Hi there,Title says it all really, I'm doing an internship at a big 4 firm this summer but I have ambitions of working for MBB or Oliver Wyman after the internship even though I realise/know how very unlikely it is. Either way, I just wanted to know of some books to read to introduce me to the world of consulting and fill me in on some industry knowledge that outsiders won't know. Thanks!

It's summer time. Enjoy your summer and focus on your internship. That hands-on experience will teach you more than a book possibly could, and provide better insight.

Sorry if I haven't been that clear, but I meant to read before I start just so I can be a step ahead of everyone else or even just for quite generic background knowledge.I'm travelling for a few weeks before I start so I just wanted some casual reading. And also cause I think I might actually find it interesting to read!

12 years a slave?

Jesus Christ you're taking this too seriously. Get to the pub and enjoy the fact you've landed an internship in this competitive age...But seriously, read the FT if you must once or twice a week. That current knowledge will mean you know more than more of your friends....

'The McKinsey Way' is a classic one.

"Plundering the Public Sector". Take it with a pinch of salt - all of us who have done big public sector projects know how much (more) of a cluster-f they would make of it left to their own devices, but it's not too far off the mark.

The Prince - Machiavelli, followed by 50 Shades of grey, the way I see it that should cover you for small talk at any occasion.

Watch House of Lies?

Given you can't get a straight answer from a consultant how about that well known career advancing and positioning strategy book 50 Shades of grey ? sounds like a good place to start - ideal if you work in MC for a VP in her 40's or early 50's to show some modern day moves of your ownDC

Powerpoint for Dummies

Having written this, I realised that the answer is more serious than I intended it to be.

You could always brush up on "The Great Escape". Could come in handy when your boss calls you for a meeting at 5.30pm on a Friday to discuss "next steps on the project".

Rule no.1 of consulting: do not pick up your phone at 17:30 on a Friday unless it's a personal call.