Industrial Placement - Consulting (Strategy & Economics)

PA Consulting; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consulting firm in Bristol is looking for a Strategy and Economics intern to support consultants in resolving complex client challenges. You will engage with diverse teams, execute strategies, and gain valuable experience while working in a hybrid model. Candidates should be undergraduates with strong analytical and communication skills, eager to broaden their understanding of consulting. This role offers significant growth opportunities in a collaborative environment.

Benefits

Private healthcare

25 days annual leave

Generous pension scheme

Performance-based bonus

Share ownership

Qualifications

• Open to undergraduates with an industrial placement.
• Driven to succeed, curious, and eager to learn.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with teams to develop and execute strategies.
• Craft growth plans and conduct market analysis.
• Support client projects and internal initiatives.

Skills

Problem-solving

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Collaboration

Education

Undergraduate degree

Job description

Overview

Our Strategy and Economics intern opportunity will get you to the heart of solving some of our client's toughest problems. PA's Strategy and Economics capability has a strong record of working with C-level leaders in major private and public sector organisations, directly addressing their biggest business and strategic challenges.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with consulting teams and senior leaders across various industries to develop and execute strategies that create value, enhance competitiveness, and foster long‑term business stability.
• Craft growth plans, advise on capital allocation, and conduct economic and market analysis to help clients navigate complex landscapes and seize new opportunities.
• Lead the development and execution of the latest strategic thinking, applying fact‑based analysis and problem solving.
• Integrate growth strategies and investment insights to create lasting impact on client organisations.
• Support client projects and internal initiatives using leading tools, methodologies, and consulting techniques.
• Get involved in PA's internal activities such as community and engagement initiatives, thought leadership, and business development activities.
• Build and grow networks locally and beyond, playing an active role in the Bristol-based team.
• Work hybrid: client site or office for a minimum of two days per week, with up to five days per week on a client site depending on role and assignment.

What you can expect

• Gain the knowledge and experience necessary to build a successful career in consulting and contribute meaningfully to vital projects.
• Receive coaching and guidance from experts, and many opportunities to broaden experience on challenging projects and programmes.
• Apply your problem‑solving skills across multiple teams to support client projects and internal initiatives.
• Share ideas and drive progress while developing skills and supporting our clients.
• Opportunity to participate in a breadth of internal activities (community and engagement initiatives, writing thought leadership, business development).
• Be part of PA's global community and growing Bristol‑based team, helping develop business and connect with partners and clients in the region.
• Build networks both within PA and beyond.

Assessment process

• First Stage Assessments: Application form, Online Assessments, Shortlisting.
• Final Stage Assessments: Assessment Centre, Final Stage Interviews.

The Offer

Operate at the leading edge of consulting, working at the intersection of strategy and investment advisory.

Eligibility and Qualification

• Open to undergraduates with an industrial placement within their course structure.
• Undergraduate degree – on track to gain a degree. No specific grade or subject requirements.
• Growth‑oriented, curious, open to change, driven to succeed, hungry for new challenges, eager to broaden your understanding of the world.
• Collaborative, relationship‑focused, thrives in dynamic teams, builds strong relationships with clients and peers, supports others to succeed.
• Credible and communicative – comfortable in high‑performance environments, excellent communication skills, written and verbal.
• Analytical and adaptable with strong problem‑solving abilities, innovative thinking, flexible approach.
• Professional and reliable – punctual, dependable, respectful of business expectations and office conduct.
• All PA people are required to undergo background checks and to achieve the Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Some UK roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting, where applicants must have at least 5 years of continuous residency in the UK.
• Applicants must meet residency requirements: British citizen or resident in the UK for at least 5 years.

Company statement

We believe in the power of ingenuity to build a positive human future. As strategies, technologies, and innovation collide, we create opportunity from complexity. Our teams of interdisciplinary experts combine innovative thinking and breakthrough technologies to progress further, faster. Our clients adapt and transform, and together we achieve enduring results. We are over 4,000 strategists, innovators, designers, consultants, digital experts, scientists, engineers, and technologists. We have deep expertise in consumer and manufacturing, defence and security, energy and utilities, financial services, government and public services, health and life sciences, and transport. Our teams operate globally from offices across the UK, Ireland, US, Nordics, and Netherlands. Life At PA encompasses our peoples' experience at PA. It's about how we enrich peoples' working lives by giving them access to unique people and growth opportunities and purpose‑led meaningful work. Our purpose guides how we work with our clients and our teams, and supports our communities, to deliver insight and impact, solving the world's most complex challenges. We're focused on building a workplace that values human difference and diverse mindsets, and a culture of inclusion and equality that unlocks the potential in our people so everyone can be their best self.

Benefits

• Health and lifestyle perks – private healthcare.
• 25 days annual leave (plus a bonus half day on Christmas Eve) with the opportunity to buy 5 additional days.
• Generous company pension scheme.
• Opportunities to get involved with community and charity‑based initiatives.
• Annual performance‑based bonus.
• PA share ownership.
• Tax‑efficient benefits (cycle to work, give as you earn).