Prospective Consultants
Client Applications
The Fall 2021 application will start on Aug 2nd. Please click on the Apply button above and write the application form.
If you are interested in applying for future semesters, please email us at:
smallbusinessconsultingprogram@gmail.com
APPLICATION PROCESS
Application forms become available on this website in August for Fall semester and January for Spring semester. Very occasionally there will be projects over the summer semester; application forms for which will be made available in June. The Fall semester usually has the largest intake.
Questions can be directed to our general inbox at smallbusinessconsultingprogram@gmail.com.
Each application is reviewed independently by at least three members of the board and a short list of clients projects are presented to students at Columbia Business School.
Students are then invited to apply to be a consultant or engagement manager (3-5 consultants and 1 EM per team), indicating their project preference. The SBCP management team then matches student teams with client projects, and all parties attend a mandatory client kick-off.
TIPS
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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.
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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 6 students working 3-4 hours a week on this project for 8 weeks, concurrent with the student’s full time studies and job search.
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Please be mindful that the consultants are all full time MBA 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
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You, or a representative from your company, will make every effort to attend the kick off session held at Uris Hall, Columbia Business School.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. I 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