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Here is Part Two of my advice regarding ensuring that you get a return offer when you do a summer internship in strategy consulting or management consulting.

In Part I we discussed dealing with your management or project leader.

3. You should assume responsibility for all of your own duties and learn about other work streams or areas of work in the office.

Naturally, this advice is applicable to any job you will ever do, but there are some aspects that are specific to consulting:

First: Managers always appreciate it if you have your own viewpoint. This does not mean you should be stubborn, but you should always have some notion of what needs doing and how it should be done.

#2 Let your good ideas shine. If you come up with a great new way to do something, or just have a good idea, share it, even if it stretches the limits of your job description. In this business, initiative is sought after.

Third: Be actively interested in the work of your teammates. Your participation in team discussions is expected. It is important that you know what is happening around you, even if your own responsibilities are heavy. You can show an interest in the work of others by politely inquiring about their work streams. Ask intelligent questions and offer to help if needed and appropriate.

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#4 Tell others what you think.

As we have mentioned previously, it is a mistake not to speak up during conference calls and meetings.

People won’t expect a lot of you, so you will have a lot of leeway on input.

Just try to ask some smart questions and contribute some insight into what is happening in your own work stream.

Fifth: Don’t skimp on “face time” with your partners.

Make friends with a few reliable people, and cultivate their partnership. This will help to set you up as being someone the firm wants to return after your internship is over.

Whenever you meet with your partners, do it with a purpose. Don’t just sit around and chat unless you are really good friends with these people. Instead, talk about pertinent business matters like what you think about the firm’s handling of your client or what is happening in the industry today.

Sixth: Find ways to make connections with clients outside of your project.

If time allows, this is a very good idea; although, it is not a requirement. Here are some things you might do to make yourself more visible in the consulting world:

Go to social events like happy hours that are especially set up for interns.

Attend speaker panels where you can meet consultants, managers, and partners while gaining valuable information.

Help recruit summer interns at school events and other venues.

By participating in these events, you will be able to meet a wide variety of people in the firm. This will reinforce all the hard work you have put in and make you a recognizable commodity. Additionally, you will get a new view of consulting work. It is not all models and decks.

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