Strategy Insights & Planning Associate Consultant - Intern (North America - University Students)

ZS; Evanston (IL); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Total rewards package

Job summary

ZS is a management consulting and technology firm focused on improving life and how we live it. This Strategy Insights and Planning Associate Consultant - Intern role offers hands-on experience in solving real client problems using data analytics and problem-solving frameworks.

You’ll collaborate across teams, structure research, and present results to clients while developing leadership and analytical skills.

Qualifications

• PhD student in any discipline; internship occurs summer before final year.
• Strong analytic and quantitative coursework.
• English fluency with strong communication.

Responsibilities

• Solve client business problems using problem-solving frameworks.
• Structure and conduct market or desk research to derive insights.
• Design analyses using Excel, Access, Confirmit and ZS tools.
• Summarize results to clients and ZS teams in presentations.
• Develop client relationships; be main contact on project aspects.
• Support program management and status updates with the client.
• Drive project forward to meet goals and deadlines.
• Grow analytical capabilities and mentor junior associates.

Skills

Problem solving

Communication skills

Leadership aptitude

Attention to detail

Time management

Collaboration

Work ethic

Client focus

Adaptability

English fluency

Education

Doctoral student (second-to-last year)

Tools

Excel

Access

Confirmit

ZS proprietary software

Job description

ZS is a place where passion changes lives. As a management consulting and technology firm focused on improving life and how we live it, we transform ideas into impact by bringing together data, science, technology and human ingenuity to deliver better outcomes for all. Here you’ll work side-by-side with a powerful collective of thinkers and experts shaping life‑changing solutions for patients, caregivers and consumers, worldwide. ZSers drive impact by bringing a client‑first mentality to each and every engagement. We partner collaboratively with our clients to develop custom solutions and technology products that create value and deliver company results across critical areas of their business. Bring your curiosity for learning, bold ideas, courage and passion to drive life‑changing impact to ZS.

Strategy Insights and Planning Associate Consultant - Intern

ZS's Strategy Insights and Planning teams partner with clients to design and deliver solutions to help them tackle a broad range of business challenges. Our teams work on multiple projects simultaneously, leveraging advanced data analytics and problem‑solving techniques. Our recommendations and solutions are based on rigorous research and analysis underpinned by deep expertise and thought leadership.

What You’ll Do

• Leverage problem solving skills and frameworks to develop solutions to our clients business problems
• Assist in structuring and conducting market research and/or desk research to derive insights and contribute to client decision making
• Design custom analyses using tools like Excel, Access, Confirmit and ZS's proprietary software
• Synthesize and communicate results to clients and ZS teams through oral and written presentations
• Develop client relationships and serve as key point of contact on certain aspects of projects
• Actively support management of the program plan and conduct regular status updates with the client – risk and issue mitigation. You will also assist in driving the project forward to ensure project goals and deadlines are met
• Advance problem‑solving skills and improve ZS's capabilities
• Mentor and support development of Associates on your projects and teams

What You’ll Bring

• Candidates should be starting their second-to-last year of their doctorate degree (with the internship taking place the summer before their final year) in any discipline with strong academic performance in analytic and quantitative coursework (business, economics, marketing, psychology, physical or life sciences, engineering, applied mathematics, statistics or relevant fields)
• High motivation, good work ethic, maturity and personal initiative
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Empathy, adaptability and high personal impact
• Strong attention to detail, with a quality‑focused mindset
• Self‑discipline for planning and organizing tasks
• Aptitude for, and enjoyment of, team leadership
• Fluency in English
• Client‑first mentality
• Intense work ethic
• Collaborative spirit and problem‑solving approach

How you’ll grow:

• Cross‑functional skills development & custom learning pathways
• Milestone training programs aligned to career progression opportunities
• Internal mobility paths that empower growth via s‑curves, individual contribution and role expansions

Perks & Benefits:

At ZS, your growth matters. We offer a comprehensive total rewards package that supports your health and well‑being, financial future, time away, and professional development. With robust skills‑building programs, multiple career progression paths, internal mobility, and a deeply collaborative culture, you’ll have the opportunity to do meaningful work, expand your capabilities, and thrive as part of a global community. For details on total rewards in United States, visit ZS US office locations | Where we work | ZS.

Hybrid working model:

We are committed to giving our employees a flexible and connected way of working. A flexible and connected ZS allows us to combine work from home and on‑site presence at clients/ZS offices for the majority of our week. The magic of ZS culture and innovation thrives in both planned and spontaneous face‑to‑face connections.

Travel:

Travel is a requirement at ZS for client facing ZSers; business needs of your project and client are the priority. While some projects may be local, all client‑facing ZSers should be prepared to travel as needed. Travel provides opportunities to strengthen client relationships, gain diverse experiences, and enhance professional growth by working in different environments and cultures.

At ZS, we honor the visible and invisible elements of our identities, personal experiences, and belief systems—the ones that comprise us as individuals, shape who we are, and make us unique. We believe your personal interests, identities, and desire to learn are integral to your success here. We are committed to building a team that reflects a broad variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Learn more about our inclusion and belonging efforts and the networks ZS supports to assist our ZSers in cultivating community spaces and obtaining the resources they need to thrive.

ZS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment and advancement opportunities without regard to any class protected by applicable law.

Work Authorization:

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Candidates must have authorization to work in the United States that does not now or in the future require employer sponsorship.

Find Out More At: www.zs.com