40 hour AI consulting experience

Welcome to your Virtual Internship

An Academic Asia experience in association with Springpod

Your 4 week learning journey

Over the next four weeks, you’ll step into the world of consulting and experience what it’s like to solve real business challenges using AI. You’ll start by learning the fundamentals of consulting and the role AI plays in driving innovation, before applying key tools and frameworks to explore how consultants approach complex problems.

You’ll then take on a real client brief, using research, creativity, and AI tools to develop your own professional proposal. Finally, you’ll refine your work and submit a polished written report and creative presentation that showcases your consulting potential.

Cohort 1 — July Start

Cohort 2 — August Start

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Onboarding

27th July 2026

27th July - 2nd August 2026

Week 1 · Understand problems

Week 2 · Develop solutions

3rd - 9th August 2026

Week 3 · Brief selection

10th - 16th August 2026

Week 4 · Submission review

17th - 23rd August 2026

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Submission deadline

23rd August 2026

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Onboarding

17th August 2026

Week 1 · Understand problems

17th - 23rd August 2026

Week 2 · Develop solutions

24th - 30th August 2026

Week 3 · Brief selection

31st August - 6th September 2026

Week 4 · Submission review

7th - 13th September 2026

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Submission deadline

13th September 2026

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Onboarding

Week 1 · Understand problems

Week 2 · Develop solutions

Week 3 · Brief selection

Week 4 · Submission review

★

Submission deadline

End of week four.

Preparation

17th August 2026

Virtual Internship onboarding

Complete these preparation steps to maximise your learning experience. Learn about AI fundamentals, and platform navigation.

Learning objectives

By the end of onboarding, you’ll understand how the Virtual Internship works, get familiar with the Springpod platform, and feel confident navigating your learning journey. You’ll also gain a solid introduction to using AI tools to support your tasks.

Key activities

You will watch introductory videos, explore the Springpod platform, and familiarise yourself with the tools and resources available for your Virtual Internship.

Deliverables

Your deliverables include submitting any introductory reflections or profile setup tasks, and ensuring you’re ready to start Week 1 with confidence.

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Week 1

17th - 23rd August 2026

Understanding Business Problems

This week introduces you to the fundamentals of consulting and problem-solving. You’ll learn how to identify, analyse, and address real-world business challenges using proven frameworks and AI tools to support your thinking.

Learning objectives

Throughout the week, you’ll take part in an interactive case study that allows you to practice business problem-solving, complete guided AI-prompting exercises, and watch expert-led video lessons. You’ll also reflect on your learning and test your understanding through a short knowledge-check quiz.

Key activities

By the end of the week, you’ll understand what defines a business problem and how to approach it systematically. You’ll apply techniques such as the 5 Whys, Root Cause Analysis, and SWOT to uncover underlying issues and develop structured insights. You’ll also explore how AI can be used responsibly to enhance analysis and support data-driven recommendations.

Deliverables

Your deliverables for this week include a completed exercise using the 5 Whys, Root Cause Analysis, and SWOT frameworks, as well as a personal reflection on how these tools and AI supported your thinking. You’ll also complete an end-of-week quiz to consolidate your learning.

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Week 2

24th - 30th August 2026

Developing solutions for clients

This week focuses on developing practical solutions for clients. You’ll apply consulting frameworks and creative techniques while exploring how AI can support research, analysis, and innovation.

Learning objectives

By the end of the week, you will be able to use AI responsibly in consulting tasks, apply tools such as Market Research, the Business Model Canvas, and SCAMPER to generate solutions, and reflect on your approach to provide structured recommendations.

Key activities

You will watch expert-led videos, complete AI-assisted research exercises, practice using the Business Model Canvas and SCAMPER frameworks, and reflect on your learning before testing your knowledge with a short quiz.

Deliverables

Your deliverables include completing the Market Research activity, applying the Business Model Canvas and SCAMPER frameworks to a scenario, submitting a reflection on your learning, and completing the knowledge-check quiz.

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Week 3

31st August - 6th September 2026

Select a client brief

This week brings together everything you’ve explored – from research and frameworks to AI integration – into one final project. You’ll choose a real-world business challenge, shape a practical and innovative solution, and present your ideas in both written and visual formats to demonstrate your consulting potential.

Learning objectives

By the end of this week, you’ll be able to structure a consulting proposal that clearly defines a client’s problem, presents evidence-based recommendations, and integrates AI tools effectively. You’ll also learn how to create a professional report and a persuasive presentation that communicates your solution with clarity and impact.

