Back in 2018, HANCOCK brought on board some
of its most exceptional interns yet.
We had a conversation with Ronald Pisano, a Senior Consultant at HANCOCK, to dive into the program, its participants, and the outcomes from that year.
1. What drives HANCOCK to run this program?
In the competitive job market, HANCOCK actively seeks out top student talent for internships. Each year, we refine and enhance the Summer Associate Program by comparing it to leading internship initiatives. This internship introduces participants to the consulting profession and places them in real consultant roles. Interns gain hands-on experience by traveling, engaging with clients, and delivering meaningful work that affects the firm. By giving them ownership, a voice in decision-making, and integrating them into our teams, we help interns determine whether this path and HANCOCK are the right match for them.
We also make sure it’s enjoyable. Interns immerse themselves in life in Chicago, join firm-wide events, collaborate on team projects, and bond as a group. They experience our culture directly through shared housing, participation in every firm event, and their own intern-led gatherings supported by a dedicated budget.
2. How are students chosen?
HANCOCK uses a traditional on-campus recruiting model. We participate in career fairs and deliver presentations at BIG 10 schools such as Purdue, Indiana University, Wisconsin, Michigan State, and Illinois. After the fairs, applicants take an Excel assessment, complete one or two phone interviews, and are invited to our Chicago office for the final stage — the Campus Recruiting “Superday.”
Students from other schools can still apply by sending their resumes, which we review and potentially include in our interview slate.
3. When does the program run?
Our Summer Associate Program spans 10 weeks during the summer months. Interns kick off their experience in early June alongside our new hires, starting with a week-long onboarding session focused on HANCOCK and how we operate. The program wraps in early August with final intern presentations and a celebratory closing event.
4. What sets it apart?
Throughout the program, interns travel and gain exposure just like full-time consultants. They play active roles across various facets of each project, working directly with client teams and producing deliverables that make a tangible impact.
In addition to personal assignments, interns collaborate on a broader Summer Associate group project. This team project is led and executed solely by interns and provides a chance to develop team dynamics. At summer’s end, interns present their work to the firm’s leadership and partners.
5. What are the outcomes?
Our goal is to retain all interns annually. Typically, 80% of those offered positions return to HANCOCK full-time. Those who choose a different path often go on to top-tier firms, including Big 3 consultancies or leading operations/manufacturing companies.
6. Why do they return after graduation?
“I’m returning to HANCOCK because of the people who truly believe in our values and shared mission. While the high-speed environment can be demanding, the support from driven and skilled teammates and leaders at HANCOCK makes all the difference. I chose to return because it’s the ideal place to grow both professionally and personally.”
Grace Lattner (2018 Summer Associate, May 2019 Consultant Class)
“HANCOCK lets you contribute meaningfully from the very first day. I was amazed by the amount of trust and responsibility placed on me as an intern. My seniors gave me tasks that mattered, and I even saw my work used during supplier negotiations.”
The HANCOCK culture is outstanding. Everyone genuinely wants to see you thrive and will lend a hand whenever needed. That stood out to me and played a major role in my decision to return.”
Fernando Mandujano (2018 Summer Associate, May 2019 Consultant Class)
“What attracts both graduates and new hires to HANCOCK is without a doubt the culture. The atmosphere here is open and supportive. Whether you’re a Consultant or a Partner, someone’s always ready to help if you have questions or need guidance.”
Dan Kwak (2017 and 2018 Summer Associate, full-time consultant)
“I quickly realized that HANCOCK offers unique opportunities from day one — direct client involvement, global travel, high-level client exposure, and elite training that set my experience apart from others.”
Emily Brett (2017 Summer Associate, Full-Time Consultant)
“Coming back to HANCOCK after my internship was an easy decision. The experiences I had — and continue to have — prove that HANCOCK is the best place to develop strong, real-world consulting and leadership skills.”
“The culture at HANCOCK is unlike any other. Here, every team member’s input is respected and directly influences decisions. Working side-by-side with both HANCOCK and client teams fosters lasting professional bonds and friendships that make each workday more rewarding.”
(2017 and 2018 Summer Associate, Full-Time Consultant)
“HANCOCK pushed me beyond my comfort zone and allowed me to grow through experiences I wouldn’t have had elsewhere. Despite the challenges, I always felt supported by the team, which helped me contribute meaningfully and grow personally.”
(2017 and 2018 Summer Associate, Full-Time Consultant)
“The work we do with clients and the impact we deliver are priceless. Each day brings fresh challenges, and through effective problem-solving, we stay motivated and deliver value to our clients.”
(2017 and 2018 Summer Associate, Full-Time Consultant)
If you'd like more details on the 2019 program, please click here to see our college visit schedule.
