Real-World Consultancy Programme

Could you join our student team and tackle a real challenge facing a client or organisation?

We are recruiting for the Real-World Consultancy Programme.

If you want to be challenged, have fun, make friends and hone your problem-solving skills then this is the extra-curricular programme for you!

It's free to join and open to Queen's students of all levels.

students sitting in a group smiling and chatting in One Elmwood

Programme Information

The programme will run from Tuesday 27 – Friday 30 May 2025 (9am - 4:30 pm each day).

We can't accommodate participants missing any part of this four day programme.

Full attendance is required.

Through this exciting four-day, full-time programme, students will gain a different type of work experience by providing a consultancy service to real clients and working on a real challenge that those clients face.

You will work in a project team with other students from different disciplines and will be facilitated through a Design Thinking process to resolve the client’s problem.

This is a great first step for students with no/limited work experience to add to their CV and a precious opportunity to develop highly valued Design Thinking skills before undertaking a placement, internship or graduate job.

The programme provides practical experience for developing the following Future-Ready Skills:

Interpersonal Skills,
Commercial Awareness,
Initiative,
Innovation and Creativity.

We will be holding an online information session on the Real World Consultancy Programme on 27 February 2025 from10am-11am, check our Careers events listing for details.

students sitting in a group on the staircase in One Elmwood

How do I apply?

Who is eligible to apply to this programme?

This programme is open to degree-registered students or recent graduates from any subject and any level of study.
Only 40 places are available. Preference will be given to students from under-represented courses and degree levels.
As this is an entry-level opportunity, the programme will not suit candidates already possessing extensive consulting, consulting-adjacent, or overall professional experience.
We will operate a waitlist for other interested and eligible students.

Applications will open Monday 27 January 2025, and close Monday 14 April 2025 at 12 noon.

three students sitting at a table talking whilst a staff member listens to their conversation

Programme Benefits

What are the benefits to taking part in this programme?

Gain an understanding of how Design Thinking can be used to solve challenges
Interaction with students from other disciplines and year groups and building of team working skills
Work-related learning through working with a real client on a real problem, which can be included on a CV and used for job applications
Increased confidence in your ability to be creative, entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial.
Experience of consulting and working for a client.
Experience of pitching an idea
Increased time management skills and ability to work under pressure.
Students who attend all aspects of the programme, and complete the programme in full, including any work required, can then use this as an activity to apply for a Future-Ready Award accreditation