2026 Industrial Placement – Consulting (Strategy & Economics) – Bristol

We believe in the power of ingenuity to build a positive human future.

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. 

Power Your Curiosity at PA   

Why consider joining us in Strategy & Economics? 

• Our Strategy and Economics intern opportunity will get you to the heart of solving some of our client’s toughest problems.

• PA’s Strategy and Economics capability has a strong record of working with C-level leaders in major private and public sector organisations, directly addressing their biggest business and strategic challenges.

• As a key member of our team, you will collaborate with our consulting teams and senior leaders across various industries to develop and execute strategies that create value, enhance competitiveness, and foster long-term business stability.

• Whether it’s crafting growth plans, advising on capital allocation, or conducting economic and market analysis, you’ll help clients navigate complex landscapes and seize new opportunities.

• You will lead in the development and execution of the latest strategic thinking and have a thirst for fact-based analysis and problem solving.  Supported by a team of experts, you will contribute to the success of our clients by integrating growth strategies and investment insights, creating lasting impact on their organisations.

What you can expect  

• When you join as placement student, you will gain the knowledge and experience you need to build a successful career in consulting and contribute meaningfully to vital projects.

• You’ll be coached and guided by experts and have countless opportunities to broaden your experience on challenging projects and programmes.

• 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.

• You will also have the opportunity to get involved on a breadth of internal activities at PA, for example, developing community and engagement initiatives, writing thought leadership, or working on business development activities.

• As well as being part of PA’s global community, you’ll also be part of our growing Bristol-based team, playing an active role in developing our business and connecting with partners and clients in the region.

• Whatever you work on, you’ll be part of the team and free to build your networks, both here at PA and far beyond.

• 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 – Values | PA Consulting

Assessment process  

First Stage Assessments:

• Application form

• Online Assessments

• Shortlisting

• Final Stage Assessments:

• Assessment Centre

• Final Stage Interviews

The Offer    

• Operate at the leading edge of consulting, working at the intersection of strategy and investment advisory

• Gain invaluable experience by solving complex business challenges across a wide range of sectors (Consumer and Manufacturing, Health and Life Sciences, Energy and Utilities, Transport, Financial Services, Defence and Security and Public Sector)

• Support, training and coaching to give you the best experience in entering and exceeding in the working world and in-continuation of your studies

• Complete the year successfully, and you can expect to be fast-tracked through the graduate recruitment process when you finish your studies.

• If you are offered a graduate role following your placement with us you will join our 18-month Graduate Rotational Programme. In this programme you’ll have the opportunity to rotate through three of our 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 Bristol office

• This role will start in July 2026 and be for 12 months. We will confirm exact date at offer stage.

• Salary – £24,570

A career at PA is what you make of it — so power your curiosity and prepare to make an impact.

This role is open to undergraduates with an industrial placement within their course structure.

• 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.

We know the skill-gap and ‘somewhat need to tick every box’ can get in the way of meeting brilliant candidates, so please don’t hesitate to apply – we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today by completing our online application

Please be aware that some of our UK roles at PA Consulting require a UK security clearance.

All PA people are required to undergo background checks and to achieve the Baseline Personnel Security Standard however, some UK roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting, where applicants must have at least 5 years of continuous residency in the UK.

We therefore ask that you only apply if you meet the residency requirements (i.e. you are a British citizen or have been resident in the UK for the past 5 years), as this is the prerequisite for a security clearance. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, we encourage you to review the UK Government’s guidance on security vetting before applying.

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.

Find out more about Life at PA here.

We are dedicated to supporting the physical, emotional, social and financial well-being of our people. If you join us, full time in a permanent role, 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
• PA share ownership
• 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.

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