Guide to Accenture Internships

Participating in accenture internships is an excellent way for college students to explore consulting careers and build the skills employers are looking for. As a global consulting services leader, Accenture works with clients in virtually every industry, so even students with niche interests can gain exposure to the industries they’re curious about. 

In this guide, we’ll go over the various Accenture summer internships available to students and give you some tips to help you land the role you want. 

What Is an Accenture Internship?

Internships at Accenture allow students to explore consulting careers while gaining valuable and in-demand skills. Interns also participate in leadership conferences, learning sessions, and volunteer days to help them build connections with their peers and Accenture professionals. Additionally, interns have access to on and off-site networking and social events. 

Throughout the internship, students work with professionals solving the problems Accenture’s clients face every day. All interns at Accenture are paired up with a mentor to help them navigate their internship and learn the right skills and processes. Most programs last about ten weeks and begin in June. 

Accenture operates in a variety of industries, making it possible for students to explore consulting in a range of job functions. The company offers consulting services to clients in areas like: 

• Aerospace and Defense
• Chemicals
• Health
• Software and Platforms
• Automotive
• Technology
• Natural Resources
• Travel
• Consumer Goods and Services
• Public Service
• U.S. Federal Government
• Capital Markets
• Energy
• Retail
• Utilities

Who Is Eligible for Accenture Internships?

Exact requirements for eligibility vary by location and program, but in general, students must: 

• Be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree
• Be authorized to work in the U.S. 
• Have a strong academic record
• Show relevant coursework and skills 

Accenture Internship Opportunities

Technology Summer Analyst Development Program 

Applications Currently Open

The technology summer analyst development program allows students to build technical skills by working with Accenture professionals and designing new client applications. Students are also exposed to application management and emerging technologies. Interns learn how to help clients expand and protect their businesses through innovative solutions. 

Accenture prefers applicants for technology internships who have: 

• Familiarity with programming languages like Java, Python, or Ruby
• Experience using modern web frameworks such as Node.js
• An understanding of specific business areas like data management, finance, or supply chain processes 
• Hands-on experience through projects or coursework in web development, game engine technologies, or mobile application creation
• Curiosity about new technologies such as cloud computing and cybersecurity
• Demonstrable work ethic, communication, attention to detail, collaboration, and leadership skills 

Consulting Summer Analyst Development Program

Applications Currently Open

Students in Accenture’s consulting summer analyst development program help improve clients’ business processes, innovate organizational strategies, and use technology to drive decision-making and innovation. Under the guidance of mentors and Accenture professionals, students practice their quantitative research skills to manipulate and analyze data. 

The preferred qualifications for an Accenture consulting internship include: 

• Experience in consulting processes, such as project management, organizational strategies, and business processes
• High-level adaptability, collaboration, curiosity, and communication skills 

Song Summer Analyst Development Program 

Applications Currently Open

During the Song summer analyst program, students can leverage their creativity and creative thinking to innovate and improve experiences. Interns learn how to help clients use technology to create customer-centric processes, explore marketing strategies, and learn how Accenture communicates ideas across audiences and platforms. 

Accenture looks for applicants with experience in: 

• Programming languages like Java and JavaScript
• User research and story mapping
• Modern web frameworks like Node.js or React 
• Mobile application development and design 
• Demonstrable communication, leadership, work ethic, and collaboration skills

Industry X Analyst Development Program

Applications Currently Open

In Accenture’s Industry X analyst development program, students learn how to innovate engineering and manufacturing processes and solve complex, real-world problems for Accenture’s clients. Interns explore using technology like artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, robotics, and augmented reality to drive change and innovation. 

Top applicants for Industry X internships need: 

• Practical experience in supply chain management, operations, manufacturing, or engineering
• Interpersonal, communication, collaboration, multitasking, and problem-solving skills 

Strategy Summer Analyst Development Program

Applications Currently Open

Accenture’s strategy summer analyst program gives interns hands-on experience in data analytics and visualization. Students work with clients to find and develop solutions to real-world problems using research, data analysis, and teamwork skills. Students also have the opportunity to network with their peers, and some interns may receive full-time employment offers upon completion.  

