We believe in the power of ingenuity to build a positive human future.
Gradcracker Insight – Carla speaks to Emma Henderson, Global Head of Early Careers at PA Consulting
Emma gives an insight into the application process and how to be successful at PA.
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. And 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.
PA. Bringing Ingenuity to Life.
Job Description
Why consider joining us in People & Change?
Organisations are responding to major shifts such as the transition to net zero, advances in AI and automation, and changing workforce demographics. Our People & Change team helps clients put people at the centre of innovation and transformation, so change delivers positive and lasting outcomes.
As a placement student, you could help clients think through the people implications of complex change. This might include supporting workforce transformation and upskilling, improving customer or employee experiences, introducing new ways of working, or helping leaders shape an organisational culture that supports their ambitions.
You will become a core member of our diverse People & Change community, learning from specialists with experience across behavioural science, communications, transformation, learning, talent and occupational psychology. You will also join project teams, with support from a line manager, buddy and colleagues as you build your consulting skills.
Your work will be varied and hands-on. You could gather and analyse data, develop communications and presentation materials, support workshops, contribute to client conversations and help solve sensitive and important people challenges. Whatever you work on, you will be encouraged to bring curiosity, energy and enthusiasm while building networks across PA and beyond.
No two days are the same. You could be researching our latest project and delivering your findings, visiting a client with a consulting team and representing the firm, or furthering your development through crucial learning — guided and mentored by one of our experts.
Whatever you work on, you’ll be part of the team and free to build your networks, both here at PA and far beyond.
What you can expect
When you join as an Intern, you will gain the knowledge and experience you need to build a successful career in consulting and contribute meaningfully to vital projects.
Apply your problem-solving skills across multiple teams to support client projects and internal initiatives, using leading tools, methodologies, and consulting techniques.
Share ideas and drive progress while developing your skills and supporting our clients.
Hybrid working with the team on client site or in our office a minimum of two days per week. However, the actual time you spend and where you spend it will vary by role or assignment, which could include up to 5 days per week on a client site.
An environment that deeply cares about its values
Assessment process
First Stage Assessments:
Application form
Online Assessments
Shortlisting
Final Stage Assessments:
Assessment Centre
Final Stage Interviews
Adjustments or accommodations - Should you need any adjustments or accommodations to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact us on earlycareers@paconsulting.com
Qualifications
This role is open to undergraduates with an industrial placement within their course structure and therefore graduating in 2029.
Qualification: Undergraduate degree — on track to gain a degree. We welcome applicants from all disciplines and have no specific grade or subject requirements for this role.
Growth-oriented and curious — open to change, driven to succeed, hungry for new challenges, and eager to broaden your understanding of the world.
Collaborative and relationship-focused — thrive in dynamic teams, build strong relationships with clients and peers, and support others to succeed.
Credible and communicative — comfortable in high-performance environments, with excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
Analytical and adaptable — demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities, innovative thinking, and the flexibility to adapt your style and approach.
Professional and reliable — show strong workplace etiquette by being punctual, dependable, and respectful of business expectations and office conduct.
The Offer
The opportunity to work on meaningful projects with talented people
A wide range of internal and external training programmes
Support the design and delivery of people-centred consultancy solutions that create lasting value for our clients
Be part of an exceptionally vibrant People & Change community
If you are offered a graduate role following your placement with us you will join our 18-month Graduate Programme. In this programme you’ll have the opportunity to work across different capability teams, gaining diverse skills and experiences that will serve as the foundation for your consulting career.
We work flexibly at PA, but your work base will be our Belfast office.
This role will start in July 2027 and be for 12 months. We will confirm exact start date at offer stage.
Salary: £26,230
Additional Information
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 support 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.
We are dedicated to supporting the physical, emotional, social and financial well-being of our people. Check out some of our extensive benefits:
Health and lifestyle perks accompanying 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
Opportunity to get involved with community and charity-based initiatives
Annual performance-based bonus
Tax efficient benefits (cycle to work, give as you earn)
We’re committed to advancing equality. We recruit, retain, reward and develop our people based solely on their abilities and contributions and without reference to their age, background, disability, genetic information, parental or family status, religion or belief, race, ethnicity, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity (or expression), political belief, veteran status, or any other range of human difference brought about by identity and experience. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups.
We've signed the Gradcracker feedback pledge.
(This means that we will supply feedback if requested after an interview.)
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Job ID Number: JR103044
Can I use AI to apply?
At PA, we use AI tools on a daily basis. However, we value transparency and authenticity above all in our hiring process. We want to get know you, your skills, and experience in our interview process.
As such, we ask that no AI tools (including AI note takers, meeting assistants, and similar tools) are used by candidates during interview sessions. If AI tools are used during an interview, it could influence the outcome of your application.
