Part-Time Internships

In my knowledge, it is possible for you to build your consulting experience through part-time work but not very sure about available positions in traditional consulting companies. Besides this usual route, there are several organisations that allow people to work on an hourly basis or with minimal time commitment per week, for example 180 Degrees Consulting. Your university clubs or career center might be a great first place to check as many such organisations partner with student groups that way. Keep in mind paid vs. unpaid opportunities incase that’s important. 

Yes, PTA (part-time assistant/analyst) roles do exist in certain MBB offices — more commonly in APAC, and possibly DACH as I did come across a few with such titles during my time at Bain. If it’s part of the official recruiting pipeline, it can definitely help — though it’s not as strong a signal as a full summer internship.

That said, don’t worry if you can’t find one. You can still build your profile by taking on project-based work during your master’s — like:

• Joining student-run or non-profit consulting groups
• Reaching out to local boutiques or smaller strategy firms to offer help on live cases
• Doing short-term pro bono work or competitions (like strategy sprints or case tournaments)

The goal is the same: sharpen your problem-solving + client-facing skills, and show a clear commitment to the consulting path.

Hope it helps and please upvote if it does!

All the best.

Hi! Such positions are not called internships - and the work is also not at the same level as proper interns (who are staffed as regular team members on projects). In SEA, the MBBs are offering such positions. Bain calls it "CTA" (Case Team Assistant). They are somewhere between client work and research tasks. 

In Europe, MBB firms offer Working Student positions in several markets (like Germany for example). But again - the work is not comparable to the work of someone who would be regularly staffed on a client project.

So, in summary, there are different part time positions for students - even in MBB firms. However, if you want to do proper client work, comparable to the actual consulting job, this doesn't work in part time. 

Hope this helps!
Sidi

___________________

Dr. Sidi S. Koné

Former Senior Engagement Manager & Interviewer at McKinsey | Former Senior Consultant at BCG | Co-Founder of The MBB Offer Machine™

Hi Alejandro,

it is not super common but I have seen it a few times. Though mostly outside of MBB - think the likes of Kearney, BIG4. You will however usually not be client facing but rather take the role of an analyst.

Best,
Lukas

Hi Alejandro,

yes, it is common, for example, in France and Germany - not sure about Spain. I worked as a working student 20h a week at Deloitte, Boston Consulting Group, and Accenture while I was doing my Master's in Berlin, and I really recommend doing so, if you have that option in Spain!

Best of luck!

Margot

Alejandro, 

Not within traditional consulting firms. Or at least it's not a common practice. 

I would consider two things though

1. Check with your career office at the university for opportunities. Even if there are no formal opportunities like the ones that you're looking for, some universities pair you up with alumni entrepreneurs who need part-time support. 

2. Scan for non-traditional consulting opportunities. One example would be doing pro bono consulting for a local charity that you care about. 

Best,
Cristian

Hey Alejandro :)

Yes, part-time internships do exist, especially in finance roles at smaller firms, startups, or boutiques. Larger companies usually offer full-time internships, but some may allow flexibility during the academic year if you’re studying nearby. Networking directly with firms or professors can really help here.

Feel free to reach out if you want to talk through options or need coaching!

best, Alessa :)

Hi Alejandro,

Part-time internships do exist, but they’re more common in smaller firms or startups than big consultancies. In Spain/Europe, some companies offer flexible 2–3 day setups during a master’s, so check your university portal or reach out directly to boutiques as they’re usually more open to it.

Hi there,

Real answer: Sign up for pro bono /experiential consulting programs (I have a list). Read: Work for free on projects of 3-8 weeks to build out your resume.

Part-time internships in consulting are almost nonexistent. Firms do not want someone juggling classes and client work. The entire model runs on full-time project staffing, so you either commit fully or wait for a summer or off-cycle slot. 

Also make sure you're using your time to build a strong CV and nail the application process. My Applications shows you exactly how to position yourself, and Ace the Case Interview will make sure you are ready when real interviews come.