Top applicants to Accenture’s strategy summer internship need: 

• A strong academic track record and a GPA of 3.3 or higher
• Coursework or practical experience in statistics and data analytics
• Experience using data visualization tools, like PowerBI or Tableau
• Knowledge of programming languages like R, Python, or SQL
• Public speaking and presentation skills
• Curiosity and desire to learn and grow  

Finance Summer Analyst — Client Financial Management 

Applications Currently Open

Finance and accounting students can apply for Accenture’s finance summer analyst internship in client financial management. In this program, students practice accounting skills, like using and applying the generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). 

Interns also learn about internal controls, budgeting, forecasting financial performance, and performing client advisory services. Students gain mentorship in internal accounting processes and hands-on experience reviewing program and project budgets, balancing accounts, recording and reporting financial data, and tracking compliance.

Students interested in the Client Financial Management internship program need: 

• To be pursuing a degree in finance, accounting, or business field 
• Practical experience in accounting, including balancing accounts, processing invoices, and creating budgets
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office programs such as Excel and PowerPoint
• Multitasking, collaboration, attention to detail, creative thinking, analytical thinking, communication, and leadership skills 

Finance Summer Analyst — Client Transaction Services

Applications Currently Open

In Accenture’s client transaction services, finance summer analysts work with mentors to help the sales, solutions, and legal teams determine the pricing of services. Interns are responsible for preparing financial models and creating financial statements like balance sheets and cash flow statements. Students also gain exposure to the processes of ensuring compliance with GAAP and commercial standards and identifying ways to save money. 

Upon completion, students may be invited to participate in a rotation program through other finance and corporate roles.

Accenture looks for applicants who: 

• Are pursuing a degree in finance, accounting, or business field 
• Have practical experience in accounting, including balancing accounts, processing invoices, and creating budgets
• Are familiar with Microsoft Office programs such as Excel and PowerPoint
• Possess high-level multitasking, collaboration, attention to detail, creative thinking, analytical thinking, communication, and leadership skills 

Human Resources Talent Accelerator Program Summer Internship

Applications Currently Open

Interns in Accenture’s human resources summer internship can grow their research and analysis skills while gaining hands-on experience in human resources (HR). Students can explore focus areas like learning and talent development, talent strategy, recruiting, and inclusion and diversity. 

To qualify for this internship, students should: 

• Be enrolled in a bachelor’s program
• Live in or be able to commute to New York City for the duration of the program
• Major or have a deep interest in human resources or related field
• Have experience in HR through previous internships or coursework
• Display strong skills in problem-solving, analytical thinking, communication, and leadership 

Upon completion, some interns may be considered for the full-time Talent Accelerator Program (TAP) after graduation. The TAP is a two-year rotational program that exposes participants to various aspects of Accenture’s human resources department. 

Other Student Programs and Opportunities at Accenture

Student Leadership Program 

The Student Leadership Program allows students to learn more about consulting while practicing and building interpersonal and soft skills through mentorship and virtual learning opportunities. Twenty students are selected for each track, and students gain early application access for summer analyst internships. The program starts in March and runs through the end of June.

The different program tracks aim at boosting access for certain types of students. The available tracks include: 

• Student athletes
• Women in technology
• Pride leadership academy
• HBCU excellence
• HSI legacy 

To qualify, students must be in their first or second year of a four-year undergraduate program. Additionally, students need: 

• Cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher
• Proven involvement in extracurriculars
• Impeccable communication and interpersonal skills
• Leadership experience 
• Demonstrable teamwork, collaboration, and ambassadorship at school or in their community

Elevate to Innovate Program

Accenture’s Elevate to Innovate program is a two-day diversity externship that involves learning sessions and networking opportunities. Students can explore careers in technology and professional services, build industry acumen, and receive certifications for technical and hard skills.

This program is open to students at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs), and any undergraduate students interested in technology and diversity. 

To qualify, students must: 

• Show involvement in extracurricular activities
• Possess strong communication, interpersonal, leadership, teamwork, and collaboration skills
• Demonstrate ambassadorship in school and community 

Innovation Challenge

The Innovation Challenge at Accenture is a case competition (and a major recruiting event!). Participants work with Accenture professionals to help a selected non-profit solve a specific business challenge. 

