Even the most well-oiled machine needs a tune-up every once in a while. Consulting internships give students a window into what it’s like to help clients do just that. Consulting interns can enter any industry—some of the most popular include accounting and finance, human resources and employee training, technology, marketing, and management. Ultimately, the goal is to help the client increase revenue, maximize efficiency, refocus employees, and set a direction. Consultants can be independent contractors or freelancers, be part of an in-house consulting team, or can work for a larger consulting firm. Interns in consulting may find themselves under the wing of household names like McKinsey & Company, Accenture, or Ernst & Young. Because these firms are so established, interns in consulting are placed through a rigorous interview process and groomed to become entry-level employees upon graduation. Daily tasks vary among internships in consulting, but the skeleton of the role requires that students nurture client relations, attend team meetings, gather and analyze data, and conduct market research. Consulting interns should have formidable Microsoft Office skills and be comfortable interacting with people in a friendly and professional manner. In this role, being organized and methodical while having a good sense of how to navigate relationships is crucial.