I run a Strategy Consulting Group at my university. Founded in 2017, the group is an experiential, problem-based learning program that provides business students (MBA, EMBA, Master of Accountancy, Master of Information Systems, Undergraduate) with consulting training and applied experiences with local, regional, national, and international firms. We also provide opportunities for Law, Engineering, and Economics students to gain valuable real world experience through the group. The consulting experience provides students with three things: 1) a consulting mindset and skillset they can deploy in any organizational setting, 2) practice applying those skills through real world projects, and 3) the opportunity for students to “manage and direct” the internal operations of the group, including training and HR processes, accounting and finance, IT, and marketing and sales. Our group operates on a “fee for service” basis with our clients. This adds a layer of “live fire” to the experience that stretches both students and clients to create excellent engagements. Students naturally work harder when there their work has real economic, as opposed to only academic, value. Clients provide higher quality projects—one’s they’ll actually implement—and exhibit much higher levels of engagement during the project. The department and university win as well. Fees generated by the group provide direct student support (items such as swag and celebratory meals), leadership training, and scholarships (both need and merit based). Student experiences are generally very good, and the most engaged students report a transformational capstone to their business school experience.
This session is part of the Teaching and Learning Conference (TLC@AOM). Space is limited; separate complimentary TLC@AOM pre-registration on a first-come, first-served basis is required. The TLC@AOM registration deadline is 27 July 2025, unless sold out. Register for TLC@AOM.
