empatiX Consulting brings back alumni for 2026 eXplorers program

empatiX Consulting said its 2026 eXplorers program is again embedding college interns in active client work, with three alumni returning for a second year. The firm says the pipeline is meant to speed talent development while helping clients navigate AI, data and economic disruption.

Why it matters: - empatiX Consulting is using its internship pipeline as a talent accelerator, not a traditional summer program. - The returning cohort gives the firm continuity on client work and faster onboarding for future consulting roles. - The program reflects a broader push to build AI and data fluency alongside human-centered strategy skills.

What happened: - empatiX Consulting marked another successful season of its 2026 eXplorers Program in Boston. - The firm welcomed back three alumni for a second year: Luke Rinklin of Clemson University, Ceci Ginsberg of the University of Miami and Sebastian Leon of Fairfield University. - The program places collegiate participants into active client engagements tied to macroeconomic and business challenges. - The company described the eXplorers initiative as its premier internship and talent accelerator pipeline.

The details: - eXplorers work inside core consulting functions instead of handling conventional administrative intern tasks. - Participants work alongside senior leadership while learning AI and data tools. - The program also emphasizes empathy-driven methods for client strategy. - empatiX said the structure prepares participants to support enterprises in a more unpredictable financial environment. - CEO Jess Horkan said the program is meant to bridge academia and executive action. - Horkan said returning participants bring speed-to-value, continuity and fluency in the firm’s mix of data mechanics and human empathy. - Horkan also said clients from startups to Fortune 100 companies are facing disruption and pressure to adopt AI and move faster. - Horkan framed the firm’s approach as tied to diversity of thought and to being a female-owned small business. - Sebastian Leon said the team culture made it easier to contribute early and learn from real client deadlines.

Between the lines: - empatiX is positioning internships as a core business strategy, not just a recruiting channel. - Bringing back alumni suggests the firm values long-term cultural fit and faster contribution over one-off summer experience. - The emphasis on empathy plus AI signals how consulting firms are trying to differentiate in a crowded market.

What's next: - The returning eXplorers are expected to continue supporting client work through the 2026 program. - empatiX said the alumni bring specialized skills and empirical experience back to the team. - The firm is likely to keep using the program to grow its next generation of consultants.

The bottom line: - empatiX is betting that alumni interns can deliver faster value to clients while helping shape the firm’s future workforce. - More information: empatiX Consulting on LinkedIn