KPMG Embark Scholars: Step-By-Step Guide to Getting In

The KPMG Embark Scholars program is a competitive, multi-year paid internship designed to prepare high-achieving undergraduates for careers in professional services. Participants rotate through Audit, Tax, and Advisory, gain valuable hands-on experience, and receive mentorship from KPMG professionals.

In this article, we will explore the program’s structure, eligibility, application process, interview expectations, and tips to help you stand out.

What is the KPMG Embark Scholars Program?

The KPMG Embark Scholars Program is an 8-week paid internship that includes professional training, rotations across Audit, Tax, and Advisory, and a capstone project. It is designed to build technical skills, leadership abilities, and professional networks for students early in their college careers.

Program Duration and Structure

• Runs for 8 weeks during the summer
• Begins with professional development and training sessions
• Includes a team-based capstone project running throughout the program

Service Line Rotations

Participants rotate through:

• Audit – understanding financial statements and assurance services
• Tax – exposure to corporate and individual tax practices
• Advisory – involvement in strategy, risk, or deal advisory projects

Professional Development Opportunities

• Workshops on leadership, communication, and industry knowledge
• Guidance from mentors and peer networks within the firm
• Insights into client service and problem-solving in professional services

Path to Future Opportunities

Many participants are invited back for a second internship in their chosen service line, and a high percentage receive full-time job offers upon graduation.

Who is eligible to apply for the Embark Scholars Program?

You are eligible for the KPMG Embark Scholars Program if you are an undergraduate freshman or sophomore pursuing a degree in accounting, finance, information technology, computer science, engineering, or management information systems, and meet the program’s GPA, work authorization, and diversity criteria.

Academic and Degree Requirements

• Enrollment in an accredited college or university
• Majors such as accounting, taxation, finance, IT, computer science, engineering, or MIS
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)

Class Standing and Timing

• Open to students with at least two years of study remaining before graduation
• Targeted toward first- and second-year undergraduates to allow for a multi-year program path

Work Authorization

• Must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for future visa sponsorship

Diversity and Inclusion Focus

The program actively encourages applications from underrepresented racial and ethnic minority groups, including:

• Black or African American
• Hispanic or Latino
• American Indian or Alaska Native
• Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander

Additional Skills and Attributes

KPMG seeks candidates who demonstrate:

• Effective communication and leadership skills
• Strong time management and teamwork abilities
• Professionalism and adaptability
• Willingness to travel when needed

What documents and information does the application require?

The KPMG Embark Scholars application requires a resume, unofficial transcripts, educational information, contact details, and an optional cover letter to support your candidacy. Submitting complete, accurate, and well-prepared documents increases your chances of securing an interview.

Resume

• Keep it to one page and focus on achievements
• Use action verbs and quantify results where possible
• Highlight both technical and soft skills relevant to professional services

Unofficial Transcript

• Download a PDF copy from your school’s student portal
• Ensure it shows your cumulative GPA and completed coursework
• No need to request an official transcript unless specifically asked later

Educational Information

• Include your college name, intended major, and degree type
• Provide your start date and expected graduation date

Contact Information

• Current phone number, professional email, and mailing address
• Ensure all details are up to date to avoid communication delays

Optional Cover Letter

• While not always read, a strong cover letter can help borderline candidates
• Use it to explain your motivation for joining KPMG and your alignment with the program’s goals

How should you perfect your resume for Embark Scholars?

To perfect your resume for the KPMG Embark Scholars Program, keep it concise, quantify your achievements, and highlight experiences that showcase leadership, teamwork, and analytical skills relevant to professional services. A well-structured consulting resume is your strongest tool for securing an interview.

Keep it Concise and Focused

• Limit your resume to one page
• Remove outdated or irrelevant roles and details
• Prioritize content that aligns with KPMG’s core skills and values

Quantify Achievements

• Use numbers, percentages, or metrics to demonstrate impact
• Example: “Reduced data processing time by 25% through automated reporting”
• Show results in both academic projects and work experiences

Use Strong Action Verbs

• Begin each bullet with a past-tense action verb
• Examples: led, analyzed, developed, implemented, coordinated

Balance Technical and Soft Skills

• Include quantitative skills like data analysis or Excel modeling
• Highlight qualitative skills such as leadership, client communication, and problem solving

Avoid Jargon and Buzzwords

• Keep language clear and accessible to a non-technical audience
• Replace vague terms like “hard worker” with concrete evidence of achievement

What interview rounds can you expect and how should you prepare?