The competition consists of three rounds: 

• In the first round, students are assigned to teams of up to four students and given a week to develop a solution to the case question. 
• Teams chosen to advance then have a week to redefine their solution in the second round and submit their revised solution to judges. 
• In the final round, four finalist teams travel to present their solution live to a panel of judges. 

Accenture offers the winning team summer analyst internship interviews and cash prizes. 

To qualify, students must be 18 or older and enrolled full-time in a four-year undergraduate program, pursuing either a B.A. or B.S. degree. Students also must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Level Up Technology and Innovation College Credit Co-Op

Students at HBCUs and HSIs can learn fundamental tech and innovation skills through Accenture’s Level Up Co-Op. In this program, students work in collaborative workspaces with company partners, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Students gain technology training and college credit hours. 

To be eligible, students must be at least a rising sophomore, but all students up through graduate programs are allowed to participate. The program is open to all disciplines, and there is no GPA requirement. Upon completion, some students may receive internship or full-time role interviews. 

Applying for Accenture Internships

Finding the Right Role

The first step to applying for an Accenture internship is to find the right position for you. You should research the types of roles and industries available at Accenture. Some business and consulting areas Accenture hires in include: 

• Aerospace and Defense
• Life Sciences
• Communications and Media
• Banking
• Energy
• Insurance

Submitting An Application

Your resume is one of the most important parts of your application. You want to create a resume that helps the hiring team understand who you are and what skills you bring to the table. You can make your resume stand out by including relevant industry keywords, ensuring it’s clean and free of typos or errors, keeping a clear and organized format, and including a professional summary. 

Interviewing for Accenture Internships

An internship interview at Accenture typically begins with a phone screening. In this call, a hiring manager will ask you preliminary questions to get to know you better and introduce you to the role. Remember to be concise in your answers and display your enthusiasm for the internship. Screening calls are also a great opportunity to ask any questions you have about the position or the interview process. 

Virtual and Video Interviews

Many internship interviews are done virtually through video calls. When preparing for a video interview, Accenture recommends:

• Take the video call in a quiet, well-lit space free of distractions.
• Test your equipment beforehand so you can avoid any technical difficulties. 
• Ensure you make a good impression by dressing professionally — wear what you typically wear for an in-person interview. 
• Avoid watching yourself in the camera, and try to make eye contact. 
• Show off your personality, be enthusiastic, and ensure your body language is positive. 
• Prepare for the interview by practicing your responses with friends or family and researching your desired role. 

>>MORE: Find out what career is the best fit for your personality with a personality career quiz.

Assessing Your Skills 

A primary goal in interviews is for the hiring manager to understand your skills. You may be asked position-specific questions or given assessments or case studies to complete to test if you have the right skills for the role. 

Case study interviews can be challenging. Remember to take your time, listen attentively, and focus on the overall story you’re trying to tell. Don’t be afraid to ask clarifying questions and take notes using a pen and paper. 

>>MORE: Learn how to prepare for case study interviews.

You can prepare for role-specific interviews by practicing common questions for different industries, such as: 

• Common interview questions for accountants
• Coding interview questions
• Data analyst interview questions
• Common interview questions for data scientists 
• Project manager interview questions

Tips for Landing an Internship at Accenture

Network With Professionals 

Networking is a great way to improve your chances of landing an internship. You can reach out to recruiters on LinkedIn or meet industry professionals at on-campus and virtual events. By connecting with recruiters and Accenture professionals, you begin to build a connection with the company and can make your name stand out on the list of applicants. 

>>MORE: Learn more about virtual networking.

Prepare for Interviews Effectively 

Enlist the help of friends and family when preparing for interviews — they can be an excellent sounding board for practicing interview questions and helping you narrow down your elevator pitch. Your friends and family can also let you know if your answers are concise and clear. 

Build the Right Skills 

You need the right hard and soft skills to land great jobs. Review the required skills for the role you want by looking at the job post or reading descriptions of that career. Then, you can focus on the skills most important to the role and company. 

You can start building those skills by taking relevant courses. For example, if a role requires experience in applying generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), you can take an accounting course to solidify your skills. 

You can also use virtual job simulations to back up your skills and learn more about your career options. Start learning today with Forage’s free job simulations. 

Image credit: josekube / Depositphotos.com