Client Applications
Our application deadline for the Spring 2024 cohort will open in mid-December 2023.
We have a two-round application process where we select projects to present to consultants for staffing in the first round. In the second round, we staff those selected projects that have sufficient consultant demand.
Application Round Notification Dates:
-
First Round: mid January 2024
-
Final Round: mid February 2024
By applying, you are committing to working with SBCP for a semester-long engagement from February through April. Please ensure that you, or someone from your team, are available to meet with your consulting team during the engagement period.
TIPS
-
Try to focus on one major high level issue/decision that is crucial to your business and the work that is required to provide recommendations on such issues.
-
In scoping your project, it is helpful to try to estimate how many weeks should be allocated to each workstream, keeping in mind that each team consists of 3-5 students working 3-4 hours a week on this project for 8-10 weeks, concurrent with the student’s full time studies and job search.
-
Please be mindful that the consultants are all full time Columbia Business School students who are giving up a few hours a week for a rewarding and educational practical experience, therefore we do not accept the following types of projects: a) Writing business plans / proposals, b) Creating pitch decks / other fundraising materials, c) sales (i.e., “sell my product”) d) Administrative help or technical support (data filing/management, website/graphics creation, implementation of recommendations etc.).
TERMS & CONDITIONS
-
You, or a representative from your company, will make every effort to attend the kick off session.
-
You, or the appropriate member of your team, will 1) Be available at least once a week for a progress call or meeting 2) Provide the team with the relevant data required to complete the project in a timely manner 3) Respond to SBCP queries within 48 hours including: i. Team queries ii. Board queries iii. Filling out feedback surveys regarding SBCP program.
-
You will set expense guidelines with the SBCP team and cover any expenses incurred for the purpose of completing the project. Expenses may include: market research, travel beyond New York City, specialized supplies, etc.
-
You will not make fundamental changes to the Proposed Statement of Work. Students select projects based on the information you provide in this document. It is categorically unfair to them if you change the Statement of Work after matching is complete. By default, fundamental changes will result in cancellation of the project.
-
If a non-disclosure agreement is required, you will provide one yourself, and that SBCP and the student team reserve the right to make any reasonable changes, including standard adjustments to conform with SBCP's business practices. You understand that this consulting work is performed on a voluntary basis by the students for the purpose of learning and development, therefore non-compete agreements will not be necessary nor signed by the student team.
FAQ