PCG’s Internship Program has grown rapidly over the past five years—welcoming more than 200 interns and drawing over 17,900 applicants, resulting in an acceptance rate of about 1%. This extraordinary level of competitiveness has helped establish the program as one of PCG’s most influential early‑career pathways. This year’s Campus Forward Awards underscores the program’s evolution, exceptional candidate experience, and strategic role in PCG’s long‑term talent development.

Today, the program serves as a strong pipeline for early‑career talent: about one-third of interns over the past five years have continued with PCG through full‑time roles, extended internships, or returning for an additional internship. This continuation rate reflects not only the strength of the program but also the relationships and opportunities it creates.

To bring these numbers to life, our Corporate Marketing & Communications Department spoke with former interns—now full‑time contributors—and the senior leaders who championed their development. Their reflections, from the earliest cohort to the most recent, reveal a consistent truth: PCG’s internship program doesn’t just teach skills—it builds confidence, community, and long‑term opportunity.

Reflections on PCG’s Internship Program

“What stands out most to me about the intern experience at PCG is the interns’ intentional focus on connection, across practice areas, scopes of work, and with people who have recently been in the same stage of their career. I found that interns benefit most when they can see themselves reflected in others and begin to envision what their path forward might look like.  

As an intern supervisor and through my various meet n’ greets w/ them, I learned quickly that what resonates with senior leaders doesn’t always resonate with interns or entry staff. Today’s interns value autonomy, flexibility, connection, and a clear sense of achievement. 

From my experience, the most impactful elements of the intern experience include: 

• Opportunities to connect with multiple practice areas and types of work, helping interns explore interests and build confidence 
• Intentional connections with entry‑level and early‑career staff who can share recent, relatable experiences 
• Exposure to real work that provides a sense of ownership, accomplishment, and purpose 
• Flexibility and trust that allow interns to feel empowered rather than managed 
• Clear examples of what growth can look like at PCG, helping interns visualize their future and next steps 

Success is when the interns’ experience feels engaging, relevant, and motivating – for interns and leaders alike!”

• Darnyelle Cmil, MSW, PMP, CCMP, SHRM-CP, LSSBB, Associate Manager, ASG, Health SSO
  Former Intern Supervisor

“The biggest thing that engaged me throughout the internship program was the number of positive interactions I had during my 6 months interning at PCG. I’ve made so many great connections with wonderful people and had so many opportunities to learn and grow, which was the main reason why I wanted to return to PCG full time.”

• Nicholas Crump, Business Data Analyst, Health
  Former Intern, Education, 2024 & 2025 Cohort

“My success at PCG is deeply rooted in the support of my supervisor, Mauria Uhlik. From the start of my internship, she trusted me to explore my interests and strengths, setting a strong foundation for my growth. My team always fostered an environment that was welcoming, encouraging, and inclusive, where I was treated as a consultant from day one. Because of this, stepping into a full-time role felt like a continuation of the work I was already prepared to do.”

• Nicole Mora, Consultant, Education
  Former Intern, Education & Emerging Award Winner, 2024 Cohort

“Through the PCG Internship Program, I was privileged to work on a project that transformed and modernized a system that so many hardworking Americans use and will continue to use. PCG’s Internship Program allowed me not only to gain the experience I need today to do my job, but also to play a part in positively impacting the lives around us.”

• Matthew Waggett, Consultant, Technology Consulting
  Former IV&V Analyst Intern, Technology Consulting, 2022 Cohort

“Giving back through PCG Cares was truly one of the highlights of my internship at PCG. Having the opportunity to make an impact at the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in Boston while working side‑by‑side with fellow interns who were genuinely passionate about supporting those in need was such a memorable volunteer experience. It brought our intern cohort closer together, energized me, and deepened my connection to PCG’s culture and values. Contributing to something meaningful made me incredibly proud to be part of Public Consulting Group.”

• Siobhan Burke, Recruiter, Corporate
  Former Talent Acquisition Intern, Human Capital Management, 2024 Cohort

“I think the involvement of the shareholders has evolved over the years. It is so beneficial for someone who is young and figuring out what they want to do, to see the roots of the company and find those connections with the people that lead this company and themselves. I think PCG is making a conscious and committed effort to promote growth and finding early career talent.”

• Connor Staubley, Consultant, Health
  Former Business Analyst Intern, Health, 2021 Cohort

“Over time, our internship program has evolved from a small, seasonal initiative into a highly structured talent‑development engine that plays a meaningful role in shaping PCG’s future. The program has strengthened our overall talent strategy and enriched our culture—bringing fresh perspectives, renewed energy, and a spirit of continuous learning that positively influences teams across the company. As a result, the internship program has become not only a source of emerging talent, but also a catalyst for innovation and growth throughout PCG. 

During the summer of 2025, the Office of the COO engaged a college intern to develop an agentic AI compliance‑checking prototype to support the Resilience and Sustainability (R&S) line of business. In just ten weeks, she designed and built the application and produced all accompanying documentation. Her energy, expertise, and specialized technical skills enabled R&S to deepen its understanding of agentic AI and gain a tangible asset that will support future business needs.”

• Gary Garafolo, Chief Operating Officer, Office of the COO
  Former Intern Supervisor

PCG continues to strengthen its early‑career talent pipeline, the reflections shared by our former interns highlight what truly sets this program apart: meaningful work, supportive mentorship, and opportunities that extend far beyond a single summer. Their experiences—from our earliest cohorts to our most recent hires—demonstrate the long‑term impact of an internship program intentionally built to develop future leaders.

Darnyelle captured it well: Success is when the interns’ experience feels engaging, relevant, and motivating – for interns and leaders alike!”

This momentum continues to shape the program, with an even stronger emphasis on hands‑on learning, cross‑practice collaboration, and meaningful project work. We are eager to welcome the next class of emerging professionals and continue shaping a program that opens doors, fuels growth, and launches meaningful careers at PCG.