Hey all! I’m currently deciding between public sector consulting internships at Deloitte and KPMG for next summer, and I’d love some outside perspective. Deloitte has been my top firm throughout the recruiting process, and the role covers broader strategy and operations work (which I'm most interested in), but it pays a few thousand dollars less for the summer, and I cannot figure out if this same trend holds full time. KPMG pays more ($7 hourly difference) and the role is more specialized. I'm aiming for a full-time return offer, so I’m trying to figure out what matters most, in terms of brand, pay, how specialized the work is, etc. Would love any general advice here, and if I'm off base in my selection criteria. I want to make the most informed decision, and am struggling to find resources and advice within my network. Thanks!
Hi there,
I have spent a good part of my consulting time on public sector work, and I would decide this on the work, not the pay.
A summer internship is a three-month interview for the return offer. People get that offer by doing work they are good at and enjoy, so the role that matches your interests is the safer bet, and from what you describe that is Deloitte.
The pay gap is small over one summer, and entry-level salaries at the large firms tend to sit close to each other. Specialisation matters more. Broad strategy and operations work keeps more doors open later, when you start thinking about your next move.
Before you decide, ask each team what share of last year's interns got a return offer. That number tells you more than the hourly rate.
Best,
Nikola
