ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú

Requirements to be eligible to sit for the CPA exam and/or to be licensed as a CPA vary by state and are currently in a period of rapid change.

Visit the  for links to state-by-state details and consult with an academic advisor early to plan your program of study.

First Year

• Networking
  • All-Year: Employers host both in-person and virtual campus events, like info sessions and coffee chats, to share details about upcoming roles.
• Early Insights and BUS 106
  • August: Employers begin opening applications for early engagement programs targeting first-year and sophomore students
  • Fall Semester: Take BUS 106 to gain career insights and set yourself up for success with your business classes.
• Applications and Career Fair
  • Fall and Spring Semesters: Attend Career Fair to practice networking and introducing yourself to recruiters. While not all companies have internships for Freshmen, some companies may have freshman development programs throughout the summer to gain experience.

Sophomores

• Fall and Spring Semesters: Attend Career Fair to network with employers and apply for internships for the summer.
• August-February: Apply for internships. There may be some firms that hire incoming third-year students for the summer.
• March-May: There may be firms starting to post internships for incoming third-year students, so check job searching websites like LinkedIn to stay up-to-date when companies start to post internships.

Juniors

• August-February: Apply for internships for the summer. While competitive, take advantage of your network and ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú alumni to help secure an internship.
  • July–August: Internship applications open (some Big 4 roles post as early as July). Students should prepare resumes and attend summer info sessions.
  • August–September: Peak application and interview season during fall recruiting events.
  • October: Final interviews and offers extended. 
  • January–February: Occasional late-cycle postings from smaller firms or open roles.

Seniors

• August-November: Apply for full-time jobs
• August: Start preparing for the CPA exam if you plan to get certified.
• September-October: Interviews and Offers
  • Fall semester is the most popular time of recruitment for accounting majors.
• All year: Follow up with connections in your network
• All year: Consider scheduling your CPA exam to be taken after graduation. To ensure you get the time slot and location of the exam that you would prefer, it is recommended to schedule the exam 45 days in advance.

Top Companies FSB students accepted offers for post-graduation: 

• Networking
  • All year: Employers host both in-person and virtual campus events, like info sessions and coffee chats, to share details about upcoming roles.
• Early Insights and BUS 106
  • August: Employers begin opening applications for early engagement programs targeting first-year and sophomore students.
  • Fall Semester: Take BUS 106 to gain career insights and set yourself up for success with your business classes.
• Applications and Career Fair
  • Fall and Spring Semesters: Attend Career Fair to practice networking and introducing yourself to recruiters. While not all companies have internships for Freshmen, some companies may have freshman development programs throughout the summer to gain experience.

Sophomores

• Fall and Spring Semesters: Attend Career Fair to network with employers and apply for internships for the summer.
• September-April: Apply for internships. There may be some firms that hire incoming third-year students for the summer.
  • August: Postings go live for some large firms (e.g., Amazon, Capital One, Deloitte).
  • September–October: Peak recruiting season; interviews begin.
  • November–December: Offers extended.
  • January–February: Second wave of postings from mid-size firms and startups.
  • March–April 2025: Final opportunities for late-cycle internships.

Juniors

• September-April: Apply for internships.
  • August: Postings go live for some large firms (e.g., Amazon, Capital One, Deloitte)
  • September–October: Peak recruiting season; interviews begin.
  • November–December: Offers extended.
  • January–February: Second wave of postings from mid-size firms and startups.
  • March–April 2025: Final opportunities for late-cycle internships.

Seniors

• September-March: Apply for full-time jobs
• October-November: Interviews and Offers
  • Fall semester is the most popular time of recruitment for business analytics majors.
• All year: Follow up with connections in your network.

Top Companies FSB students accepted offers for post-graduation:

First Year

• Networking
  • All year: Employers host both in-person and virtual campus events—like info sessions and coffee chats—to share details about upcoming roles, diversity programs, and application timelines.
• Early Insights and BUS 106
  • August: Employers begin opening applications for early engagement programs targeting first-year and sophomore students.
  • Fall Semester: Take BUS 106 to gain career insights and set yourself up for success with your business classes.
• Applications and Career Fair
  • Fall and Spring Semesters: Attend Career Fair to practice networking and introducing yourself to recruiters. While not all companies have internships for Freshmen, some companies may have freshman development programs throughout the summer to gain experience.

