Strategy Insights and Planning Associate Consultant – Intern

Job Description

About the Company

ZS is a management consulting and technology firm dedicated to improving life and how we live it. Its most valuable asset is its people, a collective of thinkers and experts who shape life-changing solutions for patients, caregivers, and consumers globally. ZSers operate with a client-first mentality, collaborating to develop custom solutions and technology products that create value and deliver company results across critical business areas. The company encourages curiosity, bold ideas, courage, and passion to drive impactful change.

ZS highly values its people, honoring the visible and invisible elements of individual identities, personal experiences, and belief systems. It believes that personal interests, identities, and a desire to learn are integral to success. ZS is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, supporting various networks to help ZSers cultivate community spaces, access resources, and share their passions.

The company offers a comprehensive total rewards package that includes health and well-being benefits, financial planning, annual leave, and extensive personal growth and professional development opportunities. Its robust skills development programs, multiple career progression options, internal mobility paths, and a collaborative culture are designed to empower employees. ZS maintains a flexible and connected way of working, blending work-from-home with on-site presence at clients or ZS offices to foster culture and innovation through both planned and spontaneous face-to-face connections.

About the Job: Strategy Insights and Planning Associate Consultant – Intern

This internship role is within ZS’s Strategy Insights and Planning teams, which partner with clients to design and deliver solutions for a wide range of business challenges. Teams work on multiple projects simultaneously, utilizing advanced data analytics and problem-solving techniques. The recommendations and solutions provided are grounded in rigorous research and analysis, supported by deep expertise and thought leadership.

What You’ll Do (Key Responsibilities):

• Leverage problem-solving skills and frameworks to develop solutions for client business problems.
• Assist in structuring and conducting market research and/or desk research to derive insights crucial for client decision-making.
• Design custom analyses using various tools, including Excel, Access, Confirmit, and ZS’s proprietary software.
• Synthesize and communicate results effectively to clients and internal ZS teams through both oral and written presentations.
• Develop client relationships, potentially serving as a key point of contact for specific aspects of projects.
• Actively support the management of the program plan and conduct regular status updates with the client, including risk and issue mitigation. You will also assist in driving project progress to ensure goals and deadlines are met.
• Advance your problem-solving skills and contribute to improving ZS’s overall capabilities.
• Mentor and support the development of Associates on your assigned projects and teams.

What You’ll Bring (Qualifications):

• Educational Background: Candidates should be starting their second-to-last year of their doctorate degree (with the internship taking place the summer before their final year). The degree can be in any discipline, with a strong academic performance expected in analytic and quantitative coursework, such as business, economics, marketing, psychology, physical or life sciences, engineering, applied mathematics, statistics, or other relevant fields.
• Personal Attributes & Skills:
• High motivation, good work ethic, maturity, and personal initiative.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Empathy, adaptability, and high personal impact.
• Strong attention to detail, coupled with a quality-focused mindset.
• Self-discipline for planning and organizing tasks.
• Aptitude for, and enjoyment of, team leadership.

Travel Requirements:

Travel is a requirement for client-facing ZSers, with the business needs of your project and client being the priority. While some projects may be local, all client-facing ZSers should be prepared to travel as needed. Travel opportunities are seen as a way to strengthen client relationships, gain diverse experiences, and enhance professional growth by working in different environments and cultures.

Application Process:

ZS encourages interested candidates to apply even if they don’t meet 100% of the listed requirements, recognizing the value that individuals with all backgrounds, including non-traditional ones, can bring. ZS is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment and advancement opportunities. Candidates must possess or be able to obtain work authorization for their intended country of employment. An online application, including a full set of transcripts (official or unofficial), is required for consideration.