AlixPartners Graduate Scheme: The Guide to Launch Your Consulting Career [2025]

The AlixPartners Graduate Scheme is a prestigious programme designed to develop early-career professionals into future leaders within the firm. Known for its expertise in turnaround management, operational improvement, and financial advisory, AlixPartners offers graduates the chance to work on challenging projects for high-profile clients across various industries.

The scheme typically lasts between 18 to 24 months and features rotational placements across different service lines. This variety helps participants build a broad skill set and a deep understanding of the consulting business. Graduates receive ongoing professional training, mentorship, and support to accelerate their career progression.

Key benefits of the programme include:

• Exposure to diverse client challenges in corporate restructuring, performance improvement, and digital transformation.
• Structured rotations that allow graduates to experience multiple consulting areas.
• Development of technical, analytical, and leadership skills.
• Access to senior leaders and networking opportunities within the firm.

Candidates applying to the scheme are expected to demonstrate strong academic performance, analytical prowess, communication skills, and a genuine interest in consulting.

The AlixPartners summer internship is an intensive 8–12-week programme designed for students who want to explore the consulting world while gaining practical experience. This internship is more than just work experience – it is a critical pathway to securing a place on the graduate scheme.

During the internship, participants work closely with project teams on live client engagements, contributing to strategic analysis, operational assessments, and financial modelling. Interns receive coaching from senior consultants and participate in workshops designed to build consulting skills.

The internship aims to provide a realistic insight into consulting life at AlixPartners, combining challenging work with professional development and networking opportunities.

Successful interns often receive offers to join the full-time AlixPartners Graduate Scheme after graduation, making this internship a vital step for many applicants.

The AlixPartners summer internship is targeted at students in the penultimate year of their undergraduate degree, from any discipline, who have a strong academic record and an enthusiasm for problem-solving and business consulting.

Applying for the AlixPartners Graduate Scheme or summer internship involves multiple stages designed to evaluate your academic abilities, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit with the firm.

Applicants start by submitting an online application via the AlixPartners careers website. This includes uploading your CV, academic transcripts, and a tailored cover letter highlighting your interest in consulting and relevant experience.

Shortlisted candidates are invited to complete the Wonderlic test, a timed cognitive ability assessment, and the SHL Motivational Questionnaire.

Candidates who pass the online assessments progress to interview rounds. These typically include:

• Behavioural interviews assessing your motivation, teamwork, and leadership potential.
• Case study interviews testing your analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.

In some cases, candidates attend an assessment centre to engage in group exercises, further case studies, and additional interviews.

A key hurdle in the AlixPartners recruitment process is the Wonderlic test, which measures cognitive ability, including problem-solving, numerical reasoning, and verbal comprehension.

The test usually lasts 12 minutes and contains 50 questions, requiring a fast pace and clear focus.

• Numerical Reasoning: Basic arithmetic, interpreting data, percentages, and ratios.

• Verbal Reasoning: Understanding written information, grammar, and vocabulary.

• Logical Reasoning: Pattern recognition and deductive reasoning.

The SHL Motivational Questionnaire (also known as SHL MQ or MQM5) is a self-assessment personality test that aims to identify what motivates you in the workplace.

You will get about 150 brief statements and will be asked to rate how each one influences your motivation at work.

Although the test is untimed, it typically takes around 25 minutes to complete.

Succeeding in the application process for the AlixPartners Graduate Scheme or AlixPartners summer internship requires more than just passing tests – it’s about demonstrating your fit for the firm and your potential as a future consultant. Here are some crucial tips:

• Start Early: Don’t wait until the application deadline is near to begin preparing. Early preparation gives you ample time to practice the test, sharpen your case study skills, and research the firm thoroughly. This reduces stress and improves your chances of success.
• Understand the Firm: AlixPartners prides itself on its distinct culture and client approach. Research their core service areas, recent projects, values, and industry sectors. This knowledge will help you tailor your application and interview answers to align with their expectations.
• Practice Case Studies: Case interviews are a cornerstone of consulting recruitment. Regularly practising case studies helps you develop a structured problem-solving approach, learn how to communicate your thought process clearly, and improve your ability to analyse complex business scenarios quickly.
• Be Yourself in the Motivational Questionnaire: AlixPartners uses this personality assessment to understand how candidates fit with their teams and culture. Answer honestly and consistently rather than trying to guess ‘ideal’ responses. Authentic answers ensure you’re matched to roles where you’ll thrive.
• Review Your Experiences: Prepare specific examples from your academic, extracurricular, or work experiences that demonstrate key consulting skills such as teamwork, leadership, adaptability, and problem-solving. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively during interviews.
• Seek Feedback: If possible, practice interviews and case studies with mentors, peers, or career advisors. Constructive feedback helps identify areas for improvement and boosts your confidence.
• Maintain Professionalism: Throughout the process, be punctual, polite, and professional in all communications and interactions. This reflects your genuine interest in the firm and your readiness for a consulting career.

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