As a Consultant at Extern, your day-to-day activities will revolve around solving real business problems for corporate partners. You will work within a structured framework designed to maximize both your learning and your deliverable quality.

Your primary responsibility is to conduct thorough research and analysis on a specific business challenge provided by a partner company. This involves gathering market data, analyzing competitor strategies, and synthesizing your findings into clear, actionable recommendations. You will work closely with your peer cohort, collaborating virtually to divide tasks, brainstorm solutions, and align on project direction.

In addition to research, you will be responsible for creating high-quality presentations and reports. You will draft slide decks that clearly communicate your team's strategic recommendations, ensuring that data is presented logically and professionally. You will also participate in regular check-ins and feedback sessions, refining your deliverables based on guidance from program leaders and corporate stakeholders.

The Consultant role at Extern is designed to be highly accessible, prioritizing potential, drive, and soft skills over extensive corporate experience.

• Academic Openness – This opportunity is open to all majors. Whether you are studying business, computer science, biology, history, or the arts, your unique perspective is welcomed.

• Communication Skills – Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential. You must be able to articulate complex ideas clearly and write professional reports.

• Collaboration & Teamwork – A strong ability to work productively in virtual, diverse teams is required. You should be comfortable coordinating tasks and sharing responsibilities.

• Adaptability – You must be willing to learn quickly, embrace feedback, and adapt your approach as project requirements evolve.

• Must-have skills – Strong analytical curiosity, basic slide creation (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides), and professional verbal communication.

• Nice-to-have skills – Prior internship experience in any field, basic data analysis skills, or experience presenting to stakeholders.

Q: How difficult is the interview process for the Consultant role? A: The process is generally rated as average in difficulty. The interviewers are known to be very kind, patient, and understanding, creating a comfortable and low-stress environment for candidates.

Q: Can I apply if I do not have a business or finance background? A: Yes, absolutely. The Consultant program at Extern is explicitly open to all majors. The hiring team highly values diverse academic backgrounds because they lead to more creative problem-solving.

Q: What is the format of the self-recorded digital interview? A: The digital interview is hosted on an online platform where you are presented with questions and record your responses using your webcam. In many cases, you are allowed to record your answers multiple times before submitting, allowing you to refine your delivery.

Q: How long does the entire interview process take? A: The process is typically very efficient. From submitting your online application to receiving a decision after your final live Zoom interview, the timeline generally spans a few weeks.

To ensure you perform at your best, keep these practical tips in mind as you prepare for your Extern interviews:

• Practice your digital presence: For the self-recorded video interview, ensure you are in a quiet, well-lit space. Look directly at the camera rather than your screen to simulate eye contact, and practice speaking at a steady, conversational pace.
• Prepare your "What would you do differently" story: This is a very common question in the final round. Choose an actual experience where things did not go perfectly, and focus at least 70% of your answer on what you learned and how you corrected your approach in subsequent projects.
• Emphasize your collaborative spirit: Since you will be working closely with other externs, make sure to highlight your experience working in teams. Use "we" as well as "I" when describing project successes to show you are a team player.

• Show genuine curiosity: Prepare 2-3 thoughtful questions for your live interviewer. Ask about the types of projects past cohorts have worked on, how feedback is structured, or what qualities make a consultant successful in this program.

Securing a Consultant role at Extern is an incredible opportunity to build your professional portfolio, work with major brands, and develop highly transferable strategic skills. The interview process is designed to find curious, motivated, and collaborative individuals from all academic backgrounds. By focusing your preparation on reflective behavioral storytelling, articulating your unique value, and demonstrating a strong willingness to learn, you can approach your interviews with confidence.

As you finalize your preparation, take the time to practice your verbal delivery and structure your past experiences using the STAR framework. Remember that the hiring team at Extern is looking for potential, adaptability, and diversity of thought. Approach each stage of the process with authenticity and enthusiasm, and you will set yourself up for a successful outcome.

The salary and compensation insights provided above show the typical range for project-based consulting roles at this level. While compensation is an important factor, the real-world experience, professional networking opportunities, and skill development you gain as an Extern consultant provide immense long-term career value. For more detailed interview insights, company reviews, and preparation resources, you can explore additional materials on Dataford.