Accenture Elevate to Innovate Diversity Externship

Last Updated August, 2024

The Accenture Elevate to Innovate externship is a 2-day virtual program that gives participants a chance to explore the world of technology and how it relates to consulting. Taking part is a great way to “elevate” your resume and gain invaluable exposure to consulting.

In line with Accenture’s commitment to diversity, this externship is focused on undergraduate students and recent graduates from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs).

In this article, we’ll cover:

What is the Accenture Elevate to Innovate program, and why should you apply?
How to ace the application process
Other Accenture internships that should be on your radar
3 tips on how to build a relationship with Accenture

Let’s get started!

What is the Accenture Elevate to Innovate Program?

Accenture is one of the largest consulting firms in the world, with offices in 200 cities across almost 50 countries. Many of the biggest global companies, from Fortune 500 to government organizations, work with Accenture.

Accenture has many professional service offerings; one of the core competencies is management and strategy consulting. It is also particularly known for its technological expertise. Accenture consultants often work on projects at the cutting edge of technology, such as digital transformation, data analytics, and artificial intelligence, leveraging this expertise to help drive value for their clients. To learn more about the firm and culture, take a look at our deep dive on ”Why Accenture?”

Landing a role with Accenture is an excellent way to start a career in consulting, but it is also highly competitive. One way to get a deeper understanding of the organization, build credibility in the industry, and pick up some of the skills required to land a full-time job, is through the Accenture Elevate to Innovate Externship.

For successful applicants, the externship offers a rich learning experience through sessions on core consulting skills, such as problem-solving and working collaboratively in teams. The Accenture Elevate to Innovate Externship incorporates activities that put these skills to the test, enabling participants to learn about how innovative technology, such as artificial intelligence, can solve pressing business challenges. Participants can also receive Accenture skill certificates after the Elevate to Innovate Externship experience.

The externship also provides a unique opportunity to build a consulting network. Participants will meet other externs who are passionate about consulting and building a peer network. They will also gain exposure to Accenture employees, who can offer mentorship and guidance about how to secure a full-time job at the firm.

Another perk is getting a deeper look at Accenture beyond what’s available publicly or through general recruiting events. After completing Accenture Elevate to Innovate, participants will have a clearer understanding of the different potential career paths available if they work for Accenture full-time, as well as an understanding of its people and culture. Knowing the inside track is invaluable for candidates looking to find out if Accenture is a good fit for them.

How to Apply to the Accenture Diversity Externship

The Accenture Diversity Externship is available to college students or recent graduates from HBCUs and HSIs looking to get a job in consulting. It will suit those who are passionate about the intersection between business and technology.

Applications open each fall, at which point candidates can apply for the program that runs during the following calendar year. Securing a place on the Elevate to Innovate Externship is competitive, so make sure you set yourself up for success when you apply.

Accenture is looking for candidates who have a track record of demonstrating the capabilities needed to be a successful consultant. They want those who have had extensive involvement in extracurricular activities and can demonstrate skills such as leadership, teamwork, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving in a range of settings, whether in school or a job. They also want individuals who are clear, effective communicators with strong interpersonal skills.

To set yourself apart, start by making sure you have an effective consulting resume that clearly communicates your skills and experiences. It should be a tight 1-pager that’s clearly structured and focused on the impact you’ve made. And most of all, it should show the times when you have demonstrated the core consulting competencies that Accenture is after.

Then, ensure that you know about Accenture. Read case studies on Accenture’s work or thought leadership articles that they have recently published. Check the business news to see external reporting on the challenges they are facing and how they are meeting them. “Going the extra mile” will equip you better than your peers when networking and answering questions during the application process.

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Other Accenture Internships

The Accenture Elevate to Innovate Externship isn’t the only opportunity that Accenture offers to candidates who want to get a better sense of life and work at the firm. There are a number of others worth applying for. Let’s take a quick look at some of them:

The Consulting Summer Analyst Program is for those looking to get broad consulting experience. Applicants will work with Accenture mentors on real client situations and gain a sense of the quantitative side of consulting.
The Technology Summer Analyst Program involves working with Accenture team members to develop technological solutions to problems. It will suit applicants who have experience with programming.
The Strategy Summer Analyst Program involves working specifically on strategy problems, and on using data analysis and visualization to support strategic recommendations. Successful candidates will need an especially strong academic record.
The Finance Summer Analyst Program provides interns with experience in sales, pricing, and financial modeling. Candidates most likely to succeed are those who have some background in studying finance at college.

All of these programs provide invaluable experience to successful candidates and opportunities for them to differentiate themselves when subsequently applying for full-time roles.

3 Tips on How To Build a Relationship With Accenture

1. Network Intentionally

When you network, be deliberate. Reach out to people where there is common ground, such as those who attended the same college as you. Then, be sure to have clear, incisive questions prepared to ask them. Know clearly how you will sell yourself: have a 30-second intro that leverages your unique background and strengths, and deliver it with enthusiasm.

2. Study Accenture

Make sure you know more about Accenture than the next candidate. Listen to podcasts where their senior employees are interviewed and search for business articles about their work. Go beyond the obvious websites and form your perspective that you can share in your networking or interviews.

3. Talk to People Who Used to Work at Accenture

People who have left a company are often the best place to reflect on that firm’s strengths with the most clarity and objectivity. They’ll be especially well-positioned to pinpoint Accenture’s secret sauce and culture.

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In this article, we’ve covered:

The key details of the Accenture Elevate to Innovate program
The application process and how to maximize your chances of success
What other Accenture internships are out there
3 tips for building your connection to the firm

Still have questions?

If you have more questions about Accenture Elevate to Innovate, leave them in the comments below. One of My Consulting Offer’s recruiters will answer them.

Other people prepping for the Accenture Diversity Externship found the following pages helpful:

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