Application Guide

How to Apply for Consultant, Advisory

at AECOM

🏢 About AECOM

AECOM is a global leader in infrastructure consulting, committed to delivering a better world through innovative and sustainable solutions. With a focus on environmental stewardship and community impact, AECOM offers employees the chance to work on transformative projects that shape the future of cities and ecosystems.

About This Role

As a Consultant in Advisory, you will tackle complex client challenges by leading workstreams, conducting data-driven analyses, and building business cases for sustainable investments. Your work will directly influence strategic decisions in economic development, infrastructure, and environmental resilience.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a team stand-up to align on workstream priorities, followed by data analysis in Excel or ArcGIS to model economic impacts. Afternoons often involve client calls or stakeholder interviews, and you may end the day drafting a pitch deck or technical memo for a new business proposal.

🎯 Who AECOM Is Looking For

  • You excel at structured problem-solving and can deconstruct ambiguous problems into actionable workstreams.
  • You have strong quantitative skills and are proficient in Excel, data visualization tools, and ideally economic modeling (IMPLAN, REMI) or geospatial analysis (ArcGIS).
  • You bring domain expertise in sustainability, economic development, or project finance, and can act as a trusted adviser to clients.
  • You are a collaborative team player with excellent interpersonal skills and a client-service mindset.

📝 Tips for Applying to AECOM

1

Highlight specific examples of leading workstreams or managing multiple tasks in a consulting or advisory context.

2

Showcase your proficiency with data tools like Excel, Tableau, or Power BI, and mention any experience with economic modeling or GIS.

3

Tailor your resume to include sustainability or infrastructure-related projects, even if from academic or volunteer work.

4

In your cover letter, mention AECOM's commitment to sustainability and how your values align with their mission.

5

Prepare a portfolio of past work (e.g., case studies, data models, pitch decks) that demonstrates your analytical and communication skills.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your ability to deconstruct complex problems and drive actionable insights using quantitative analysis.', 'Highlight your experience with stakeholder interviews and client-facing roles, showcasing your trusted adviser capabilities.', "Demonstrate your passion for sustainability and infrastructure, linking your skills to AECOM's legacy-building mission.", "Mention specific tools you're proficient in (e.g., Excel, ArcGIS, IMPLAN) and how you've used them to deliver impact."]

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Review AECOM's recent sustainability reports and case studies on infrastructure projects.
  • Understand their advisory service lines, especially in economic development and environmental consulting.
  • Look into AECOM's use of tools like IMPLAN and ArcGIS in client engagements.
  • Familiarize yourself with their key clients and sectors (e.g., transportation, water, energy).

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through a time you led a workstream and managed multiple competing priorities.
2 How would you approach a client problem involving economic development and environmental sustainability?
3 Describe your experience with data visualization: what tools have you used and how did you present findings?
4 Tell me about a time you used quantitative modeling to inform a strategic decision.
5 Why AECOM and how does your background align with our advisory practice?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't focus solely on technical skills; emphasize your client-service mindset and interpersonal abilities.
  • Avoid generic statements about sustainability; be specific about how you've contributed to sustainable outcomes.
  • Don't overlook the importance of structured problem-solving frameworks; prepare to discuss your approach.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to AECOM!