HomeInsightsCornerstone Research Earns Top 5 Spot in Vault’s 2026 Rankings of Best Consulting Internships
  • Press Release
  • 22 October 2025

Cornerstone Research Earns Top 5 Spot in Vault’s 2026 Rankings of Best Consulting Internships

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Recognized for outstanding training opportunities, a welcoming culture, and excellent compensation, the firm’s summer analyst program also ranked #4 for Best Internships for Finance and #5 for Best Internships for Data Analytics.

Career information provider Vault has ranked Cornerstone Research’s summer analyst program in the top 5 of its 2026 Best Consulting Internships, based on a recent survey of thousands of summer interns across multiple industries. This recognition marks a significant gain, with the firm moving up from its top 10 ranking in 2025 to #5 overall in the 2026 list.

Vault also recognized the firm’s summer program for its strong showings in specialized areas of consulting. Cornerstone Research achieved a notable new ranking, coming in at #4 among Best Consulting Internships for Finance, a category in which the firm was unranked in 2025.

Cornerstone Research achieved a notable new ranking, coming in at #4 among Best Consulting Internships for Finance, a category in which the firm was unranked in 2025.

In addition, the firm’s data analytics internship saw a substantial rise, moving from #8 in 2025 to #5 among Best Internships for Data Analytics in 2026.

The strong results are a testament to the high marks Cornerstone Research also received across multiple key areas, including:

  • Compensation and benefits
  • Training and mentoring
  • Quality of experience gained during the internship
  • Employment prospects after graduation

Moving into Vault’s top 5 overall is immensely gratifying, and a direct reflection of our commitment to providing interns with a high-quality, hands-on experience and a truly collaborative culture.

—Kristin Leary

“Moving into Vault’s top 5 overall is immensely gratifying, and a direct reflection of our commitment to providing interns with a high-quality, hands-on experience and a truly collaborative culture,” said Chief Talent Officer Kristin Leary. “The fact that our program continues to be so highly sought after and recognized across specialized categories like finance and data analytics underscores the significant value and strong employment prospects we offer our summer analysts.”

Featured reviews from our 2025 interns

  • “Everyone is willing to offer help to interns, no matter how busy they are! I was even able to have a coffee chat with one of the vice presidents. People are very generous with their time. There are no silly questions at CR, and I love it!”
  • “Career development does seem like a highlight at this job. Each employee receives a mentor and buddy whom they meet with weekly. Both my mentor and buddy really care about my experience and making sure I am well informed about the responsibilities of the job if I were extended a return offer.”
  • “The assignments were interesting, complex, and exciting to work on. I received in-depth training in real-world analytical skills, and I received great compensation and other benefits (like free food!).
  • “This internship opens doors in multiple industries—make sure you keep eyes and ears open to learn and soak up as much as possible while you’re here. Make sure to ask questions; you’re not expected to know everything on day one!”
  • “Culture is warm and welcoming, and feeling acceptance and belonging allows me to more comfortably ask questions and take on initiatives.”
Read the Complete Profile

Vault’s Best Internships reflect the highest-rated internship programs across a survey pool of thousands of current and former interns in summer 2025. The 2026 rankings are based on the results of the 2025 Internship Survey. Respondents rated and reviewed their internship experiences in a number of core areas, including Firm Culture, Quality of Life, Compensation, Career Development, and Full-Time Employment Prospects.

Cornerstone Research’s summer internship program introduces high-performing undergraduate students to economics consulting work. Participants join case teams that typically include an academic or industry expert, senior consultants, and analysts. Summer analysts make important contributions, including quantitative and qualitative analyses, and are provided with substantial learning and development opportunities, including mentoring and feedback.