Professional Apprenticeship for Consulting Excellence Program

Accelerate the pace of your Federal Government Consulting Career!

Apprenticeships for Early-Career Professionals

Government executives rely on management consultants to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the projects and programs they oversee. This requires consulting firms to provide the cream of the crop to solve challenging government problems. In a sea of resumes vying for positions, how do you stand out from the crowd?

The Professional Apprenticeship for Consulting Excellence (PACE) Program aims to accelerate the pace of your development by providing on-the-job and classroom training over a 12-week program. You will gain paid, government client work experience as part of project teams with a partner consulting firm. If selected into the program, M Squared Strategies gives you the opportunity and skills to stand out from the pack and make a meaningful impact on the U.S. government through consulting.

Much more than just a job

The PACE Program is a 12-week professional apprenticeship where no two days are the same. As an apprentice, you will assume the role of an entry-level consultant with direct client interaction from day one. While specific projects and teams may vary, our placements align your interests and skills with client needs. You will support meaningful government work while building your professional skills and engaging with government officials. In addition, time is dedicated each week to provide you with classroom training to supplement your academic and professional background to make your resume more marketable and improve the value you bring to a team.

Unparalleled Opportunities

On-the-Job Training. A professional apprenticeship in the truest sense of the word, the PACE Program allows you to learn by doing meaningful, rewarding work for the federal government as an integral part of a consulting team.

Essential Skills Training. Learn project management and other skills identified by industry leaders that directly improve your employability and accelerate your career path in management consulting.

Oustanding Networking Opportunities. Interact with high-level federal managers and management consulting professionals while learing how Washington, DC operates.

M Squared helps you make the most of your apprenticeship.

Team Coaches. We provide team coaches to oversee your work in addition to your client delivery team to support necessary skills coaching to take your professional skills to the next level.

Transition support. M Squared also provides information and advice to assist you in your transition to DC and life as a management consulting professional in the beltway.

Program Schedule:

Application Process and Eligibility

We select highly motivated early-career professionals interested in a consulting career with the federal government to be a part of the program. You will go through a rigorous five-phase process to be placed as an apprentice with one of our partner consulting firms. Your writing, presentation, and teamwork skills will be assessed through submitted materials, on the phone, and in-person. This process is designed to ensure you are a good fit for the program as well as inform the matching process with our partner consulting firms.

If you are a strong leader with the desire to make a difference in government, please craft a cover letter and resume that highlights why you are an excellent candidate for the program that aligns with the position description. Incomplete submissions will not be considered. Feel free to email Erin Bankey, PACE Program Coordinator, with questions about the program or application process.

Early-career professionals interested in taking advantage of this opportunity should contact:
Erin Bankey, PACE Program Coordinator  |  pacepinfo@msquaredstrategies.com

Connect with the PACE Program on Facebook

Download the 2012 PACE Program Overview as a printable pdf