Morning: From Uni Lecture to Real-World Consulting
The day often starts with a mocha from our in-house barista whose coffee is so good it could count as a perk of the job on its own. With that caffeine hit, interns settle in by catching up with their teams and sketching out what the day ahead looks like. Planning becomes second nature because, unlike uni, where a timetable decides everything for you, consulting doesn’t run on a set script. Each morning feels different—new clients, new problems, new priorities. It keeps you sharp, and it keeps you guessing.
Once the coffee has kicked in, mornings usually flow into team meetings or client catch-ups. That’s when projects really take shape: looking at what’s been done, figuring out what’s moving right now, and deciding what’s next. The difference here is that you get to shape the rhythm of your day. Some people pack their mornings with meetings, so the afternoons are quiet, while others prefer to work first and meet later when their ideas are sharper. Either way, there’s flexibility you don’t get at uni.
And then there’s the variety. Consulting feels a bit like detective work, but with more plot twists than Sherlock Holmes ever dealt with. He spent his time chasing the same villain; interns here wake up to a brand-new mystery each day. And honestly, even Sherlock never had our Barrista’s coffee to give him the edge.
Midday: Real Projects, Real Growth
By midday, you’re usually knee-deep in project work—researching, analysing data, and working through cyber security frameworks or client requirements. The funny part is that most of your early ideas don’t survive; you test nine things before landing on the one that actually works. It’s trial and error, but when you finally crack it, the win feels bigger because of the false starts. Solving problems isn’t just about the answer; it’s about tracing the solution back to where it matters for the client – the golden egg is tempting, but the golden goose is worth it all.
The good news is you’re never solving it alone. Sherlock had Watson; you’ve got Watsonsss. Other interns are there for those “is this a dumb question?” moments. Seniors act like older brothers or sisters, dropping sharp advice or even buying you lunch while you narcissistically rant about what you’re stuck on. Mentors bring a different perspective, often steering you not just in career choices but in life decisions too. And people managers? They’re like guides who help you set goals, track your progress, and nudge you toward opportunities you didn’t even know were possible. In short, you’ve got support at every level—and sometimes even a free meal out of it.
That support is what makes the work feel significant. These aren’t practice runs or mock assignments. One day you’re drafting a policy update, the next you’re shaping how an organisation might actually operate. Sometimes you even find yourself in meetings with people you never imagined you’d meet as a student, and that’s when it hits you: you’re not just learning about consulting anymore—you’re already part of it!
Afternoon & Beyond: Culture, Collaboration, and Career Clues
Afternoons are where you take control. Some days are heads-down: finishing analysis, writing reports, pulling together slides. Other days are lighter: maybe a quick walk, a casual catch-up, or wrapping things up early. By Friday, the whole mood usually shifts into celebration, with teams and even clients heading out for drinks.
That culture is part of what makes Capgemini different. A coffee catch-up might turn into a bowling night where everyone’s competitive streak comes out. You get to see another side of your colleagues, sometimes even meet their families, and suddenly work feels less like an office and more like being part of a big extended family. And occasionally, the day winds down with something you’d never expect—like playing board games with clients. It’s a reminder that consulting isn’t just about solving business problems; it’s also about building relationships. Those connections matter, especially when you look to the future. Graduate programs and internships here are designed as stepping stones into consulting. People managers rotate interns through different roles, so you don’t just see one slice of the work—you see the whole picture. That kind of exposure gives you a view across industries that you’d never get if you worked inside a single company. It’s like holding a backstage pass to how business really works.
Which brings it back to why this matters for high school students. An internship here isn’t just something to pad out your resume—it’s a launchpad. You leave with real projects, confidence, and a network of people who’ve got your back. While others are still figuring out how to get started, you’ll already know what it feels like to be part of something bigger.
Hansaka Costa
Cyber Security Intern