Key activities

You’ll begin by selecting a client brief and mapping the problem using the Business Challenge Poster. Then, you’ll develop your ideas into a 1,000-word written report and a creative presentation. Along the way, you’ll receive guidance on using AI in your research, structuring your proposal, and designing an engaging presentation in Canva or PowerPoint.

Deliverables

Your deliverables this week include a completed Business Challenge Poster, a draft 1,000-word written report outlining your consulting proposal, and a draft creative presentation that showcases your ideas clearly and creatively. Both pieces should highlight your understanding of the client’s challenge, your recommended solution, and how AI adds value to your approach.

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Week 4

7th - 13th September 2026

Work on your proposal

This week is about transforming your hard work into a professional submission. You’ll finalise your 1,000-word written report and 10-slide creative presentation, double-check every detail, and learn how to deliver your ideas with confidence and clarity. Once complete, you’ll submit your final proposal – the ultimate showcase of your consulting journey.

Learning objectives

By the end of this week, you’ll be able to polish and present your consulting proposal to a professional standard, applying best practices in structure, clarity, and presentation design. You’ll understand submission requirements, refine your written and visual communication skills, and feel confident delivering and submitting your final proposal.

Key activities

You’ll review your written report and creative presentation against the assessment criteria, ensuring both are clear, complete, and visually engaging. You’ll check grammar, flow, visuals, and formatting, then prepare to submit your final proposal. You’ll also explore practical tips for presenting effectively.

Deliverables

Your deliverables this week include the final submission of your written report (850–1,150 words) and creative presentation (approximately 10 slides). Both should follow the provided structure, demonstrate professional polish, and clearly communicate your recommendations, AI insights, and client-focused thinking. You’ll also complete the final submission process and review guidance for next steps following the internship.

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Frequently asked questions

Here, we can answer any questions you may have about the experiences. If your question isn't on the list, please contact our support team by clicking the chat icon in the bottom-right corner of your screen. If chat support isn't available, you can also reach us by email at hello@springpod.com.

What is this Virtual Internship all about?

This programme gives you the chance to step into the shoes of a consultant working with a real client, while learning how to use AI as a professional tool. You’ll explore how businesses identify problems, develop solutions, and communicate recommendations, just like real consultants do, while seeing how AI can enhance research, analysis, and creativity.

It’s short, hands-on, and built to help you gain practical experience and both future-ready digital and industry-relevant skills without needing to be on-site.

Who is this Virtual Internship for?

It's designed for ambitious students who want to:

Create a portfolio piece to enhance university applications or Cvs
Understand how problem-solving operates at a professional level
Build transferable skills like communication, research, and analysis
Learn how AI and technology are reshaping work.

No prior experience in business or consulting is required – just curiosity and motivation to learn.

What will I actually do during the Virtual Internship?

You’ll go through a mixture of videos, activities, reflections, tutorials, and a final project, where you:

Learn how organisations identify and solve complex problems.
Develop a written proposal and presentation recommending a solution.
Reflect on your experience and how you’ve developed as a problem-solver.

Everything is done online, independently, and at your own pace in line with the release of the Onboarding, Week 1&2 content, and Week 3&4 content.

What’s the main outcome of completing this Virtual Internship

By the end, you’ll have:

A professional-level consulting proposal and presentation.
Hands-on experience working on a genuine business challenge.
A certificate of completion to showcase on LinkedIn or your CV.
A better understanding of how to approach real-world business problems using AI.

You’ll also develop valuable skills in critical thinking, creativity and professional communication.

Will I be paid for completing the Virtual Internship?

No – this is not a paid opportunity. The purpose of this experience is to give you real-world critical thinking and problem solving experience, and improve your skills.

Can I complete more than one business brief?

You can only submit ONE proposal as part of this AI Consulting Virtual Internship.

How do I access the Virtual Internship?

Simply create your Springpod account where you will be prompted to enter you licence code to access the Virtual Internship. You can also add your licence code when navigating to https://space.springpod.com/settings and inputting it at the bottom box. Your modules, videos and activities, videos, and activities will appear in order.

I have trouble logging in / can’t access certain pages. What should I do?

If you have trouble logging into the AI Consulting Virtual Internship, or struggle accessing certain pages throughout, please raise a support ticket through the chat bot at the bottom-right corner of your screen.

