KPMG Internships: How to Apply, What to Expect, and Why They Matter

Landing a KPMG internship is one of the best ways to launch your career in consulting, accounting, or finance. Whether you’re targeting the KPMG summer internship or one of its specialized programs in audit, tax, or advisory, these opportunities provide hands-on client experience, professional mentorship, and a clear pathway to a full-time offer. Known for its global reach and structured training, KPMG offers interns real-world exposure that builds technical and interpersonal skills essential for long-term success.

TL;DR – What You Need to Know

A KPMG internship offers structured, paid professional experience in consulting, audit, and tax, providing real-world training, mentorship, and a direct pathway to full-time roles.

• KPMG internships provide hands-on experience in audit, tax, advisory, and consulting with mentorship and client exposure.
• The KPMG internship program lasts 8 to 10 weeks and includes technical training, networking, and structured performance feedback.
• Interns are paid competitively, earning $8,000 to $15,000 for summer internships depending on city and department.
• The KPMG internship acceptance rate is highly competitive, averaging 4% to 8% across offices and roles.
• Internships often lead to full-time offers and help students build global networks and professional skills for long-term career growth.

What Is a KPMG Internship and Why It Matters

A KPMG internship is a structured, professional training program where students and recent graduates gain real-world experience across areas like audit, tax, advisory, and consulting. It provides hands-on exposure to client work, mentorship from experienced professionals, and a pathway to full-time employment after graduation.

Interning at KPMG offers a unique blend of technical and business learning. You’ll work alongside experienced consultants and auditors, contributing to live projects that impact global organizations. This hands-on experience helps you develop analytical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that are critical in consulting and professional services.

KPMG internships are typically offered in major business areas, including:

• Audit and Assurance: Focusing on financial statement analysis, compliance, and risk evaluation.
• Tax: Learning about corporate tax strategy, compliance, and advisory for global clients.
• Advisory and Consulting: Working on strategic, operational, and digital transformation projects.
• Technology and Data Analytics: Exploring how data, AI, and automation drive decision-making in business.

The purpose of a KPMG internship goes beyond gaining technical expertise. It allows you to:

• Understand the culture and structure of a global consulting firm.
• Build professional relationships through mentorship and networking opportunities.
• Develop leadership and communication skills that translate into any business career.
• Secure a strong chance at a return offer for a full-time position, as KPMG often extends offers to high-performing interns.

For students interested in consulting or finance, a KPMG internship serves as both a learning platform and a career accelerator. It bridges the gap between classroom theory and real-world business problem-solving, making it one of the most valuable early-career opportunities in the professional services industry.

What to Expect from the KPMG Internship Program

The KPMG internship program offers structured, hands-on experience across consulting, audit, tax, and advisory. Interns work on real client projects, receive mentorship from professionals, and participate in networking events that build technical, analytical, and interpersonal skills essential for launching a successful career in business or consulting.

KPMG’s internship program is designed to simulate the experience of a full-time professional while giving you the support and guidance of a learning environment. Most programs last around 8 to 10 weeks, typically during the summer, and combine formal training with real-world project work.

You’ll begin with orientation and technical training that introduces KPMG’s service lines, professional ethics, and digital tools used across engagements. Afterward, interns are assigned to client teams, where they contribute to active projects and apply classroom knowledge in real business situations.

Key elements of the program include:

• Mentorship and Coaching: Each intern is paired with a mentor who provides feedback, guidance, and career advice.
• Skill Development: Workshops and hands-on assignments build core consulting, communication, and analytical capabilities.
• Networking Opportunities: Social and professional events allow interns to meet partners, managers, and peers across business units.
• Performance Feedback: Regular evaluations help you understand strengths and areas for improvement.

The KPMG internship program stands out because it blends technical learning with meaningful exposure to client challenges. You’ll see firsthand how teams collaborate across service lines to deliver strategic solutions, giving you insight into the consulting, auditing, and advisory processes that define KPMG’s global reputation.

Types of KPMG Internships You Can Apply For

KPMG offers several internship types, including consulting, audit, tax, technology, and advisory roles. Each KPMG consulting internship or specialized program, such as the Embark and Global Internship, provides hands-on project experience and professional training tailored to your academic background and career interests.

KPMG provides a wide range of internship opportunities designed to match students’ academic disciplines and professional goals. These programs vary by service line, location, and duration, but all share the goal of developing future leaders through practical learning and mentorship.

The most popular types of KPMG internships include:

• KPMG Consulting Internship: Focused on strategy, operations, and digital transformation projects.
• KPMG Audit Internship: Ideal for students in accounting or finance, this internship offers experience in auditing financial statements, assessing risk, and ensuring compliance.
• KPMG Tax Internship: Provides hands-on exposure to corporate and international tax planning, compliance, and advisory projects.
• KPMG Technology and Data Analytics Internship: Involves analyzing business data and using analytics tools to inform strategic decisions.
• KPMG Cybersecurity Internship: Focuses on identifying, assessing, and mitigating cyber risks in enterprise systems.

Beyond these core categories, KPMG also runs specialized programs:

• Embark Internship: A developmental program for underclassmen introducing them to professional services.
• Global Internship Program: Offers international placements in global offices, providing cultural and professional exposure.

No matter which program you choose, every KPMG internship is designed to help you build technical and interpersonal skills while exploring different aspects of the professional services industry.

