PwC Internship: 2025 Guide to Roles, Pay, and How to Get In

A PwC internship is one of the most sought-after opportunities for students looking to break into consulting, accounting, or professional services. As one of the Big Four, PwC offers summer and consulting internships that give you hands-on client experience, professional mentorship, and exposure to real business challenges. Whether you’re curious about the PwC internship salary, application process, or what interns actually do, this guide will help you understand every step.

TL;DR - What You Need to Know

• A PwC internship offers hands-on experience in consulting, audit, tax, and advisory, helping you develop skills and connections for a future full-time role.
• The PwC internship program provides mentorship, real client projects, and structured learning designed to accelerate professional growth.
• You can apply for PwC consulting, tax, or audit internships by meeting GPA requirements and completing an online assessment and interview process.
• The PwC internship salary averages $30 to $45 per hour, with 40-hour workweeks and access to valuable benefits and training.
• A PwC internship is ideal for students seeking career clarity, mentorship, and practical business experience in a global professional services firm.

What Is a PwC Internship and Why It Matters

A PwC internship is a professional development program that gives students real-world experience across consulting, audit, tax, and advisory services. Designed for undergraduates and graduates, a PwC internship helps you build technical, analytical, and leadership skills while gaining exposure to client projects and the global business environment.

PwC internships are known for blending structured learning with practical work experience. As an intern, you join one of the world’s leading professional services networks and collaborate with teams that advise major organizations on strategy, finance, operations, and risk.

Internships are typically offered during the summer or academic year and are available for different levels of study, including sophomore, junior, and MBA students. The most popular option is the PwC Advance Internship, which allows participants to work directly with clients under the mentorship of senior consultants.

You’ll also benefit from PwC’s emphasis on professional growth. Every intern is paired with a development coach who helps guide your performance, networking, and career exploration. This mentorship-driven approach allows you to develop consulting and business skills early, making it an ideal foundation for future full-time roles.

Many former interns continue at PwC as associates or consultants after graduation. The firm uses its internship programs to identify high-potential candidates who can contribute long term to its audit, tax, or consulting practices. For aspiring professionals looking to enter the Big Four, a PwC internship is often the first and most valuable step toward a successful consulting or finance career.

What Are the Benefits of a PwC Internship

A PwC internship offers students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and exposure to real client work across audit, tax, and consulting. It helps you develop technical and interpersonal skills, expand your professional network, and build a strong foundation for a full-time consulting or accounting career.

PwC designs its internship program to provide more than just work experience. You’ll gain insight into the firm’s culture, global impact, and career pathways while contributing to projects that matter.

Key benefits of a PwC internship include:

• Practical experience: Interns work on real client engagements, applying classroom knowledge to real-world business problems.
• Mentorship and development: Each intern is paired with a career coach or team mentor who provides feedback and career guidance.
• Training and learning: Structured onboarding and skill-building sessions introduce you to tools, methodologies, and professional standards used by PwC consultants.
• Networking opportunities: You’ll meet professionals across departments, including audit, tax, and consulting, helping you explore different career paths within the firm.
• Pathway to full-time employment: Many interns receive return offers after completing their programs, particularly in the PwC Advance Internship track.

Beyond skills and exposure, the PwC internship program also supports career exploration. Whether your goal is to enter management consulting, finance, or business analytics, the internship provides a clear view of how large-scale organizations operate and solve problems.

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Types of PwC Internships and What Each Offers

PwC offers several types of internships that cater to students’ career interests across consulting, audit, tax, and advisory. Each PwC internship provides practical experience, exposure to client projects, and structured learning designed to build your professional and analytical skills.

The PwC Advance Internship is the firm’s flagship program, typically offered to juniors in undergraduate programs. It focuses on giving you direct client exposure, leadership training, and opportunities to work with senior professionals on real business challenges.

Other PwC internship options include:

• PwC Consulting Internship: Ideal for students interested in management consulting or strategy. Interns analyze data, support client deliverables, and contribute to digital transformation projects.
• PwC Tax Internship: Geared toward those pursuing accounting or finance, this internship involves tax research, preparing returns, and assisting with compliance and planning activities.
• PwC Audit Internship: Provides hands-on experience in reviewing financial statements, testing controls, and learning how audits are performed for major clients.
• PwC Advisory Internship: Allows interns to focus on specific industries such as financial services, healthcare, or consumer markets, developing specialized problem-solving skills.
• PwC Sophomore Internship: Aimed at underclassmen exploring professional services early in their academic journey, combining training and limited client exposure.

These programs also emphasize inclusion and opportunity. PwC’s Access Your Potential initiative supports diverse candidates, offering mentorship and development pathways.

Overall, the variety of PwC internships ensures students at different stages can find a program aligned with their goals, whether that’s consulting, accounting, or data-driven advisory work.

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How to Get a PwC Internship

To get a PwC internship, you need to demonstrate strong academic performance, analytical ability, and communication skills through a structured application and interview process. PwC looks for students who can adapt quickly, think critically, and work effectively in a team-oriented environment.

The process typically includes:

1. Online Application: Submit your resume, transcripts, and cover letter through the PwC careers portal. Highlight relevant coursework, leadership roles, and extracurriculars that show initiative and collaboration.
2. Online Assessment: Many applicants complete a cognitive and behavioral assessment designed to evaluate problem-solving, numerical reasoning, and professional judgment.
3. Interview Stage: Candidates usually participate in one or two interviews that assess motivation, teamwork, and communication. For consulting or advisory roles, you may encounter a case interview evaluating your structured thinking and client communication.
4. Offer and Onboarding: Successful candidates receive internship offers and go through pre-onboarding to learn about PwC’s culture, ethics, and client service approach.