A member of the Springpod Support Team will get back to you as soon as possible.

How do I create an account and activate my Virtual Internship licence code?

I already have an account. How do I activate my Virtual Internship licence code?

If you've already created your account but haven't entered your Virtual Internship licence code yet, you can easily activate it from within your account.

Sign in to your existing account
Navigate to the licence activation page
Enter your Virtual Internship licence code
Confirm your activation and access your internship

Watch the video below for a quick step-by-step walkthrough.

My licence code doesn’t work when trying to access. What should I do?

If your licence code isn’t working, please raise the issue via the chat bot on the platform and include your full licence code in the message.

The Springpod Team will verify your details and get you back up and running as quickly as possible.

Do I need to download anything?

No – everything is browser-based. However, you might want to use Canva or PowerPoint for your final presentation, and you can download templates provided in the course. You will also need to use the AI tool, Copilot.

How long does it take to complete?

You should take 40 hours in total to complete the AI Consulting Virtual Internship (inclusive of independent work on the proposal), but you can work at your own pace.

Can I take breaks and come back later?

Yes! Your progress is saved automatically, so you can stop and return at any time without losing your place.

When should I expect feedback on my written report and creative brief?

You will receive feedback on your written report and creative brief typically two weeks after the closing date for proposals to be submitted.

How will I receive feedback on my written report and creative brief?

Your feedback will be in the form of a small report, and will be scored in reference to a standardised rubric.

What skills will I gain from this Virtual Internship?

You’ll build core employability and consulting skills, including:

Problem-solving and critical analysis
Research and data interpretation
Creativity and innovation
Communication and presentation
Use of AI tools responsibly in a business context
Time management and professional writing

These are exactly the skills employers look for in graduate roles.

How can I use this experience in future job applications?

You can:

Add the Micro Internship to your CV and LinkedIn profile
Mention it in applications and interviews as practical experience
Use your proposal or presentation as a portfolio example to demonstrate your thinking, design, and problem-solving approach
Employers love candidates who can show how they’ve applied theory to practice. This experience helps you do exactly that.

Please reach out to your careers team for support.

Will I get a certificate?

Yes! Once you complete all modules and submit your final proposal, you’ll receive a certificate of completion. It’s a great way to prove your commitment and capability to future employers.

Do I need to work in a team?

No – this Virtual Internship is designed to be completed independently.

What do I need to submit at the end?

You’ll submit:

A written proposal (around 1,000 words)
A visual presentation (max 5 minutes in Canva or PowerPoint)

Together, these show your full understanding of the client’s problem and your proposed solution. The written proposal makes up 50% of your overall grade. The visual presentation also makes up 50% of your final grade.

What if I’m unsure about my proposal or presentation?

Don’t worry – the modules in Parts 3&4 should walk you through exactly what’s expected, with clear templates to follow.

Can I still complete the course if I’m short on time?

Yes – it’s flexible. You can complete the modules whenever you like before the closing date.

Is there a contact for the company whose brief I have chosen so I can discuss my ideas in more detail before submitting?

We cannot provide contact details for companies involved in this AI Consulting Micro Internship.

Can I message or follow the company on social media for research purposes?

You may follow social media for research purposes, but you cannot reach out to contacts at the organisation during the AI Consulting Virtual Internship.

Can I submit beyond the submission deadline?

No, you cannot submit your proposals beyond the deadline which is the end of week four.

What happens after I complete the Virtual Internship?

You’ll receive access to next steps and career guidance, including how to discuss your experience in applications, interviews, or networking conversations.

Will this help me get a job or internship?

While completing the programme doesn’t guarantee a job, it strengthens your CV and gives you practical experience to stand out from other applicants. Many students use it as a stepping stone to internships, placements, or graduate roles.

By participating, does this fast-track me in any future applications with the client companies involved?

Participating in this AI Consulting Virtual Internship does not guarantee any sort of fast-track in any future applications with the client companies involved.

Can I share my work publicly?

You can share your completion certificate on LinkedIn and other professional platforms, and we would encourage you to do that. We would, however, not encourage sharing the details of your proposals/work publicly.

The best way to share this would be to evidence your recent work experience in job applications and at interviews.

What’s the biggest tip for success?

Treat it like a real client project - because, essentially, it is. Be curious, professional, and creative. And remember, it’s about learning how to think like a consultant, not just ticking off activities.