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Heriot-Watt's brightest business minds are applying their classroom knowledge to real-life industry challenges as part of a pioneering new teaching programme.
The Edinburgh Business School (EBS) has successfully launched its first student Consultancy Boot Camp and is today encouraging business leaders to come forward to find out how it can benefit them, free of charge.
Successful applicants will work closely alongside a group of talented business students and academics, who will use their skillset to find solutions to a given business problem. This includes developing an actionable strategic roadmap prepared under the expert guidance of academics, who provide students with ongoing support in the form of independent business consultants.
This roadmap can then be implemented by the business to help increase productivity and, ultimately, boost profits.
All Boot Camp students belong to undergraduate and postgraduate programmes offered by the School. They are carefully handpicked by the EBS, based on their performance in the course and, in return, they gain real-world experience that will aid them in the next steps of their career.
Dr Tom Pfefferkorn, Assistant Professor of Business Management and co-lead of the Consultancy Boot Camp, said: “It is fantastic seeing the enthusiasm, commitment, and professionalism of our students solving real business problems for real business clients.
“These pro-bono projects are overseen by experienced mentor consultants providing our students with professional guidance. We develop future change agents for future markets.”
The Boot Camp recently completed its first consultancy project with the German-based reforestation company, ClickATree.com. Students were tasked with developing a viable system to qualify new customers in the UK while increasing the customer conversion rates. They pitched their recommendations to the CEO in a 10-minute video presentation and handed over a client report.
Chris Kaiser, CEO of Clickatree.com, praised the detailed insight offered by the group and is now continuing to engage with that group of young consultants.
He is urging other companies to take advantage of the Consultancy Boot Camp, adding: “I must admit, I'm really surprised by the depth of detail as well as the new, creative marketing ideas the students have come up with. I am also delighted by their enthusiasm: Some of the students continue doing market research and actually develop a brand-new marketing strategy for Click A Tree – even now, going way beyond the scope of the original university project. I can highly recommend other companies to apply – you will get lots of fresh eyes and very bright minds focusing on your major business challenges.”
Dr Luciana Blaha, co-lead of the Consultancy Boot Camp, said: “The bootcamp is an invaluable learning experience for students, and an excellent way for businesses to give development opportunities for young people, while getting tailored work in return. Our most recent consultants have found the experience to not only lead to follow-up work, but also to inform their future career aspirations, from consultancy to corporate law.”
To find out more about a free Consultancy Boot Camp or if you are a business wishing to apply, email Dr Tom Pfefferkorn on T.Pfefferkorn@hw.ac.uk