Sophomores

• Fall and Spring Semesters: Attend Career Fair to network with employers and apply for internships for the summer.
• September-March: Apply for internships. There may be some firms that hire incoming third-year students for the summer.
  • August–September: Early internship postings open—especially at firms in finance, consulting, government, and economic research.
  • September–October: Peak interview season for early applicants.
  • November–December: Offers go out; some roles may close.
  • January–March: Mid-size firms and smaller organizations post remaining internships.

Juniors

• Fall and Spring Semesters: Attend Career Fair to network with employers and apply for internships for the summer.
• September-March: Apply for internships.
  • August–September: Early internship postings open—especially at firms in finance, consulting, government, and economic research.
  • September–October: Peak interview season for early applicants.
  • November–December: Offers go out; some roles may close.
  • January–March: Mid-size firms and smaller organizations post remaining internships.

Seniors

• September-February: Apply for full-time jobs
• September–October: Peak Interview/Offer Season. Ideal for roles in consulting (e.g., Deloitte, BCG), finance (e.g., JPMorgan, Capital One), economic research and analyst roles, and corporate rotational programs. Students who completed internships the previous summer may receive return offers as early as August.
• All year: Follow up with connections in your network.

Top Companies FSB students accepted offers for post-graduation: 

First Year

• Networking
  • All year: Employers host both in-person and virtual campus events—like info sessions and coffee chats—to share details about upcoming roles, diversity programs, and application timelines.
• Early Insights and BUS 106
  • August: Employers begin opening applications for early engagement programs targeting first-year and sophomore students
  • Fall Semester: Take BUS 106 to gain career insights and set yourself up for success with your business classes.
• Applications and Career Fair
  • Fall and Spring Semesters: Attend Career Fair to practice networking and introducing yourself to recruiters. While not all companies have internships for Freshmen, some companies may have freshman development programs throughout the summer to gain experience.

Sophomores

• Fall and Spring Semesters: Attend Career Fair to network with employers and apply for internships for the summer.
• September-May: Apply for internships. There may be some firms that hire incoming third-year students for the summer.
  • September–November: Earliest wave of opportunities (especially from startup accelerators, VC firms, and innovation labs).
  • December – February: Peak posting time for internships at smaller firms and startups.
  • March–May: Rolling or last-minute opportunities (common in startup environments).

Juniors

• Fall and Spring Semesters: Attend Career Fair to network with employers and apply for internships for the summer.
• September-May: Apply for internships.
  • September–November: Earliest wave of opportunities (especially from startup accelerators, VC firms, and innovation labs).
  • December – February: Peak posting time for internships at smaller firms and startups.
  • March–May: Rolling or last-minute opportunities (common in startup environments).

Seniors

• January-May: Apply for full-time jobs
• January – April: Peak interview and job offers. Most startups, small businesses, and innovation-focused roles hire closer to immediate need. Interviews and offers happen later in the academic year, often on a rolling basis.
• All year: Follow up with connections in your network.

Top Companies FSB students accepted offers for post-graduation:

First Year

• Networking
  • All-Year: Employers host both in-person and virtual campus events, like info sessions and coffee chats, to share details about upcoming roles, diversity programs, and application timelines.
• Early Insights and BUS 106
  • August: Employers begin opening applications for early engagement programs targeting first-year and sophomore students.
  • Fall Semester: Take BUS 106 to gain career insights and set yourself up for success with your business classes.
• Applications and Career Fair
  • Fall and Spring Semesters: Attend Career Fair to practice networking and introducing yourself to recruiters. While not all companies have internships for Freshmen, some companies may have freshman development programs throughout the summer to gain experience.

Sophomores

• Fall and Spring Semesters: Attend Career Fair to network with employers and apply for internships for the summer.
• August-December: Apply for internships. There may be some firms that hire incoming third-year students for the summer.
  • June–July: Applications open for many top-tier finance internships.
  • August–September: First-round and final-round interviews take place.
  • October: Many finance internship offers have already been extended.
  • November–February: Some mid-size firms and corporate finance roles post openings.
  • March–April: Last-minute or smaller firm opportunities may still be available.

Juniors

• Fall and Spring Semesters: Attend Career Fair to network with employers and apply for internships for the summer.
• August-December: Apply for internships.
  • June–July: Applications open for many top-tier finance internships.
  • August–September: First-round and final-round interviews take place.
  • October: Many finance internship offers have already been extended.
  • November–February: Some mid-size firms and corporate finance roles post openings.
  • March–April: Last-minute or smaller firm opportunities may still be available.