The KPMG Embark Scholars interview process typically includes a recruiter phone screen followed by one or more rounds of behavioral and motivational interviews. Preparation should focus on knowing your resume, practicing common interview questions, and demonstrating enthusiasm for the program.

Interview Stages

• Recruiter Phone Screen – A short call to confirm eligibility, review your resume, and discuss your interest in the program
• Behavioral Interviews – Questions that assess leadership, teamwork, problem solving, and adaptability
• Motivational Interviews – Explore your interest in professional services and why you want to work at KPMG

How to Prepare Effectively

• Review Your Resume Thoroughly – Be ready to discuss any role, project, or activity in detail
• Use the STAR Method – Structure answers around Situation, Task, Action, and Result for clarity
• Research KPMG’s Values and Service Lines – Understand how your skills and interests fit the firm

Practice Common Questions

• Tell me about yourself
• Describe a time when you led a team to success
• Give an example of solving a problem using data
• Why are you interested in KPMG?

Demonstrate Enthusiasm

• Show genuine passion for professional services and learning
• Engage positively with each interviewer, maintaining strong eye contact and active listening

Which behavioral and motivational questions are most common in Embark interviews?

Common behavioral and motivational questions for the KPMG Embark Scholars Program include scenarios about leadership, teamwork, problem solving, and your interest in KPMG. Preparing specific, structured answers to these questions can significantly improve your interview performance.

Frequently Asked Behavioral Questions

• Tell me about a time when you led a team to achieve a goal
• Describe a situation where you faced a challenge and overcame it
• Give an example of resolving conflict while working with others
• Share a time when you used data to solve a problem
• Describe a project where you had to manage competing priorities

Common Motivational Questions

• Why are you interested in professional services?
• Why do you want to work at KPMG?
• What do you hope to gain from the Embark Scholars Program?
• How does this internship fit into your long-term career goals?

Preparation Strategies

• Develop 6 to 8 Strong Stories – Pull from academic, extracurricular, and work experiences
• Cover Key Competencies – Leadership, communication, resilience, analytical thinking, and collaboration
• Use STAR Method – Focus on Actions and Results for maximum impact
• Be Authentic – Align your answers with your genuine motivations and interests

What are KPMG looking for beyond academics and experience?

Beyond academic performance and professional experience, KPMG seeks Embark Scholars who demonstrate leadership, adaptability, effective communication, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. These qualities help candidates succeed in the program and align with the firm’s culture.

Core Soft Skills

• Leadership – Taking initiative and guiding teams toward shared goals
• Communication – Clear, professional verbal and written communication with colleagues and clients
• Collaboration – Working effectively in diverse teams and valuing others’ perspectives
• Adaptability – Staying calm and productive when faced with change or ambiguity

Professional Attitudes

• Integrity – Upholding ethical standards in all work
• Accountability – Taking ownership of results and learning from mistakes
• Client Focus – Understanding client needs and delivering high-quality solutions

Commitment to Inclusion

KPMG values candidates who actively contribute to inclusive environments. Examples include:

• Participating in campus diversity initiatives
• Volunteering with community organizations
• Leading projects that promote equity or accessibility

How can underrepresented candidates improve their chances at Embark?

Underrepresented candidates can improve their chances of getting into the KPMG Embark Scholars Program by highlighting leadership in diverse communities, showcasing unique perspectives, and actively engaging in initiatives that align with KPMG’s inclusion goals. Demonstrating both skill and cultural fit is key.

