Will interning at Amazon as a business developer be worthwhile for my CV?

Totally fair to feel that way — internships can sometimes be unclear at first, especially in broad roles like business development.

To clarify:
Business development at Amazon can involve elements of sales, but often includes partnerships, market analysis, strategy, and negotiation — especially in non-AWS teams. It really depends on your specific team and scope.

Even if it's not AWS, Amazon is still a strong brand on your CV, especially if you can show impact, ownership, and data-driven decision-making — all things consulting firms value.

Focus on framing your experience around:

• Problem-solving and initiative
• Strategic thinking or market insight
• Collaboration and stakeholder influence

Consulting firms care more about how you work and the skills you develop than the exact title or team. You can definitely make it work for your story.

You've already got some excellent answers by other coaches, but I do want to make just one point:

In your internship, make the most of your time: 

• Get to know people, get to know leadership
• Take up leadership opportunities, knock on doors everyday , ask people for lunch, ask where best you can utalise your time - become memorable.
• Become the Keen Bean: I know it may be cringe to some people, but being memorable and keen will increase your chances of getting a permenant offer, being seen as someone who can lead etc. 

Good luck!!

This business development position at Amazon will still be useful for a future transition into consulting, primarily for three reasons:

1. Amazon is a big brand name that gets the attention of consulting recruiters.
2. The demanding culture at Amazon helps you develop valuable skills that transfer very well into consulting.
3. You’ll have the chance to gain exposure to multiple industries—though you’ll need to proactively pursue this, as business development teams at Amazon are typically organized by industry. This will give you useful insights to leverage later in your consulting career.

Best,

Alberto

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Explore my latest case inspired by a real MBB interview: TitanTrail - Operations Outsourcing

Congrats on landing an impressive internship! 

100% disagree that only AWS is good for your resume. Amazon is a very impressive company which is very data driven and known for having high recruiting standards. 

It will definitely help your resume. 

What is most important for you to demonstrate to get hired in consulting is 

1. Are you an outstanding performer and drive impact (what exactly the role is, is less important) 

2. Do you learn quickly 

3. Do you have the right attitude / are a good team member 

All things you will be able to demonstrate. 

Enjoy your internship! 

Cheers,

Andreas

Hi there, 

Honestly, it depends on what alternatives you have. If none, then Amazon is great :) It's a big brand, you would be part of their BusinessDev team which would be appreciated by consulting companies because you will have already accumulated business knowledge and problem-solving skills. 

However, if you can do a consulting interview directly (having in mind the assumption that you want to do consulting full time after graduation), then it would be better.

Sharing with you here a guide on how to develop an application strategy:

• Expert Guide: Build A Winning Application Strategy

Best,
Cristian

Absolutely! An internship at Amazon, especially in a business development role, would be a fantastic addition to any CV. Amazon is a globally recognized leader, and gaining experience within their business development team would showcase valuable skills like strategic thinking, market analysis, and potentially client interaction. It signals ambition and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, innovative environment. This internship would definitely make a CV stand out!
 

1. Yes, it is sales.

2. In general, is it good for your CV? yes

3. For consulting, is it good for your CV? It is a very reputable firm, and gaining some client relationship skills is useful. You'll learn about an industry. This is useful. Will you learn how to do consulting? No. 

4. Will you learn something useful? Yes!

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the internship offer from Amazon!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question:

• First of all, I'm wondering why you chose the internship if you're so concerned about streamlining your resume for consulting and don't think it adds any value. What is the reason for that?
• Moreover, I would strongly advise you not to believe this hearsay. Amazon is likely to be an ongoing client of most major consulting firms, so your internship will certainly be relevant, even if your day-to-day responsibilities may not resemble the work of a consultant.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare your applications files, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Hi there!

First of all, "I frankly don't know what business development is." haha, sometimes that happens! 

About your original question: Amazon is totally worth mentioned. It is a reputable global brand and your role is not uncommon for both pre as post consulting jobs. 

In line with Andreas advice, I suggest you to build a remarkable story there, focusing on solving problems people tend to avoid, generating measurable impact and going the extra mile. These highlights are what consulting recruiters look for.

Good luck in this new journey, I hope you get the best out of it!

Kindly,

Mari