Seniors

• August-January: Apply for full-time jobs.
• August-October: Peak season for interviews and offers
  • Fall semester is the most popular time of recruitment for finance majors.
• All year: Follow up with connections in your network.

Top Companies FSB students accepted offers for post-graduation:

• Networking
  • All-Year: Employers host both in-person and virtual campus events, like info sessions and coffee chats, to share details about upcoming roles, diversity programs, and application timelines.
• Early Insights and BUS 106
  • August: Employers begin opening applications for early engagement programs targeting first-year and sophomore students.
  • Fall Semester: Take BUS 106 to gain career insights and set yourself up for success with your business classes.
• Applications and Career Fair
  • Fall and Spring Semesters: Attend Career Fair to practice networking and introducing yourself to recruiters. While not all companies have internships for Freshmen, some companies may have freshman development programs throughout the summer to gain experience.

Sophomores

• Fall and Spring Semesters: Attend Career Fair to network with employers and apply for internships for the summer.
• September-April: Apply for internships. There may be some firms who hire incoming third-year students for the summer.
  • September–October: Larger employers (like Fortune 500 companies, consulting firms, and major HR departments) begin posting internship roles. Some roles may be part of structured HR development or leadership programs. 
  • November–December: Continued interviews and early offers for competitive internships in corporate HR, talent acquisition, and learning and development. 
  • January–March: Many medium-sized companies and nonprofits begin posting. Good time for students to find HR internships in local businesses or government agencies.
  • April–May: Final postings; limited roles available at this point.

Juniors

• Fall and Spring Semesters: Attend Career Fair to network with employers and apply for internships for the summer.
• September-April: Apply for internships.
  • September–October: Larger employers (like Fortune 500 companies, consulting firms, and major HR departments) begin posting internship roles. Some roles may be part of structured HR development or leadership programs. 
  • November–December: Continued interviews and early offers for competitive internships in corporate HR, talent acquisition, and learning and development. 
  • January–March: Many medium-sized companies and nonprofits begin posting. Good time for students to find HR internships in local businesses or government agencies.
  • April–May: Final postings; limited roles available at this point.

Seniors

• August-May: Apply for full-time jobs
• September-October: Peak season for interviews and offers
  • Fall semester is the most popular time of recruitment for finance majors.
• All year: Follow up with connections in your network.

Top Companies FSB students accepted offers for post-graduation: 

First Year

• Networking
  • All year: Employers host both in-person and virtual campus events—like info sessions and coffee chats—to share details about upcoming roles, diversity programs, and application timelines.
• Early Insights and BUS 106
  • August: Employers begin opening applications for early engagement programs targeting first-year and sophomore students.
  • Fall Semester: Take BUS 106 to gain career insights and set yourself up for success with your business classes.
• Applications and Career Fair
  • Fall and Spring Semesters: Attend Career Fair to practice networking and introducing yourself to recruiters. While not all companies have internships for Freshmen, some companies may have freshman development programs throughout the summer to gain experience.

Sophomores

• Fall and Spring Semesters: Attend Career Fair to network with employers and apply for internships for the summer.
• September-March: Apply for internships. There may be some firms that hire incoming third-year students for the summer.
  • September: Government agencies (like NSA, FBI, and DoD contractors) often open early. Big tech and finance (Google, Microsoft, JPMorgan) also start recruiting.
  • October–November: Peak interview season for early applicants.
  • December 2024: January–Offers sent out for many top roles.
  • February–April: Late-cycle postings (startups, smaller firms, rolling deadlines).

Juniors

• Fall and Spring Semesters: Attend Career Fair to network with employers and apply for internships for the summer.
• September-March: Apply for internships.
  • September: Government agencies (like NSA, FBI, and DoD contractors) often open early. Big tech and finance (Google, Microsoft, JPMorgan) also start recruiting.
  • October–November: Peak interview season for early applicants.
  • December 2024: January–Offers sent out for many top roles.
  • February–April: Late-cycle postings (startups, smaller firms, rolling deadlines).

Seniors

• August-March: Apply for full-time jobs.
• September – October: Most interviews and offers happen during this time. Employers include government agencies (NSA, DoD), Big Tech (Google, Cisco), and security firms. On-campus recruiting is strongest in early fall.
• All year: Follow up with connections in your network.

