The AI Consulting Micro-Internship delivered exceptional impact for University of Liverpool students, with 261 enrolments, a 62% completion rate, and an impressive NPS of +54. Students reported meaningful development across consulting capability, AI literacy, communication, problem solving, and overall career confidence demonstrating that the programme not only engaged learners at scale but also strengthened the work-ready skills employers value most.

The results

Engagement

• 261 enrolments
• 161 completions (62% completion rate)
• Student NPS. of +54
• 8 employer partners engaged

Skills proficiency

• +35% increase in conculting skills
• +38% increase in AI literacy
• +20% in problem solving

How does the Micro-Internship experience work?

It's a four-week digital internship where students solve real employer-set business challenges. Participants receive AI-powered coaching and structured feedback, with top solutions presented to employers, leading to in-person opportunities and even direct hires.

Week 1: Consulting foundations

Students were introduced to the consulting partner and Springpod platform, then learned how consultants break down business problems using frameworks like the 5 Whys, Root Cause Analysis, and SWOT to build core problem-solving skills.

Week 2: AI literacy

Students developed essential AI skills, learning responsible Generative AI use and practical prompt-engineering techniques, and applying AI to research, analysis, and idea development.

Week 3: Solution design

Students shifted from problem analysis to solution design, exploring how AI enhances innovation and using tools such as the Business Model Canvas and SCAMPER to generate strategic solution ideas.

Week 4: Client brief & proposal

Students applied their new skills to a real client brief, using structured templates and AI-supported methods to develop and refine a professional, client-ready proposal.

Real world business challenges

Students select from a range of local employer briefs. Examples included:

Cloud Jungle - Design an AI assistant that makes customer relationshop management smart, faster and safer

Kyndryl - Create a seamless, tech-enabled onboarding process that turns frustration into a fast, user-friendly experience.

Jaguar Land Rover - Design styling, easy-to-use covers for vehicle connection points that enhance every day use.

Participation & engagement

Participation levels demonstrate both demand and commitment. Out of 261 students who started, 161 completed the 40-hour experience. A 62% completion rate is exceptionally high for voluntary online skills programmes, which typically sit between 25 to 40%. This indicates that the content resonated, students remained motivated, and the user experience design kept them engaged.

Top-level engagement

• 261 students started
• 161 students completed
• 62% completion rate (representing a 55% uplift compared to Springpod's usual completion rates)

Student demographics

The programme reached a broad and diverse mix of students. Gender representation was well balanced, while study-level data shows strong engagement among first-year undergraduates. This is especially significant as it means students are building core skills early, setting them up for future success and directly supporting widening access priorities.

Gender balance

• 50% female
• 44% male
• 6% prefer not to say

Domestic vs international

• 54% domestic
• 43% international
• 3% prefer not to say

Receives a bursury

• 72% no
• 21% yes
• 7% prefer not to say

First generation university

• 4% no
• 32% yes
• 4% prefer not to say

Satisfaction & NPS

Satisfaction levels were outstanding, reflected in an NPS of +54 ,
which is a score considered excellent in the context of university skills programmes. Students consistently rated the experience highly, valuing the authenticity of client brief work, and the structure
provided by Accenture’s guidance. These elements were the most
frequently cited drivers of satisfaction.

• +54.03 Net Promoter Score (NPS)
• 4.5/5 average satisfaction rating

Student feedback

Students found the programme both informative and transformative. Here is what they said:

High-impact learning

"It was very informative and well structured"

“I learned so many new skills which are useful for my career.”

“The activities made me think like a real consultant.”

AI Fluency & Confidence

“The simulation made me apply what I learned — it felt real.”

“I now feel confident using AI to generate ideas responsibly.”

Communication & Presentation Growth

“I feel much more confident after doing the tasks.”

“The simulation really helped me improve my presentation.”

Thank you

This Micro-Internship has demonstrated what’s possible when industry and education come together with a shared purpose: empowering students with the skills, confidence and curiosity to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

The outcomes speak for themselves. High engagement, powerful skill development, and outstanding student satisfaction.

If you're interested in hearing a participating student and the University of Liverpool talk more about the outcomes of this Micro-Internship, check that out here.

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