MBA Fieldwork Consulting
IN THIS SECTION
Work with a Consulting Team of MBA Students. Receive Insightful Business Strategies.
A consulting team of up to five DeVos MBA students, guided by faculty and advisors, would like to work with you on a business strategy and marketing analysis for your company.
Student consultants will develop action-oriented recommendations to guide your future decision making. They provide valuable research specific to your organization, reinforcing their understanding of business fundamentals while applying modern management, strategy, and marketing practices to identify issues and opportunities.
Whether you’re a large corporation with multiple divisions, a small to medium-sized business, an entrepreneur, or a non-profit organization, you will benefit from participating in a fieldwork consulting project.
- There is a long history of our consulting teams delivering highly insightful and actionable recommendations that create real value for clients.
- You will provide a real world opportunity for our DeVos MBA students to apply their MBA learning in strategy, marketing, problem-solving, and leadership.
- Between 20 and 24 hours working with the consulting team over the duration of the semester (January to May).
- In an initial meeting, the “project scope” is co-developed with the advisors to provide a brief background on the company and to direct the consulting team to particular strategic concerns and opportunities.
- A minimum of six additional meetings between members of management and the MBA consulting team spread over the semester to help guide both the strategy and marketing analysis.
- Attendance at two in-person presentations – one in the middle of the semester and one at the end.
- Clients must be able to share information about their business in an open spirit – full confidentiality is assured.
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Initial Meeting with Fieldwork Advisors
In the initial meeting, a course advisor will be looking to gather information on your organization and determine if the project is a good fit based on your needs.
We will clarify expectations and provide an overview of the course deliverables, and will work to draft a project scope with your goals in mind.
First Student Consulting Meeting
The initial consulting meeting with the student group will preferably be conducted on-site at your organization; a virtual format may be accommodated if necessary.
Students will prepare a structured set of questions designed to elicit deeper insights into your organization and to establish a strong foundation for the project.
Additional Meetings with Students
We will meet continuously throughout the process. Meetings are to be led by students with advisor support. This may include job shadowing and observation, information exchange, and feedback between students and clients.
Final Presentation
Students are required to deliver two formal presentations: the first at the midpoint of the course, with an emphasis on strategic analysis, and the second at the conclusion of the course, with a focus on marketing.
In each presentation, the student consultants will present their findings and recommendations for your organization, followed by a designated period for questions and discussion.
Who are the DeVos MBA Students?
DeVos students in our Accelerated MBA Program work collaboratively as a diverse group of high-achievers. Students engage in a team-oriented learning approach and an interactive case-based learning environment.
Competitive Strategy & Marketing
What you can expect our students to do for you and your company.
Analyze
Analyze internal and external environments to understand current and future opportunities.
Demonstrate
Demonstrate the connection between strategy and marketing to drive competitive advantage.
Synthesize
Synthesize, assess, and illustrate the strengths and weaknesses using strategy and marketing modeling.
Leverage
Leverage operational and tactical elements of marketing to optimize strategy and performance.
Present
Present meaningful strategy and marketing analysis insights and actionable recommendations.
MBA Fieldwork Consulting
Hear from Our Real Clients
We were thoroughly impressed by the methodical approach and project outcome driven by the student-led team. We gleaned valuable qualitative data for our organization that will assist in future programming and product decisions, aligning with value drivers for the Loons’ fanbase.
– Chris Mundhenk, Client, Great Lakes Loons
Four students completed a business analysis for a canning system for us. They did an amazing job drilling down in detail with competitive analysis and great research, determining value and need in the community while targeting customer needs.
– John Levy, Business Owner & Partner, Mobile Canning Line
The students were able to bring a new perspective and points to our group. Since our group is focused on attracting and retaining talent in manufacturing, the younger/more fresh eyes were much appreciated!
– Maggie Stolz, Chair, CMMA Emerging Leaders
It’s hard to hit a target that you cannot see… The students helped identify our targets and provided us with strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for additional success. They gave us a solid view of where we sat in our market, identifying actionable pathways for growth.
– Craig Elford, Owner, Active Orthopedics Physical Therapy
Students took a deep dive into the current marketing strategies being implemented. They were thorough in their research: conducting interviews, surveys, attending local meetings, and touring the area. They presented a ton of useful data points and gave us a marketing strategy with tools that can immediately be implemented.
– Matthew Lang, Director of Business Services & Economic Development, City of Beaverton
Seeing our business through the eyes of these young, educated business professionals broadened our vision, narrowed our focus, and shifted our business priorities. They gave us applicable recommendations that will no doubt direct our future success.
– Kim Shea, Owner, Sugarbeet Blooms and Bridal
Questions?
