40 hour AI consulting experience

Welcome to your University of Liverpool Graduate Internship Programme

A University of Liverpool experience in association with Accenture

Learn about your Graduate Internship Programme journey and what awaits you!

Your 2 week learning journey

Over the next two weeks, you’ll step into the world of AI consulting and experience what it’s like to solve real business challenges. You’ll start by learning the fundamentals of consulting and the role AI plays in driving innovation, before applying key frameworks to explore how consultants approach complex problems.

You’ll then take on a real client brief, using research, creativity, and AI tools to develop your own professional proposal. Finally, you’ll refine your work and submit a polished written report that showcases your consulting potential.

Once you've completed the Graduate Internship Programme, you'll receive feedback on your submission and a certificate of completion.

Tue 18 Aug

Onboarding

Unlocks Mon 24 Aug

Part 1: Understand problems

Part 2: Develop solutions

Unlocks Mon 31 Aug

Part 3: Brief selection

Part 4: Submission review

Mon 7 Sep

Deadline

Preparation

Available

Starts 18th August 2026

Graduate Internship Programme onboarding

Complete these preparation steps to maximise your learning experience. Learn about our partner Accenture, AI fundamentals, and platform navigation.

Learning objectives

By the end of onboarding, you’ll understand how the Graduate Internship Programme works, get familiar with the Springpod platform, and feel confident navigating your learning journey. You’ll also gain a solid introduction to using AI tools to support your tasks and meet Accenture — the global consulting firm partnering on this experience — to learn how they’re using AI to shape the future of work.

Key activities

You will watch introductory videos, explore the Springpod platform, and familiarise yourself with the tools and resources available for your Graduate Internship Programme.

Deliverables

Your deliverables include submitting any introductory reflections or profile setup tasks, and ensuring you’re ready to start Week 1 with confidence.

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Week 1

Available

From 24th August 2026

Understanding business problems

This part introduces you to the fundamentals of consulting and problem-solving. You’ll learn how to identify, analyse, and address real-world business challenges using proven frameworks and AI tools to support your thinking.

Learning objectives

By the end of the week, you’ll understand what defines a business problem and how to approach it systematically. You’ll apply techniques such as the 5 Whys, Root Cause Analysis, and SWOT to uncover underlying issues and develop structured insights. You’ll also explore how AI can be used responsibly to enhance analysis and support data-driven recommendations.

Key activities

Throughout the week, you’ll take part in an interactive case study that allows you to practise business problem-solving, complete guided AI-prompting exercises, and watch expert-led video lessons. You’ll also reflect on your learning and test your understanding through a short knowledge-check quiz.

Deliverables

Your deliverables for this week include a completed exercise using the 5 Whys, Root Cause Analysis, and SWOT frameworks, as well as a personal reflection on how these tools and AI supported your thinking. You’ll also complete an end-of-week quiz to consolidate your learning.

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Week 2

Available

From 24th August 2026

Developing solutions for clients

This part focuses on developing practical solutions for clients. You’ll apply consulting frameworks and creative techniques while exploring how AI can support research, analysis, and innovation.

Learning objectives

By the end of the week, you will be able to use AI responsibly in consulting tasks, apply tools such as Market Research, the Business Model Canvas, and SCAMPER to generate solutions, and reflect on your approach to provide structured recommendations.

Key activities

You will watch expert-led videos, complete AI-assisted research exercises, practise using the Business Model Canvas and SCAMPER frameworks, and reflect on your learning before testing your knowledge with a short quiz.

Deliverables

Your deliverables include completing the Market Research activity, applying the Business Model Canvas and SCAMPER frameworks to a scenario, submitting a reflection on your learning, and completing the knowledge-check quiz.

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Week 3

Available

From 31st August 2026

Select a client brief

This part brings together everything you’ve explored – from research and frameworks to AI integration – into one final project. You’ll choose a real-world business challenge, shape a practical and innovative solution, and present your ideas in a clear, written proposal to demonstrate your consulting potential.

Learning objectives

By the end of this week, you’ll be able to structure a consulting proposal that clearly defines a client’s problem, presents evidence-based recommendations, and integrates AI tools effectively. You’ll also learn how to write a professional report that communicates your solution with clarity and impact.

