Do Deloitte Interns Travel for Work?
Intensive and immersive, Deloitte internships offer a blend of hands-on experience and professional growth opportunities. One aspect that stands out in the internship landscape is the travel experience offered to interns. However, the extent of travel varies widely among different internship groups and consultants. In this article, we explore how Deloitte interns typically travel, highlighting the opportunities and exceptions.
Travel Opportunities for Deloitte Interns
The travel opportunities for Deloitte interns can be a mix depending on the division you are in and the global client projects you get assigned. Deloitte, with its global presence and diverse clientele, offers unique travel opportunities to interns. From weekends spent on client sites to international trips for major projects, Deloitte aims to provide meaningful experiences that align with the intern's professional growth.
For example, internships in Deloitte Consulting, particularly in services like Emission Reduction Services (ERS) and Strategic Outsourcing (SO), often provide travel opportunities. In the ERS group, interns might find themselves traveling to international destinations like Malta for client projects. This exposure is seen as a valuable addition to their professional development, as it provides real-world experience and cultural insights.
Alternatively, as an intern in Deloitte's Strategic Operations group, the level of travel can vary. Some might be busy with local consulting projects, while others may get the chance to travel for specific client engagements. The most important factor is the project requirements and client requests.
The Role of Project and Client Needs
The availability and extent of travel for Deloitte interns are primarily driven by the project and client needs. Clients appreciate the flexibility and adaptability of Deloitte's consultants, and these needs often dictate travel schedules. Interns in certain high-demand projects with global clients may find themselves traveling more frequently. On the other hand, interns in more local or moderate-demand projects might have fewer travel opportunities.
For instance, interns in ERS are often involved in global projects that require travel to different countries. These projects could focus on emission reduction initiatives for multinational corporations, and the travel is essential for site visits, client consultations, and project implementation. Similarly, Strategic Outsourcing interns may travel to various client sites around the world, gaining exposure to diverse business environments and cultures.
In contrast, interns in broader consulting roles like Deloitte Consulting might be involved in a range of local projects where travel is not as common. For instance, an intern working on a local client engagement focused on supply chain optimization might spend most of their time in a single location.
Impact of Internship Length and Role
Another consideration in the travel opportunities for Deloitte interns is the length of the internship and the specific role. Interns who are part of longer-term programs or those working in highly specialized areas might have more travel opportunities. Conversely, interns in shorter-term roles or those focused on more localized projects may have fewer travel opportunities.
Long-Term Internships: These internships often provide more comprehensive exposure, including travel opportunities for major client projects. For example, a multi-month internship in ERS could include multiple client visits and international travel, offering a broad range of experiences. These internships are designed to build a strong foundation in the consulting field and provide a clear path to future career opportunities.
Specialized Internships: Interns focused on specific areas like digital transformation or advanced analytics might have unique travel opportunities. These internships often involve working with large, globally distributed teams and may require travel to different regions for innovation and development workshops. This exposure not only enhances their skill set but also provides valuable networking opportunities.
On the other hand, shorter-term internships might be more focused on specific projects or roles that do not require extensive travel. For example, an intern working on a local technology implementation project might be based in a single office and spend most of their time on-site with the client.
Real-Life Experiences
To get a better understanding of how travel impacts Deloitte internships, let's look at the experiences of a couple of interns from different backgrounds.
ERS Intern Experience
Lily Thomas, ERS Intern: "I was thrilled to be assigned to a project in Malta! It was an incredible opportunity to work with a global client and see firsthand the impact of our work. The travel was a bit of a challenge, but worth it for the experience. I can honestly say it was one of the most valuable parts of my internship."
SO Consulting Intern Experience
Samuel Johnson, SO Intern: "As an intern in Deloitte's SO consulting team, I was not assigned to travel for the duration of my internship. While it was a bit of a disappointment, it did give me a chance to focus on local projects and develop my skills without the travel stress. I'm happy to say that the quality of the work and the experience I gained were still significant."
Conclusion
Travel opportunities for Deloitte interns are not a one-size-fits-all scenario. The availability and extent of travel can vary widely based on the intern's division, project demands, and client needs. Interns in ERS and similar groups often get to travel more, gaining a broader perspective and hands-on experience. However, interns in other groups might focus more on local projects, with less travel required.
No matter the travel opportunities, Deloitte's internships provide valuable experience and professional growth. While travel might not be a given for every intern, the diverse range of projects and roles available ensures a rich and fulfilling internship experience. So, if traveling is a priority for you, consider internships in areas with global client projects to make the most of this unique opportunity.