Tips to strengthen your application:

• Maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 and demonstrate leadership or analytical experience in relevant coursework or student organizations.
• Research the specific PwC division you’re applying to, consulting, tax, audit, or advisory, to tailor your responses.
• Practice behavioral and case interview questions to stand out during the selection process.

Getting a PwC internship requires preparation and consistency. Early networking with recruiters, attending PwC events, and showcasing your understanding of the firm’s values can significantly improve your chances.

What Is the PwC Internship Acceptance Rate and Selection Criteria

The PwC internship acceptance rate is highly competitive, averaging around 4 to 5% depending on the department and location. Acceptance depends on academic excellence, leadership experience, communication skills, and the ability to handle complex business problems under pressure.

Selection criteria go beyond grades. PwC looks for candidates who demonstrate curiosity, integrity, and a growth mindset, qualities that reflect the firm’s professional standards. Consulting and advisory positions tend to be the most selective, especially in major financial and business hubs.

Typical qualities of successful PwC internship candidates include:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Team-oriented mindset and collaboration experience
• Effective communication and presentation abilities
• Involvement in leadership or extracurricular activities
• Clear understanding of PwC’s core services and values

Applicants who show genuine interest in PwC’s purpose and demonstrate adaptability often perform best in interviews and assessments. Those who network early through university events or career fairs also increase their visibility and chances of selection.

PwC Internship Salary, Hours, and Perks

PwC interns are paid on an hourly basis, with most earning between $30 and $45 per hour depending on their role, location, and education level. Interns typically work around 40 hours per week, gaining full-time experience while enjoying access to a range of employee benefits.

The PwC internship salary structure reflects the firm’s investment in early talent. Consulting interns and those in high-demand markets may earn slightly more, while audit and tax interns fall within a similar range.

Typical compensation and benefits include:

• Competitive hourly pay and overtime eligibility
• Access to wellness programs and discounted gym memberships
• Health insurance coverage for eligible interns
• Paid time off and firm-wide holidays
• Professional training sessions and leadership workshops
• Opportunities to attend social and networking events

Interns often appreciate the balance between professional learning and personal well-being. The experience provides a glimpse into life at a Big Four firm while helping students develop valuable consulting and analytical skills.

What to Expect from the PwC Internship Experience

A PwC internship gives you firsthand experience of working in a professional services environment where client impact, teamwork, and learning are central. Interns are integrated into real project teams and contribute to meaningful assignments that mirror the responsibilities of full-time consultants and associates.

From your first week, you’ll participate in orientation sessions and training workshops to understand PwC’s values, client engagement standards, and digital tools. You’ll also work alongside senior professionals who provide on-the-job coaching, helping you navigate complex projects while building confidence in client communication and analytical problem-solving.

During the internship, you can expect to:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on live engagements
• Attend client meetings and assist with data analysis or reporting
• Participate in professional development sessions focused on leadership, communication, and consulting techniques
• Receive structured feedback through performance check-ins and mentorship meetings
• Engage in networking events and community initiatives within the firm

Beyond the daily work, PwC interns gain exposure to the company’s culture of trust, innovation, and inclusion. Many describe the experience as fast-paced yet supportive, ideal for students eager to learn how global firms operate and deliver value.

Is a PwC Internship Right for You

A PwC internship is ideal if you want hands-on experience in consulting, accounting, or professional services while working in a structured, mentorship-driven environment. It’s best suited for students who enjoy problem-solving, teamwork, and exposure to real business challenges.

Deciding whether this internship is right for you depends on your goals and interests. If you’re pursuing a degree in accounting, finance, economics, or business analytics, the internship provides a direct pathway to future full-time roles at PwC or other leading firms. Those drawn to consulting or strategic problem-solving will also benefit from the firm’s diverse client projects and collaborative culture.

You might be a great fit for the PwC internship if you:

• Thrive in fast-paced, team-oriented environments
• Enjoy analyzing data and solving business problems
• Want exposure to multiple industries and client types
• Value mentorship and continuous professional growth
• Are interested in a long-term career in consulting or accounting

A PwC internship can also help you evaluate whether consulting or audit is the right field before graduation. Many participants find that it clarifies their career direction while opening doors to future opportunities across the Big Four and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do PwC interns get paid?
A: Yes, PwC interns get paid. The PwC internship salary is competitive for a Big Four firm, typically including hourly pay, overtime eligibility, and sometimes relocation or meal stipends depending on the internship location. 

Q: Who is eligible for a PwC internship?
A: To be eligible for a PwC internship, you usually need to be an undergraduate or master’s student in accounting, business, or a related field who meets the PwC internship requirements and application deadlines. Some programs, like the PwC Advance or Sophomore Internship, target early-year students.

Q: How important is GPA for PwC internships?
A: GPA is an important factor for PwC internships, as the firm generally looks for strong academic performance, often around a 3.3 GPA or higher. However, leadership experience, communication skills, and fit with PwC’s values also play a major role in the internship selection process.

Q: Do PwC interns get laptops?
A: Yes, PwC interns typically receive laptops or other necessary equipment during their PwC internship program. This ensures interns can access client files, tools, and internal systems securely, especially for hybrid or remote consulting internship experiences.

Q: Is it difficult to get hired at PwC?
A: Getting hired at PwC can be competitive due to its strong reputation as a leading professional services firm. The PwC internship application process includes multiple stages, such as online assessments, interviews, and behavioral evaluations, making preparation essential to stand out.