this through: 

• LinkedIn and professional networks: Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with current consultants, alumni from your university, or industry professionals. Engaging with them can give you valuable insights into the application process and may lead to internship opportunities with companies that hire internationally.
• Career fairs and industry events: Attend career fairs, webinars, and industry networking events where consulting firms may be recruiting interns. These events offer a great opportunity to meet recruiters, ask questions, and make a personal connection.
• Company research: Research consulting firms that align with your interests, whether it’s a global firm like McKinsey, Bain, or BCG, or a boutique consulting company specializing in a niche area. Explore their websites, follow their recruitment channels, and be aware of application deadlines.

By actively networking and staying informed about potential opportunities, you’ll increase your chances of finding and securing the right internship.

Intrax Global Internships’ Job Board

Another great place to find internship opportunities is the Intrax Global Internships job board. Our job board lets you search internships based on industry, location, and compensation. You can find paid internships all across the United States, with opportunities from some of our most prestigious partner companies. 

Many of these internship opportunities are exclusive to the Intrax Global Internships job board, which means you won’t face as much competition as you would when you apply for an internship that’s listed on a public job board like LinkedIn or Indeed. This increases your chances of securing an internship with a top company, and also gives you access to unique opportunities you might not find listed on other sites. Browse our internships here! 

The Internship Interview Process

Interviewing for internships, including consulting internships, is much like interviewing for a standard job. You might have several rounds of interviews, with different people within the company. Often, there’s a behavioral interview, where recruiters assess your fit for the company culture and your ability to work in a team setting. Prepare for common internship interview questions like, “Tell me about a time when you solved a challenging problem,” or “Describe a situation where you worked with a difficult team member.”

Sometimes you’ll be invited to a case interview, where you’re given a business problem and asked to propose a solution. This tests your ability to think critically and demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real time. If you’re applying for IT or technology consulting internships, you may also face technical interviews that assess your coding or IT infrastructure skills. 

How to Secure a J-1 Visa for a Consulting Internship in the United States

Once you receive an offer for a consulting internship you’ll need to obtain a J-1 visa, which enables you to legally work in the United States. As a designated U.S. Department of State J-1 visa sponsor, Intrax Global Internships is here to help with every step of the visa process. Request information here, or keep reading to learn more about the J-1 visa and how to apply. 

What Is the J-1 Visa?

The J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that enables foreign nationals to participate in work-and-study-based exchange visitor programs in the United States. It is designed to foster cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the U.S. and other countries. Under the J-1 visa program, international students and young professionals can gain valuable experience in their field, including consulting, by taking on internships with American companies. 

The J-1 exchange visitor program visa is particularly beneficial for international students pursuing consulting internships because it provides a legal pathway for temporary work in the U.S., allowing participants to gain hands-on experience in a global business environment. In terms of the J-1 visa duration, visa holders can stay for the entirety of their internship program, which may range from a few months to a year.

J-1 Visa Eligibility Criteria and Requirements

We’ve already mentioned some of the specific eligibility criteria for a consulting internship, such as English language proficiency and current enrollment or recent graduation in a relevant field. To be eligible for a J-1 visa, you must also have a designated sponsor organization, like Intrax Global Internships. Your sponsor is responsible for overseeing your internship, issuing required documents, and ensuring that your program meets visa regulations.

The J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa, meaning you also need to show evidence that you intend to return to your home country after completing your internship. This could include proof of ongoing studies, family ties, assets, or employment commitments. You may be required to show evidence of ties to your home country at your J-1 visa interview. 

The J-1 Visa Application Process

Securing a J-1 visa for your consulting internship involves several steps that must be completed in the right order to ensure a smooth application process. You’ll need to:

1. Find a sponsor: Your first step is to identify a J-1 visa sponsor like Intrax Global Internships. The sponsor organization will work with your U.S. employer and verify that your internship complies with visa regulations.
2. Obtain a DS-2019 form: Once accepted by your sponsor, you will receive a DS-2019 form, which is the primary document you need to apply for the J-1 visa. This form provides details about your internship program, including the duration and nature of your work.
3. Pay the SEVIS fee: After receiving the DS-2019 form, you must pay the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee, which is required for all J-1 visa applicants. If Intrax is your visa sponsor, we take care of paying the SEVIS fee at the time your DS-2019 is issued.
4. Schedule a visa interview: After paying the SEVIS fee, schedule an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. During the interview, you will be asked about your consulting internship program, your reasons for applying, and your plans for returning to your home country.
5. Attend the visa interview: On the day of your interview, bring your DS-2019 form, proof of SEVIS payment, and other required J-1 visa documents, such as your passport, visa application form (DS-160), and proof of ties to your home country. If approved, your visa will be processed and issued within a few days.

Learn more about Intrax Global Internship’s J-1 visa application process here.

Secure Your Consulting Internship With Intrax Global Internships!

A consulting internship in the U.S. is an amazing opportunity to gain practical experience, enhance your professional skills, and expand your professional network. For international students, navigating both the internship application process and the necessary J-1 visa paperwork can be a headache, but we’re here to help! 

Intrax Global Internships will guide you through every step of the process—from finding the right internship to helping you obtain your J-1 visa and providing ongoing support throughout your experience.

By partnering with us, you’ll gain access to valuable resources, premium consulting internship opportunities, and personalized assistance. We’ll take the stress out of securing your visa, allowing you to focus on making the most of this huge step in your career. 

Want to learn more? Request information about our J-1 visa sponsorship services—we can’t wait to talk internships with you!