The first step to become a consultant

When I first thought about writing this article, I felt a sense of trepidation. Landing a job in the challenging environment of 2019 was largely due to divine assistance, a stroke of luck, and my own persistent, albeit clumsy, efforts. Here, I’d like to share my internship experience with IBM’s summer Blue Pathway program, hoping to provide you with plenty of practical insights.

First Encounter with the Blue Giant

Even today, many students still say, “Isn’t IBM just a computer brand? Didn’t Lenovo acquire it?” In fact, Lenovo acquired IBM’s personal computer business in 2004. Since then, IBM has gradually shifted from providing traditional product-related services to offering comprehensive IT services, and now to helping enterprises undergo full-scale digital transformation and reinvention. As former IBM CEO Lou Gerstner mentioned in his autobiography, “It’s a question of whether an elephant can dance.” Today, the century-old IBM leverages its deep industry expertise and emerging technologies to help clients—and itself—seize opportunities in the new era.

The Blue Pathway summer internship program covers various business units at IBM, including software development, technical support, sales, consulting, and more. The two-month internship, which begins in early July, concludes with evaluations from HR and the intern’s team mentor. Outstanding performers may receive a full-time job offer upon graduation the following year. After an online application and two rounds of interviews, I was fortunate to join IBM GBS (Global Business Services) as an intern in the Digital Strategy Consulting practice in the summer of 2019.

Before becoming an IBM summer intern, I had the opportunity to work as a PTA (Part-Time Analyst) on one of IBM’s consulting projects. Under my mentor’s guidance, I learned to conduct case studies, draft interview summaries, and write analytical reports. This PTA role was my first experience working within a consulting project team, actively participating in research and communication tasks. My mentor even shared the Blue Pathway application link with me and helped refer me internally.

In early May, I received an interview invitation from IBM HR and immediately shared the good news with my mentor. Passing the initial screening was a pleasant surprise. Prior to this IBM PTA role, I had only completed a short-term PTA in market consulting and a few internships in other industries. Despite believing my skills met the standards for consulting interns and submitting carefully crafted cover letters, HR feedback often cited “experience mismatch” as a reason for rejection. It seemed that direct consulting project experience was crucial. Thus, my IBM PTA experience and my mentor’s referral played a pivotal role in securing this opportunity.

The Interview Journey

The first round of interviews took place in mid-May at IBM’s Shenzhen office in Nanshan District. It was a group interview consisting of an English speaking test and a case study. First, each candidate drew a topic, prepared for one minute, and delivered a one-minute impromptu speech. Then, we split into two groups to discuss the same case.

Our case was a classic management consulting scenario. Each group discussed independently, presented their findings, and engaged in a Q&A session. Compared to interviews at other companies, IBM’s group interview felt more objective and harmonious. The HR team paid attention to each participant’s performance, and after the group summary, everyone was given a chance to speak. Post-interview, the HR team even provided detailed feedback on the case.

The second round was a phone interview. When the call came, I had just returned from a factory visit with my mentor and rushed to a nearby Starbucks to take the call. Most of the interview revolved around my IBM PTA experience, reflecting IBM’s pragmatic culture. The interviewer asked in-depth questions about my views on the industry and digital transformation, probing deeply into specifics. A few days later, I received the internship offer.

In summary, IBM GBS interviews focus on assessing genuine problem-solving abilities and whether candidates habitually think independently about business issues. For me, this mindset was cultivated gradually through internships, where I learned to build analytical frameworks and dissect problems under my mentor’s guidance. Fellow candidates who passed the interviews also stood out for their rational thinking and clear articulation during group discussions, many of whom had extensive internship experience.

This shows that internships at top companies are not just resume boosters for graduates—they foster a way of thinking that translates into tangible workplace competitiveness.

Embarking on the Blue Pathway

In early July, I arrived in Shenzhen to begin my summer internship. However, this project was quite different from the IBM project I had worked on as a PTA. By the time I joined, many deliverables had already been submitted, and the project was in its later PMO (Project Management Office) phase. This made it challenging for me, with only two months of internship, to find my footing.

I discussed this with my mentor and proactively took on tasks like compiling weekly reports. I also asked the PM if I could attend various project meetings. These early efforts helped me quickly integrate with the team and gain a preliminary understanding of the project’s scope and progress. Later, under my mentor’s guidance, I conducted industry and company research. Whenever my busy mentor had time, we would discuss my findings.

Through this process, I learned the right way to communicate with my mentor and other consultants: always be proactive! Even for long-term tasks, I used tools like highlighted Excel files, concise PowerPoint slides, or brief WeChat messages to ensure my mentor could grasp my research findings with minimal time investment. This marked my transition from a student mindset to a professional one—a lesson I’m deeply grateful to my mentor and colleagues for teaching me.

Beyond daily tasks, I teamed up with fellow interns in Shenzhen to participate in IBM-organized workshops, where we learned to apply IBM’s classic Design Thinking methodology to solve problems. We also invited IBM industry leaders for roundtable discussions, handling everything from guest invitations and agenda planning to promotion and on-site coordination with HR support. Additionally, we explored IBM’s E-learning platform, taking courses and sharing insights.

These activities allowed us to immerse ourselves in IBM’s culture, learn cutting-edge technology and business knowledge, and forge friendships with talented peers.

The Return Offer

After the internship ended, I received a return offer in early November and immediately shared the exciting news with the mentors and friends I’d met at IBM. While the internship revealed areas for improvement, IBM’s seasoned professionals were always approachable, offering valuable advice and recognizing my progress. This offer was inseparable from their support.

On a personal level, clear career planning, seizing internship opportunities, and a proactive attitude contributed to securing this offer. Since my junior year, I had been exploring consulting internships, and by my second year of graduate school, I finally landed one. Previous PTAs in consulting and multiple investment research internships laid the groundwork.

During graduate school, I turned down internships in other industries and balanced coursework, thesis writing, and my IBM PTA role, which gave me a deep understanding of the consulting project lifecycle. Driven by my passion for consulting, I approached every task with full enthusiasm. Though naturally reserved, I grew more comfortable initiating conversations with my mentor to identify areas for growth.

Advice for Future Graduates

As graduation season approaches, I’d like to share this with soon-to-be graduates: Facing an increasingly competitive job market, take a moment to calmly assess your personality traits and knowledge base. Understand your job preferences and prioritize them. You might even list your past experiences on paper to clarify or adjust your goals before presenting your authentic self to interviewers.

Beyond self-analysis, actively researching the job market is crucial. Stay informed about your target industry’s trends and discuss your profile and plans with experienced professionals. Learn about your target companies’ culture, hiring criteria, and interview processes to avoid blind applications and unprepared battles. If you’re seeking an internship to boost your profile, remember this: Those who patiently excel at simple tasks will find it easier to tackle complex ones.

I recall my first internship, where the previous intern left me a seating chart clearly labeling the names and teams of over 70 colleagues to facilitate daily communication. No task is too small—doing even the simplest things well can yield rewards and showcase your capabilities.

As I wrap up, I notice IBM’s 2020 Blue Pathway program has just launched. I’m delighted to introduce this internship to you all. Having just taken my first step toward becoming a consultant, I know my journey has only just begun.