Top Companies FSB students accepted offers for post-graduation: 

• Networking
  • All-Year: Employers host both in-person and virtual campus events, like info sessions and coffee chats, to share details about upcoming roles, diversity programs, and application timelines.
• Early Insights and BUS 106
  • August: Employers begin opening applications for early engagement programs targeting first-year and sophomore students
  • Fall Semester: Take BUS 106 to gain career insights and set yourself up for success with your business classes.
• Applications and Career Fair
  • Fall and Spring Semesters: Attend Career Fair to practice networking and introducing yourself to recruiters. While not all companies have internships for Freshmen, some companies may have freshman development programs throughout the summer to gain experience.

Sophomores

• Fall and Spring Semesters: Attend Career Fair to network with employers and apply for internships for the summer.
• January-May: Apply for internships. January-May are the busiest months for posting internships. There may be some firms that hire incoming third-year students for the summer.
  • January–February: Popular for recruiting for startups, smaller firms, nonprofits, and late-posting agencies. A good time for students who missed early deadlines.
  • March–April: Fewer roles, but still opportunities—especially for unpaid or academic-credit internships.

Juniors

• Fall and Spring Semesters: Attend Career Fair to network with employers and apply for internships for the summer.
• January-May: Apply for internships.
  • January–February: Popular for recruiting for startups, smaller firms, nonprofits, and late-posting agencies. A good time for students who missed early deadlines.
  • March–April: Fewer roles, but still opportunities—especially for unpaid or academic-credit internships.

Seniors

• August-May: Apply for full-time jobs.
• September-November: Peak season for interviews and offers.
• All year: Follow up with connections in your network.

Top Companies FSB students accepted offers for post-graduation: 

First Year

• Networking
  • All year: Employers host both in-person and virtual campus events—like info sessions and coffee chats—to share details about upcoming roles, diversity programs, and application timelines.
• Early Insights and BUS 106
  • August: Employers begin opening applications for early engagement programs targeting first-year and sophomore students.
  • Fall Semester: Take BUS 106 to gain career insights and set yourself up for success with your business classes.
• Applications and Career Fair
  • Fall and Spring Semesters: Attend Career Fair to practice networking and introducing yourself to recruiters. While not all companies have internships for Freshmen, some companies may have freshman development programs throughout the summer to gain experience.

Sophomores

• Fall and Spring Semesters: Attend Career Fair to network with employers and apply for internships for the summer.
• August-February: Apply for internships. There may be some firms that hire incoming third-year students for the summer.
  • September–October: Some national firms and commercial real estate companies begin posting (e.g., CBRE, JLL, Cushman & Wakefield).
  • November–December: Additional roles open as companies finalize summer staffing needs.
  • January–February: Internship posting season for smaller firms and regional brokerages.

Juniors

• Fall and Spring Semesters: Attend Career Fair to network with employers and apply for internships for the summer.
• August-February: Apply for internships.
  • September–October: Some national firms and commercial real estate companies begin posting (e.g., CBRE, JLL, Cushman and Wakefield).
  • November–December: Additional roles open as companies finalize summer staffing needs.
    January–February: Internship posting season for smaller firms and regional brokerages.

Seniors

• September-February: Apply for full-time jobs
• September–November: Peak Interview/Offer Season. Most interviews and offers for full-time real estate analyst, development, or brokerage roles happen now. University job boards, Handshake, and networking often lead to interviews during this time.
• All year: Follow up with connections in your network.

First Year

• Networking
  • All year: Employers host both in-person and virtual campus events—like info sessions and coffee chats—to share details about upcoming roles, diversity programs, and application timelines.
• Early Insights and BUS 106
  • August: Employers begin opening applications for early engagement programs targeting first-year and sophomore students.
  • Fall Semester: Take BUS 106 to gain career insights and set yourself up for success with your business classes.
• Applications and Career Fair
  • Fall and Spring Semesters: Attend Career Fair to practice networking and introducing yourself to recruiters. While not all companies have internships for Freshmen, some companies may have freshman development programs throughout the summer to gain experience.

Sophomores

• Fall and Spring Semesters: Attend Career Fair to network with employers and apply for internships for the summer. 
• August-March: Apply for internships. There may be some firms that hire incoming third-year students for the summer.
  • August–September: First wave of postings go live (large corporations).
  • October–November: Peak interview and offer period.
  • December–January: Slower hiring period, but some offers still go out.
  • February–March: Second wave of internships from mid-sized firms and late recruiters.

