2026 Summer Internship - Communication Networks Intern - Cambridge

Company Description

We believe in the power of ingenuity to build a positive human future.

As strategies, technologies, and innovation collide, we create opportunity from complexity.

Our teams of interdisciplinary experts combine innovative thinking and breakthrough technologies to progress further, faster. Our clients adapt and transform, and together we achieve enduring results.

We are over 4,000 strategists, innovators, designers, consultants, digital experts, scientists, engineers, and technologists. And we have deep expertise in consumer and manufacturing, defence and security, energy and utilities, financial services, government and public services, health and life sciences, and transport.

Our teams operate globally from offices across the UK, Ireland, US, Nordics, and Netherlands.

PA. Bringing Ingenuity to Life.

Job Description

Power Your Curiosity at PA

Why consider joining us?

 During your weeks as an intern at PA, you’ll learn some of what it takes to be a top-notch consultant. You’ll be coached and guided by experts and have opportunities to broaden your experience on a challenging project. Whatever you work on, you’ll be part of the team and free to build your contacts, both here at PA and beyond.

  • PA’s ‘Networks Capability’ focuses on all non-consumer aspects of telecoms, blending expertise in technical, commercial and operational aspects. We focus on helping industry and enterprises maximise value from both next generation as well as critical, legacy connectivity.
  • If you want a balance of technology, commercial and real-world applications, with an opportunity to work across a broad range of industry sectors, then this might be what you’re looking for. You may be involved in strategy for 5G train control, for blending LEOsat and mobile for energy black-start scenarios, or managing communications obsolescence in defence.
  • You will collaborate with expert consultants, be exposed to cutting-edge technologies in our Global Innovation and Technology Centre, benefit from supportive mentoring, and gain skills through hands-on learning and peer support.

What You Can Expect

Joining us as an intern is the next step in starting your career. Whether you’re coming from a specialist background or from an unrelated subject, we want you to be bold, stay curious and dive into the opportunities we have to offer.

  • You will get exposure to real-world communication network technology challenges and solutions.
  • You will receive mentorship from experienced professionals in the field.
  • You will have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work in a collaborative environment, experience all phases of an assignment, from conceptualisation of the project to presentation of your findings and insights.

Assessment process

First Stage Assessments:

    • Application form
    • Online Assessments
    • Shortlisting and/or Technical Assessments
  • Final Stage Assessments:
    • Assessment Centre with Technical Assessments
    • Final Stage Interviews

The Offer

  • You will work to ensure our clients stay informed about threats and are able to protect their digital assets and business systems
  • Opportunity to work supports the work of the networks team, examples of projects include modelling radio propagation, analysing real data to gain insights or setting up lab test environments to simulate scenarios and gain insightful understanding.
  • We work flexibly at PA, but your work base will be our London Victoria office or our Global Innovation Centre near Cambridge.
  • This role will start in June 2026 – for 8 weeks. Exact dates will be confirmed at offer stage.

Qualifications

This role is open to undergraduates in their penultimate year of university. If you intend to return to university after the internship to complete an MSc, you will also be eligible for this position.

  • Undergraduate degree - in Electronic / Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics or related fields is ideal but we welcome applications from all numerate degree disciplines.
  • Interest in Technology - you will have an interest in emerging technologies (telecoms/datacomms) with a grasp of the latest trends within the industry and an interest to solve complex problems through practical delivery and application of technology.
  • Growth-oriented and curious - open to change, driven to succeed, hungry for new challenges, and eager to broaden your understanding of the world. Our experts will support your curiosity along the way.
  • Collaborative and relationship-focused - thrive in dynamic teams, build strong relationships with clients and peers, and support others to succeed.
  • Credible and communicative - comfortable in high-performance environments, with excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Analytical and adaptable - demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities, innovative thinking, and the flexibility to adapt your style and approach.
  • Professional and reliable - show strong workplace etiquette by being punctual, dependable, and respectful of business expectations and office conduct.
  • Modelling experience - some experience or understanding of modelling using Excel, Python or MATLAB is welcome.
  • Understanding data - experience sourcing, processing and gaining insights from data would be beneficial for the role.

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.

Apply today by completing our online application

Please be aware that some of our UK roles at PA Consulting require a UK security clearance.

All PA people are required to undergo background checks and to achieve the Baseline Personnel Security Standard however, some UK roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting, where applicants must have at least 5 years of continuous residency in the UK.

We therefore ask that you only apply if you meet the residency requirements (i.e. you are a British citizen or have been resident in the UK for the past 5 years), as this is the prerequisite for a security clearance. If you're unsure about your eligibility, we encourage you to review the UK Government’s guidance on security vetting before applying.

Additional Information

Life At PA encompasses our peoples' experience at PA. It's about how we enrich peoples’ 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 age, background, 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 earlycareers@paconsulting.com

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Job Details

Company
PA Consulting
Location
Melbourn, Cambridgeshire, UK
Posted