Power Your Curiosity at PA
Are you ready to push the boundaries of design and innovation? As an Industrial Design Intern at PA you\'ll join a vibrant team at the forefront of building iconic products and transformative experiences. Collaborate across disciplines and contribute directly to a range of client and internal projects.
Why apply for our Industrial Design Placement
Be part of a global design & innovation team shaping everything from consumer electronics to medical devices packaging and breakthrough products.
Gain hands‑on experience and contribute to real‑life client and internal projects from day one.
Work alongside our expert designers, engineers and technologists whilst benefiting from mentoring and practical learning.
Grow as a designer through challenging briefs, ongoing feedback and networking opportunities.
Work collaboratively across borders with colleagues from our international design community in Dublin, Boston and San Francisco.
Hybrid working – you\'ll be in the office or on client site a minimum of 2 days per week.
What you can expect
Collaborate on ideation, consumer insights, user experience mapping and design development.
Get involved in generative AI, CMF specification, 3D CAD and design strategy.
Bring creative concepts to life through sketching, digital tools and rendering.
Research emerging trends and technologies to inform the design process and inspire innovative solutions.
An environment that deeply cares about its values – Values PA Consulting.
Assessment process
- First Stage Assessments – Application form, Portfolio review
- Final Stage Assessments – Virtual meeting to discuss your portfolio and experience to date, In‑person interview at our Global Innovation & Technology Centre
The Offer
Full‑time 12‑month placement starting July 2026 (exact date confirmed at offer).
Salary: £26,230 per annum.
Engage with a vibrant global creative community and expand your professional network working with colleagues internationally from your base in Cambridge.
A career at PA is what you make of it so power your curiosity and prepare to make an impact.
Qualifications
On track for a relevant industrial / product design degree.
Exceptional design portfolio showing your creative process.
Skilled in 3D CAD and rendering (preferably using SolidWorks and KeyShot).
Talented in freehand and/or digital sketching.
A sharp eye for form, colour, material and finish (CMF).
Collaborative mindset with experience working in multi‑disciplinary teams including those based in other global locations.
Excellent organisation and self‑starting attitude.
Strong visual communication skills and fluency using Adobe Suite and Microsoft Office.
Passion and curiosity for new challenges.
This role is open to undergraduates with an industrial placement within their course structure. If you intend to return to university after the internship to complete an MSc you will also be eligible for this position.
We know the skill‑gap and somewhat need to tick every box can get in the way of meeting brilliant candidates so please don\'t hesitate to apply – we\'d love to hear from you.
Additional Information
Life At PA encompasses our people\'s experience at PA. It\'s about how we enrich people\'s working lives by giving them access to unique people and growth opportunities and purpose‑led meaningful work.
Our purpose guides how we work with our clients and our teams and support our communities to deliver insight and impact solving the world\'s most complex challenges. We\'re focused on building a workplace that values human difference and diverse mindsets and a culture of inclusion and equality that unlocks the potential in our people so everyone can be their best self.
Find out more about Life at PA here.
We are dedicated to supporting the physical, emotional, social and financial well‑being of our people. If you join us full time in a permanent role check out some of our extensive benefits:
- Health and lifestyle perks accompanying private healthcare
- 25 days annual leave (plus a bonus half day on Christmas Eve) with the opportunity to buy 5 additional days
- Generous company pension scheme
- Opportunity to get involved with community and charity‑based initiatives
- Annual performance‑based bonus
- PA share ownership
- Tax efficient benefits (cycle to work give as you earn)
We\'re committed to advancing equality. We recruit, retain, reward and develop our people based solely on their abilities and contributions and without reference to their agebackground disability genetic information parental or family status religion or belief race ethnicity nationality sex sexual orientation gender identity (or expression) political belief veteran status or any other range of human difference brought about by identity and experience. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups.
Adjustments or accommodations – Should you need any adjustments or accommodations to the recruitment process at either application or interview please contact us on…
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 2026 Industrial Placement – Industrial Designer – Cambridge in Melbourn
✨Leverage University Connections
We all know that universities have a ton of connections in the architecture world. Don't hesitate to tap into your career services or attend any networking events they host. Alumni from your school can also be a real goldmine for placements, so reach out and see if they can help you get a foot in the door at firms like PA Consulting.
✨Get Involved in Local Design Competitions
Joining local architecture competitions is a great way to showcase your skills while meeting industry professionals. Not only can you gain valuable experience, but winning or even just participating can make your application stand out when you're applying for placements. Check if PA Consulting sponsors or participates in any events!
✨Show Off Your Design Projects Online
Build an online portfolio that highlights your best designs and projects. Platforms like Behance or personal websites are perfect for this. Make sure to link your portfolio in your application or share it during discussions, so firms like PA Consulting can easily see what you bring to the table.
✨Research and Tailor Your Approach
Before you approach firms, dive deep into their past projects, values, and design philosophy. Tailor your conversations and applications based on what interests you about them. This not only shows genuine interest but also helps you align your skills with what PA Consulting is looking for in a placement.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Design:When applying for an architecture placement at PA Consulting, let your love for design shine through! Use your cover letter to narrate your journey in architecture—mention any inspiring projects, competitions, or experiences that have fuelled your passion. This will help us see your commitment to the field.
Highlight Relevant Academic Projects:In the architecture world, your portfolio is a big deal! Make sure it showcases not just completed projects but also relevant academic work. Include sketches, models, and any software you’ve mastered, like AutoCAD or Revit. This gives us a glimpse of your skills and thought process!
Tailor Your CV to Architecture Standards:Architecture CVs should be specific and elegant. Use a clear layout with sections for education, skills, and experience. Make sure to include any design software you’re proficient in, presentation skills, and even group projects you were involved in—these are super relevant for a placement at PA Consulting.
Express Your Willingness to Learn:Since this is a placement, we’re looking for eager minds ready to absorb knowledge. In your cover letter, convey your openness to learning from experienced team members and how you aim to apply that knowledge practically at PA Consulting. We love candidates who are keen to grow!
How to prepare for a job interview at PA Consulting
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
Bring along a robust portfolio that showcases your best architectural designs and projects. Make sure it highlights your thought process and execution—interviewers love to hear about your design rationale and how you've tackled challenges in your projects. It's a brilliant way to demonstrate your creativity and technical skills!
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions about architectural principles, materials, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of building codes or environmental design practices. This shows you've got the technical know-how needed for the role and you're ready to dive into the work at PA Consulting.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Architecture
As this is a placement, your potential and motivation are key! Share your enthusiasm for architecture and the design process. Talk about what inspired you to pursue this field and any previous projects you've worked on, even if they are from your studies—this can help convey that you've got the passion to thrive in this environment!
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Craft questions that reflect your genuine interest in the projects at PA Consulting. For instance, ask about the firm's design philosophy or the types of projects they currently have on the go. This not only shows you've done your homework but also helps you understand if the company aligns with your career goals.
