At ZS, we believe internships are more than just a stepping stone—they’re a launchpad for meaningful careers. Our internship programs are designed to immerse students in real-world consulting challenges, empowering them with hands-on experience, mentorship from industry experts and opportunities to drive meaningful impact. Whether analyzing data, crafting innovative strategies or collaborating on client solutions, ZS interns gain invaluable insights and skills that prepare them to excel in consulting, technology and data analytics. This is true for Caton Gayle, a 2021 intern turned full-time ZSer.

While finishing his junior year at the University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science, Caton moved to Philadelphia part time and began his internship at ZS. It was his first time living in a city, an experience he described as both thrilling and transformative. “I was nervous about the change, but living in a vibrant city like Philadelphia taught me to adapt and embrace new challenges,” Caton shared. 

After finishing the internship, Caton received an offer for a full-time position. “I graduated in 2022 and both fully moved to Philadelphia and started full time at ZS,” he says with pride. Now a full-time ZSer, Caton balances his professional growth with his passion for outdoor adventures like hiking and rock climbing. He also loves exploring the city’s neighborhoods, discovering its unique history, food and culture.

Caton’s internship took place during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, making it a fully remote experience. While remote work added new complexities to integrating into ZS and building connections with experienced professionals, Caton embraced the challenge. By reaching out proactively, Caton was able to work on projects related to incentive compensation and database management, which allowed him to gain hands-on experience and insights into consulting.

He joined one of ZS’s employee-led inclusion and diversity groups, the Black and Hispanic Alliance (BHA), to build community and connect with professionals across ZS. “The BHA has been an absolutely incredible resource, not only for connecting with ZSers from different walks of life but also for fostering meaningful relationships with colleagues across a variety of roles,” Caton says. “Through the BHA, I’ve had the chance to engage with individuals who bring diverse perspectives and experiences, which have deepened my understanding of the work we do and the impact we strive to achieve. This opportunity creates a supportive community where we can share ideas, celebrate our cultures and collaborate on initiatives that drive both personal and professional growth.”

Although much of Caton’s internship experience centered on incentive compensation, he realized he wanted to pursue a role that was more technically grounded. By being proactive about networking across the firm, Caton built strong relationships with ZSers from various teams, which opened doors for new opportunities. His efforts paid off—just five days after being hired full time, he was staffed on a project that aligned with his technical interests, setting the stage for a dynamic and fulfilling career at ZS.

Most of Caton Gayle’s current role is centered on digital customer engagement, where he collaborates directly with clients and their marketing teams to determine the best strategies for promoting their products. Reflecting on one standout project, Caton shared, “For me, with an engineering background and a passion for science and technology, this project really clicked because it wasn’t just about discussing strategy. We were diving into how to leverage proprietary systems, AI and new technologies to modernize the process.” This hands-on, tech-driven approach resonated deeply with Caton, and he’s remained on the project, continuing to drive innovation and impactful results.

At ZS, we’re not just shaping strategies—we’re shaping careers. Whether you’re a student exploring consulting for the first time or a professional looking to deepen your expertise, ZS offers opportunities to grow, innovate and make meaningful change. With a culture rooted in collaboration, mentorship and a commitment to pushing boundaries, ZS will empower you to thrive personally and professionally. If you’re ready to tackle complex challenges, work alongside brilliant minds and create lasting change, we invite you to explore how a career at ZS can help you achieve your goals.

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