At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a three-day retreat to tackle real case studies and present to partners.
- Company: Kearney, a leading strategy consulting firm with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: All expenses covered, formal accreditation, and networking opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace encouraging underrepresented communities to apply.
- Why this job: Experience strategy consulting first-hand and develop skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Open to all disciplines; leadership, collaboration, and creativity are key.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
The Kearney Academy is the London office’s leading recruiting event—and we’re excited to invite outstanding undergraduate and postgraduate students (Master’s or PhD), from any discipline, who are currently in their penultimate year to apply. Held 8–10 April 2026, the Academy is our flagship insight programme, designed to give you a front-row view into the world of strategy consulting and the breadth of impact we create across industries.
It’s also a chance to meet our consultants in a fun, relaxed environment and get an authentic feel for what life at Kearney is really like. This three-day, in-person off-site retreat (with all expenses covered) pairs you with a small team to tackle a real case study, culminating in a presentation to our partners. Throughout the experience, you’ll be supported by Kearney consultants who will provide both formal and informal training—helping you develop new skills, explore our culture, and connect with the people who shape our London office. And of course, our evening socials offer plenty of opportunities to build friendships and enjoy the experience beyond the work.
All participants will receive formal accreditation upon completing the programme. We welcome applicants from all academic backgrounds who demonstrate leadership, collaboration, creativity, innovation, and a genuine eagerness to learn. At Kearney, our client-centric mindset and apprenticeship-style development are core to who we are—both in how we serve our clients and in how we help our people thrive. The Academy is your chance to experience these values first-hand.
Applications close Sunday, 1 February 2026. To apply, please complete the online form and upload your CV. You must also attach a Word document with your response (max 200 words) to one of the following questions, and include your name on the document:
- Describe a moment when you solved a particularly challenging problem.
- Describe a moment when you demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities.
- Which global issue do you believe is most critical to solve in the next five years, and why?
Kearney prides itself on providing a culture that allows employees to bring their best selves to work every day. Our people can feel comfortable, confident, and joyful to do great things for our firm, our colleagues, and our clients. That’s why Kearney is committed to building a diverse, unbiased, and inclusive workforce. Kearney is an equal opportunity employer; we recruit, hire, train, promote, develop, and provide other conditions of employment without regard to a person’s gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, pregnancy status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other differences consistent with applicable laws. This includes providing reasonable accommodation for disabilities or religious beliefs and practices. Members of communities historically underrepresented in consulting are encouraged to apply.
Language Requirements: Must be fluent in spoken and written English.
2026 Academy Programme in London employer: Kearney
Contact Detail:
Kearney Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 2026 Academy Programme in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Kearney before the Academy! Research their values, recent projects, and company culture. This will help you connect with consultants during the event and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your problem-solving skills! Since you'll be tackling a real case study, try working on similar challenges beforehand. This will boost your confidence and prepare you for the team dynamics at the Academy.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Use social media platforms like LinkedIn to connect with current Kearney consultants. Engaging with them can give you insights and tips that might just set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! Make sure your CV is polished and your responses to the application questions are thoughtful. This is your chance to shine, so put your best foot forward!
We think you need these skills to ace 2026 Academy Programme in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us: Before you start your application, take a moment to explore our website and get a feel for Kearney's culture and values. This will help you tailor your application to show how you fit into our team.
Craft Your CV Wisely: Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Highlight your leadership experiences, teamwork, and any creative projects you've been involved in. Keep it clear and concise—no one likes a cluttered CV!
Nail the Word Document: When responding to the questions, be authentic and specific. Share a real story that showcases your problem-solving skills or leadership qualities. Remember, we want to see your personality shine through!
Submit Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through our website to ensure your application gets to us smoothly. Double-check everything before hitting submit—typos can be a bit of a mood killer!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kearney
✨Know Your Case Study
Before the interview, make sure to familiarise yourself with case study interviews. Practice breaking down problems and presenting your solutions clearly. This will help you feel more confident when tackling the real case study during the Academy.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Think of specific examples where you've demonstrated leadership or collaboration. Be ready to share these stories during the interview, as Kearney values these qualities highly. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Research Kearney's Culture
Dive into Kearney’s values and culture before your interview. Understanding their client-centric mindset and apprenticeship-style development will allow you to align your answers with what they’re looking for, showing that you’re a great fit for their team.
✨Prepare for Social Interactions
Since the Academy includes evening socials, think about how you can engage with consultants in a relaxed setting. Prepare some light conversation topics and questions about their experiences at Kearney to help build rapport and show your genuine interest.