Key activities

You’ll begin by selecting a client brief and mapping the problem using the Business Challenge Poster. Then, you’ll develop your ideas into a 1,000-word consulting report. Along the way, you’ll receive guidance on using AI in your research and structuring your proposal for maximum clarity and impact.

Deliverables

Your deliverable this week is a 1,000-word written report outlining your consulting proposal. Your report should highlight your understanding of the client’s challenge, your recommended solution, and how AI adds value to your approach.

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Week 4

Available

31st August - 7th September 2026

Work on your proposal

This part is about transforming your hard work into a professional submission. You’ll finalise your 1,000-word report, double-check every detail, and learn how to present your ideas on paper with confidence and clarity. Once complete, you’ll submit your final proposal – the ultimate showcase of your consulting journey.

Learning objectives

By the end of this week, you’ll be able to polish your consulting proposal to a professional standard, applying best practices in structure and clarity. You’ll understand submission requirements, refine your written communication skills, and feel confident submitting your final proposal.

Key activities

You’ll review your report against the assessment criteria, ensuring it’s clear, complete, and well-structured. You’ll check grammar, flow, and formatting, then prepare to submit your final proposal.

Deliverables

Your deliverable this week is the final submission of your written report (850–1,150 words). It should follow the provided structure, demonstrate professional polish, and clearly communicate your recommendations, AI insights, and client-focused thinking. You’ll also complete the final submission process and review guidance for next steps following the internship.

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Frequently asked questions

Here we can answer any questions about the experiences you may have. If your question isn’t on the list - please contact support by clicking on the chat icon in the bottom right corner of your screen.

What is this Graduate Internship Programme all about?

This programme gives you the chance to step into the shoes of a consultant working with a real client, while learning how to use AI as a professional tool. You’ll explore how businesses identify problems, develop solutions, and communicate recommendations, just like real consultants do, while seeing how AI can enhance research, analysis, and creativity.

It’s short, hands-on, and built to help you gain practical experience and both future-ready digital and industry-relevant skills without needing to be on-site.

Who is this Graduate Internship Programme for?

It’s designed for university graduates who want to:

Understand how consulting and business problem-solving work in practice.
Build transferable skills like communication, research, and analysis.
Create a portfolio piece to show employers.
Learn how AI and technology are reshaping work.

No prior experience in business or consulting is required – just curiosity and motivation to learn.

Do I need to pay to access the Graduate Internship Programme?

No – the University of Liverpool Graduate Internship Programme is free to access. You’ll receive a unique licence code and step-by-step instructions on how to get started.

What will I actually do during the Graduate Internship Programme?

You’ll go through a mixture of videos, activities, reflections, tutorials, and a final project, where you:

Learn how organisations identify and solve complex problems.
Analyse a real client brief from an established company with a local presence in the Liverpool area.
Develop a written proposal recommending a solution.
Reflect on your experience and how you’ve developed as a problem-solver.

Everything is done online, independently, and at your own pace in line with the release of the Onboarding, Week 1&2 content, and Week 3&4 content.

What’s the main outcome of completing this Graduate Internship Programme?

By the end, you’ll have:

A professional-level consulting proposal.
Hands-on experience working on a genuine business challenge.
A certificate of completion to showcase on LinkedIn or your CV.
A better understanding of how to approach real-world business problems using AI.

You’ll also develop valuable skills in critical thinking, creativity and professional communication.

Will I be paid for completing the Graduate Internship Programme?

No – this is not a paid opportunity. The purpose of this experience is to give you real-world critical thinking and problem solving experience, and improve your skills.

Can I be reimbursed for purchasing software/additional items to support me in my work during this Graduate Internship Programme?

There will be no reimbursement for purchasing software/additional items. You should have access to your own computer and internet connection, and the suggested platforms throughout this Graduate Internship Programme are free to access.

Can I complete more than one business brief?

You can only submit ONE proposal as part of this Graduate Internship Programme.

How do I access the Graduate Internship Programme?

You’ll complete everything online via the Springpod learning platform. Simply log in with your registered details – your modules, videos, and activities will appear in order.

I have trouble logging in / can’t access certain pages. What should I do?