Leverage Community Involvement

• Share experiences from student organizations, cultural clubs, or volunteer work
• Highlight leadership roles or projects that made a measurable impact
• Show how your contributions promoted inclusion or supported underserved groups

Showcase Unique Perspectives

• Connect your background and life experiences to problem solving and teamwork
• Emphasize adaptability and ability to collaborate across different viewpoints
• Share examples of bringing innovative solutions from diverse perspectives

Align With KPMG’s DEI Values

• Research KPMG’s diversity and inclusion programs to understand their priorities
• Incorporate language from those values into your application and interviews
• Demonstrate a long-term interest in contributing to an inclusive workplace

Strengthen Core Competencies

• Maintain strong academic performance
• Build technical and professional skills through internships, part-time work, or campus projects
• Practice clear, confident communication during networking and interviews

Should you apply early and how does the application timeline work?

You should apply to the KPMG Embark Scholars Program as early as possible because applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and early applicants have a higher chance of securing interview spots before positions fill. Deadlines are typically in late March, but exact dates may vary by year.

Rolling Application Review

• Applications are assessed as they are received
• Early submissions reduce competition and increase visibility to recruiters
• Delaying may result in fewer available interview slots

Typical Timeline

• Application Opens – Late fall or early winter
• Priority Review Period – First 4 to 6 weeks after opening
• Final Deadline – Usually around March 30 (confirm on KPMG’s official site)
• Interviews Conducted – Within a few weeks of application review

Why Early Matters

• Shows proactive interest in the program
• Gives more time for interview preparation if selected
• Allows for prompt follow-up on any missing documents or information

What benefits and full-time opportunities does Embark Scholars offer?

The KPMG Embark Scholars Program offers paid internship experience, professional training, mentorship, and high chances of securing a return internship or full-time job offer after graduation. Participants gain skills, networks, and exposure that position them strongly for careers in professional services.

Professional Development and Training

• Structured workshops on leadership, communication, and technical skills
• Guidance from mentors and access to peer support networks
• Opportunities to apply learning directly to client-related projects

Diverse Work Experience

• Rotations in Audit, Tax, and Advisory to explore career paths
• Hands-on exposure to real client challenges
• Capstone project work that builds collaboration and problem-solving skills

Networking and Mentorship

• Access to KPMG professionals across service lines and levels
• Connections with fellow Embark Scholars nationwide
• Career advice and coaching to support long-term goals

Pathway to Full-Time Employment

• Many Scholars are invited back for a second internship in their preferred service line
• High conversion rate to full-time offers upon graduation
• Clear career progression opportunities within the firm

Final Thoughts on the KPMG Embark Scholars Program

The KPMG Embark Scholars Program is a valuable opportunity for motivated undergraduates to gain paid internship experience, build professional skills, and explore career paths in Audit, Tax, and Advisory. By understanding the program’s structure, meeting eligibility criteria, and preparing thoroughly for the application and interview process, you can significantly improve your chances of being selected.

Approach each stage strategically, from perfecting your resume to showcasing leadership, communication, and adaptability, and remember to apply early to take advantage of rolling reviews. For many, Embark Scholars is not just a summer program but a direct pathway to a second internship and a full-time offer after graduation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the acceptance rate for KPMG internships?
A: The acceptance rate for KPMG internships is highly competitive, often in the single digits, as thousands of candidates apply each year. Strong academics, relevant experience, and a polished Embark Scholars application can improve your chances.

Q: Which Big 4 is hardest to get into?
A: Among the Big 4 firms (KPMG, Deloitte, PwC, and EY), the “hardest” to get into depends on role, location, and service line. McKinsey-style interview preparation and targeted applications help candidates stand out across all top firms.

Q: Is a KPMG internship worth it?
A: A KPMG internship is worth it for students seeking paid internship rotations, Audit Tax Advisory exposure, and networking opportunities. Many interns gain valuable skills, a capstone project experience, and potential full-time offers.

Q: What percentage of interns get hired?
A: The percentage of KPMG interns who receive full-time job offers varies by program and performance, but conversion rates are generally strong. Performing well during the Embark Scholars internship greatly increases the likelihood of an offer.

Q: Is KPMG internship prestigious?
A: Yes, a KPMG internship is considered prestigious due to the firm’s global reputation, structured training, and professional development. Completing the Embark Scholars program signals strong skills and industry readiness to future employers.