Juniors

• Fall and Spring Semesters: Attend Career Fair to network with employers and apply for internships for the summer. 
• August-March: Apply for internships.
  • August–September: First wave of postings go live (large corporations).
  • October–November: Peak interview and offer period.
  • December–January: Slower hiring period, but some offers still go out.
  • February–March: Second wave of internships from mid-sized firms and late recruiters.

Seniors

• September-March: Apply for full-time jobs.
• September–October: Peak Interview/Offer Season. Many companies aim to finalize hires by mid-to-late October.
• All year: Follow up with connections in your network.

Top Companies FSB students accepted offers for post-graduation:

U.S. consulting recruiting timeline for each student group:

• February/March: Application deadline for Ph.D., M.D., and J.D. bridge programs
• June: First application deadline for undergraduate internship and full-time roles, Ph.D., M.D., and J.D. full-time roles
• August: First application deadline for MBA full-time roles
• November: First application deadline for MBA internship roles

Breakdown by candidate group:

• Undergraduate/Master's Students:
  • Applications generally open around June for positions starting the following summer.
  • Interviews typically occur during July and August.
  • Offers are extended around August or September.
• MBA Students:
  • First-year MBAs seeking summer internships typically apply between November and December.
  • Second-year MBAs applying for full-time roles generally apply between August and September.
• Ph.D., M.D., J.D. Candidates:
  • Bridge program internships (short-term programs for advanced degree holders) typically have application deadlines between February and April.
  • Full-time applications for advanced degree holders are generally accepted between June and September. 

Tool to Utilize:   

First Year

• Explore the field: Research different types of consulting (management, technology, etc.) and learn about top firms like McKinsey, Bain, BCG, Deloitte, and others. Explore their websites, read industry articles, and consider attending online workshops like BCG's One Day at BCG.
• Focus on academics: Aim for a high GPA, as strong academic performance is highly valued by consulting firms.
• Build foundational skills: Develop strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills through coursework and extracurricular activities.
• Gain early exposure: Seek out internships in any industry to gain transferable skills like project management, teamwork, and client interaction.
• Consider freshman summer programs: Some firms offer early insight programs for freshmen from diverse backgrounds, providing a glimpse into consulting and networking opportunities. Examples include Bain Consulting Kickstart and Oliver Wyman First-Year Immersion. 

 Sophomore Year

• Continue building skills: Further refine your analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Target sophomore summer internships: Many top consulting firms offer internships specifically designed for sophomores. These provide valuable experience and can be a pipeline for future opportunities. Examples include Bain BEL, BCG Growing Future ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú, and the McKinsey Sophomore Summer Business Analyst Program.
• Expand your network: Attend company events, workshops, and career fairs to connect with consultants. Utilize LinkedIn, FSB ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Alumni networks to schedule coffee chats and in person job shadow opportunities.
• Participate in case competitions: Showcase your problem-solving abilities and gain practical experience by participating in case competitions, which can also provide networking opportunities. 

Junior Year

• Intensify networking efforts: Focus on building deeper relationships with consultants, aiming for referrals that can significantly boost your application chances.
• Prepare for case interviews: Begin practicing case interviews, which are a core part of consulting recruitment. Utilize online resources, casebooks, and mock interviews with peers or mentors.
• Polish your resume and cover letter: Tailor your application materials to highlight consulting-relevant skills and experience, quantifying achievements and showcasing leadership and impact.
• Apply for junior year internships: This is the peak recruiting season for competitive summer internships at top firms. Applications open as early as July or August.
• Leverage referrals: Secure referrals from consultants you've networked with, as this can give you a significant advantage in the application process. 

Senior year

• Recruit for full-time positions: If you successfully complete a junior year internship, you may receive a full-time offer. If not, senior year is your opportunity to apply for entry-level analyst roles.
• Continue case interview prep: Keep practicing your case interviews and behavioral questions to stay sharp.
• Stay updated on industry trends: Demonstrate your business acumen by staying informed about current events and industry developments.
• Consider full-time opportunities at other firms: Even if your internship doesn't lead to a full-time offer, the experience and network gained will be valuable in your search. 

Important Notes:

Consulting recruiting timelines are faster and earlier than in most other industries. Be proactive and start your preparation early.