If you have trouble logging into the Graduate Internship Programme, or struggle accessing certain pages throughout, please raise a support ticket through the chat bot at the bottom-right corner of your screen.

A member of the Springpod Support Team will get back to you as soon as possible. If your query relates specifically to the University of Liverpool, you can also contact the University of Liverpool Careers and Employability Team at careers@liverpool.ac.uk.

You can also visit www.liverpool.ac.uk/careers or contact the Careers and Employability Team at careers@liverpool.ac.uk

My licence code doesn’t work when trying to access. What should I do?

If your licence code isn’t working, please raise the issue via the chat bot on the platform and include your full licence code in the message.

The Springpod Team will verify your details and get you back up and running as quickly as possible.

Do I need to download anything?

No – everything is browser-based. You can download templates provided in the course. You will also need to use the AI tool, Copilot.

How long does it take to complete?

You should take 40 hours in total to complete the Graduate Internship Programme (inclusive of independent work on the proposal), but you can work at your own pace.

Can I take breaks and come back later?

Yes! Your progress is saved automatically, so you can stop and return at any time without losing your place.

When should I expect feedback on my written report?

You will receive feedback on your written report by Monday 21st September 2026.

How will I receive feedback on my written report?

Your feedback will be in the form of a small report, and will be scored in reference to a standardised rubric.

What skills will I gain from this Graduate Internship Programme?

You’ll build core employability and consulting skills, including:

Problem-solving and critical analysis
Research and data interpretation
Creativity and innovation
Written communication
Use of AI tools responsibly in a business context
Time management and professional writing

These are exactly the skills employers look for in graduate roles.

How can I use this experience in future job applications?

Employers love candidates who can show how they’ve applied theory to practice. This experience helps you do exactly that. If you'd like to discuss how you can use this experience further in future job applications, you can visit www.liverpool.ac.uk/careers or contact the Careers & Employability team at careers@liverpool.ac.uk who can advise on the support available to graduates.

Will I get a certificate?

Yes! Once you complete all modules and submit your final proposal, you’ll receive a certificate of completion. It’s a great way to prove your commitment and capability to future employers.

Do I need to work in a team?

No – this Graduate Internship Programme is designed to be completed independently.

What do I need to submit at the end?

You’ll submit:

A written proposal (around 1,000 words)

This shows your full understanding of the client’s problem and your proposed solution. Your written proposal makes up 100% of your overall grade.

What if I’m unsure about my proposal?

Don’t worry – the modules in Parts 3&4 should walk you through exactly what’s expected, with clear templates to follow. You can also seek advice from a trusted mentor, contact, or other suitable people within your professional network.

Can I still complete the course if I’m short on time?

Yes – it’s flexible. You can complete the modules whenever you like before the closing date.

Is there a contact for the company whose brief I have chosen so I can discuss my ideas in more detail before submitting?

We cannot provide contact details for companies involved in this Graduate Internship Programme.

Can I message or follow the company on social media for research purposes?

You may follow social media for research purposes, but you cannot reach out to contacts at the organisation during the Graduate Internship Programme.

Can I submit beyond Monday 7th September 2026?

No – Monday 7th September 2026 is the final deadline for submitting your proposals.

What happens after I complete the Graduate Internship Programme?

You’ll get access to next steps and career guidance, including how to discuss your experience in applications, interviews, or networking conversations.

Will this help me get a job or internship?

While completing the programme doesn’t guarantee a job, it strengthens your CV and gives you practical experience to stand out from other applicants. Many graduates use it as a stepping stone to internships, placements, or graduate roles.

By participating, does this fast-track me in any future applications with the client companies involved?

Participating in this Graduate Internship Programme does not guarantee any sort of fast-track in any future applications with the client companies involved.

Can I share my work publicly?

You can share your completion certificate on LinkedIn and other professional platforms, and we would encourage you to do that. We would, however, not encourage sharing the details of your proposals/work publicly, The best way to share this would be to evidence your recent work experience in job applications and at interviews.

What’s the biggest tip for success?

Treat it like a real client project - because, essentially, it is. Be curious, professional, and creative. And remember, it’s about learning how to think like a consultant, not just ticking off activities.