Impact Future Business Leaders
Business majors start college by taking Introduction to Business (MNGT 101) in their first semester. In the class, students explore business disciplines, develop problem-solving skills and participate in their first real-world business competition, Business Battle. Guided by student coaches and professionals serving as volunteer consultants, students gain hands-on experience in teamwork, communication and analysis.
You can help first-year students build confidence and get excited about their future in business by serving as one of the volunteer consultants in April 2026.
Spring Meeting Dates For Volunteer Business Consultants
| Consultant Training | Attend one: Monday, March 30, 8 a.m. or Tuesday, March 31, at 12 p.m. Central | Virtual |
| First Consultant Meeting with Students | Friday, April 3, at 12:30-1:20 p.m. Central | In Person or Virtual |
| Second Consultant Meeting with Students | Wednesday, April 15, at 12:30-1:20 p.m. Central | In Person or Virtual |
| Business Battle Final Round and Celebration (Optional) | Wednesday, April 29, 12:30-1:20 p.m. Central | In Person (Optional) |
Why You’re Already a Great Fit
In this role, “consultant” means serving as a sounding board. You are helping students think through ideas and decisions, not providing expert answers.
A professional perspective: Students benefit from hearing how someone with real work experience approaches problems, weighs tradeoffs, and asks questions.
Curiosity and questions: Asking why and how is often more valuable than providing solutions. Students benefit from someone who helps them think critically.
Experience navigating ambiguity: Whether you work in finance, marketing, operations, healthcare, nonprofits, or startups, you’ve made decisions with incomplete information just like the students will be doing in this case.
Encouragement and confidence: Many first-year students are presenting ideas publicly for the first time. Helping them think about how to tell their story, highlight what matters most, and communicate with confidence can be just as impactful as any technical feedback.
Why Volunteer?
- Talent Spotting: Identify and recruit promising talent early, potentially leading to internships or employment opportunities.
- Giving Back: Give back to the community by sharing your knowledge and experiences with the next generation of leaders.
- Corporate Social Responsibility: Highlight your company’s commitment to education and community development.
- Expand Professional Network: Connect with other business professionals, faculty, and students, creating opportunities for future collaborations and partnerships.
- Leadership and Mentoring Skills: Develop and refine your leadership and mentoring abilities.
What to Expect
- Teams: Consultants will be paired with 1 student team. Each team will consist of five students.
- Consulting Sessions: We ask for a commitment of 1 hour per week for four weeks (November-December or April-May) to guide and support our students. The one hour per week can be used for individual team consulting. If you wish to be more available, that is entirely up to you and greatly appreciated!
- Training: To ensure you’re well-prepared, there is a training:
- Materials: Before the training session you will be sent the case, teaching notes and judging rubric.
- Synchronous Zoom Session: This live session will focus on strategy, consulting tips and scoring rubric. It also offers an opportunity to engage with fellow consultants and ask any questions you might have.