Are KPMG Internships Paid and How Much Do Interns Earn

Yes, KPMG internships are paid. Compensation varies by office location, department, and program type, with interns typically earning between $8,000 and $15,000 for a 10-week summer term. Pay reflects regional cost of living, and KPMG’s internship salaries rank among the most competitive in professional services.

KPMG pays all interns, reflecting the value the firm places on their contributions. While pay varies by service line and region, interns receive competitive salaries comparable to many entry-level roles in accounting and consulting.

Typical pay ranges:

• Audit or Tax Interns: $25 to $30 per hour (around $8,000 to $12,000 for summer)
• Advisory or Consulting Interns: $30 to $35 per hour (up to $15,000 depending on city)

Location significantly affects pay. For instance, interns in New York or San Francisco usually earn more than those in smaller markets.

While compensation is attractive, the greater value lies in the experience:

• Building technical and client-facing skills
• Receiving mentorship from senior professionals
• Gaining eligibility for full-time return offers

KPMG also provides benefits like professional training, wellness resources, and networking events, making the experience both financially rewarding and professionally enriching.

How to Apply and Get Selected for KPMG Internships

To apply for a KPMG summer internship, candidates submit an online application with a resume and tailored cover letter. The selection process includes multiple interviews and assessments. Strong communication, academic performance, and problem-solving skills are key factors that help candidates stand out.

The KPMG internship application process is structured and competitive. Each stage evaluates both technical skills and cultural fit.

Application steps:

1. Online Application: Submit a resume, cover letter, and academic transcript through KPMG’s careers portal.
2. Initial Screening: Recruiters assess academic background and relevant experience.
3. Assessments: Some roles require online aptitude or case-based tests.
4. Interviews: Behavioral and technical questions related to audit, consulting, or tax are common.
5. Offer Stage: Successful interns often receive full-time job offers post-internship.

Tips to improve your chances:

• Tailor your application to align with KPMG’s service lines and values.
• Highlight teamwork, leadership, and analytical experience.
• Prepare for behavioral and case-style interviews.

A well-prepared, authentic application backed by strong communication skills can significantly boost your chances of securing an internship offer.

How Competitive Is the KPMG Internship Acceptance Rate

The KPMG internship acceptance rate typically ranges between 4% and 8%, reflecting its competitiveness. Selection depends on academic performance, interview skills, and alignment with the firm’s values. Strong preparation and networking can significantly increase your odds of securing a position.

KPMG internships are among the most competitive opportunities in professional services. Thousands of students apply every year, but only a small percentage receive offers.

Key factors influencing acceptance:

• Academic Performance: A GPA of 3.5 or higher is generally competitive.
• Interview Preparation: Strong communication and structured problem-solving matter most.
• Relevant Experience: Campus leadership or work in finance, accounting, or analytics stands out.
• Networking: Meeting recruiters at events helps make a lasting impression.

Though the acceptance rate is low, with focused preparation and consistent effort, many candidates can successfully secure offers.

Key Benefits of a KPMG Internship Experience

A KPMG internship experience offers professional growth, mentorship, and networking opportunities that accelerate your career. Interns gain practical skills, client exposure, and often receive return offers for full-time positions. The experience helps you develop confidence and business insight early in your career.

Beyond technical training, KPMG internships foster leadership and career readiness.

Core benefits include:

• Mentorship and Coaching: Receive feedback and professional guidance.
• Networking: Connect with peers, partners, and industry leaders.
• Return Offers: Many interns transition into full-time roles.
• Skill Development: Build analytical, teamwork, and communication skills.
• Career Confidence: Experience consulting and business operations firsthand.

These benefits make KPMG internships one of the most rewarding early-career experiences in consulting and accounting.

Is a KPMG Internship Worth It for Your Career

Yes, a KPMG internship is worth it for anyone pursuing consulting, accounting, or finance. It offers top-tier experience, competitive pay, and pathways to full-time roles. Interns gain credibility, a global network, and practical skills that drive long-term career success.

A KPMG internship is not just an internship it’s a launchpad for a global career. You gain exposure to client work, mentorship, and professional networks that extend far beyond your time at the firm.

Long-term advantages include:

• A stronger resume for consulting and finance roles
• Access to the Big 4 alumni network
• Enhanced analytical and communication skills
• Long-term job opportunities across industries

The experience can serve as the foundation for careers in consulting, corporate strategy, or entrepreneurship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How hard is it to get an internship at KPMG?
A: Getting a KPMG internship is highly competitive, with an estimated 4% to 8% acceptance rate. Strong academics, interview preparation, and networking significantly improve your chances.

Q: Does KPMG pay their interns?
A: Yes, KPMG pays interns competitively. Most KPMG internships offer $8,000 to $15,000 for summer programs, depending on the role and city.

Q: What GPA do you need for a KPMG internship?
A: Most KPMG internships require a GPA of 3.5 or higher to remain competitive, though relevant experience and strong communication skills can strengthen an application.

Q: What do interns do at KPMG?
A: KPMG interns work on client projects in audit, tax, and consulting, gaining hands-on experience in business problem-solving, data analysis, and teamwork.

Q: Is a KPMG internship worth it?
A: Yes, a KPMG internship is worth it for its strong training, career exposure, and potential for full-time offers at a leading global firm.