empatiX brings back alumni for 2026 eXplorers program

empatiX Consulting said its 2026 eXplorers internship and talent accelerator is back with returning alumni from Clemson, Miami and Fairfield. The Boston firm says the program puts students into client work on AI, analytics and strategy as companies face faster change and tighter competition.

Why it matters: - empatiX Consulting is using the eXplorers program to build a talent pipeline for consulting work that blends data, AI and human-centered strategy. - The program is designed to give students direct exposure to client problems that mirror the pressure companies face in volatile markets. - Returning alumni signal continuity in a pipeline meant to develop future consultants, not just fill short-term internship roles.

What happened: - empatiX Consulting marked the 2026 season of its eXplorers program, its internship and talent accelerator pipeline. - The Boston consultancy brought back three alumni: Luke Rinklin of Clemson University, Ceci Ginsberg of the University of Miami and Sebastian Leon of Fairfield University. - The firm said the returning participants strengthen its mentoring model and its focus on data-driven, human-centric strategists. - More information

The details: - The eXplorers program places participants in active client engagements instead of routine administrative intern work. - Participants work alongside senior leadership on macroeconomic and business challenges. - The program includes work on AI and data solutions as well as empathy-driven consulting methods. - empatiX said the structure prepares students to guide enterprises through an increasingly unpredictable financial environment. - Jess Horkan, CEO of empatiX Consulting, said the program is built to bridge academia and executive action. - Horkan said returning explorers bring speed-to-value, continuity and fluency in the firm’s approach. - Horkan also said the company is focused on helping clients adapt to disruption and use AI to stay competitive. - The company described itself as a female-owned small business that values diversity in experience and thinking. - Sebastian Leon said the program’s culture, access to meetings and willingness to value his input made a major difference in his development. - Leon said the team’s real deadlines and client stakes helped him understand what thoughtful work looks like day to day. - Ceci Ginsberg’s 2025 work included brand marketing support and the integration of AI tools to improve cross-functional deliverables. - Sebastian Leon’s 2025 work included quantitative analytics, advanced Excel workflows, survey design, platform testing and collaborative work.

Between the lines: - The return of alumni suggests empatiX is trying to turn internships into a longer-term recruiting and training channel. - The firm is also signaling that junior talent can contribute to client work faster when given direct responsibility and mentorship. - The emphasis on AI, empathy and diversity points to a consulting brand built around differentiation as much as execution.

What's next: - empatiX is likely to keep using the eXplorers program to support client work in market research, generative AI integration and experience strategy. - The firm says it will continue preparing emerging professionals to help Fortune 500 companies and growing brands navigate change and find growth opportunities. - The company’s broader goal is to convert the next generation of consultants into long-term contributors who can scale with client demand.