Universities across Canada and the United States have provided students the opportunity to boast their comprehension of business functions learned in the classroom through transferring their skills into management consulting for local businesses. These management-consulting clinics have been successful for years.

The value brought to the table with such initiatives are quite evident, in the sense that, small businesses are given a more affordable option and students are given the chance to put their minds towards challenging work.

For example, the TMC Consulting Clinic (www.consultingclinic.ca), in association with the Telfer School of Management at the University of Ottawa, is a new initiative, which will be run by undergraduate students (they work with a Head Mentor, Dr. Bruce Firestone). An Advisory Board made up of professors and volunteer professionals is also available to support the students and provide assistance as required.  Not only does student consulting  allow students to network and gain valuable work experience, local organizations that cannot afford to pay an arm and a leg for management consulting work now have an alternative wherein they receive quality work at a fraction of the cost.

Esha

Copyright © Esha Abrol, Canada. 2008