Career-Enhancing Benefits of Telfer Executive MBA's Hands-On Consulting Projects

A differentiating feature of The Telfer Executive MBA (EMBA) program is its practical approach to learning, particularly through the integration of six hands-on consulting projects. These projects are not only a pillar of the curriculum but also a catalyst for enhancing candidates' confidence and their careers. By working directly with real-world clients, candidates gain experience that goes far beyond traditional academic learning methods. Alumni Malcolm Ranta and Celina Flores highlight how the consulting projects transformed both their professional growth and careers.

Real-World Application Combined with Theoretical Learning

Malcolm Ranta shares that the case studies discussed in class provided him a strong foundation for learning, however it was the hands-on consulting projects that allowed him to experience real-world business in real time. While the case studies simulate scenarios, the hands-on projects take this learning further by involving candidates in solving real business challenges. “It is not a practice run. The six projects in the program are quite literally true consulting engagements but instead of being paid with money, we are being paid in experience,” he says. “It’s one thing to read about a framework or a concept, it’s a completely different learning experience when you have to apply it in a real business situation.” These real-world experiences exposed him to unpredictable and dynamic environments where decisions had to be made, often with incomplete or conflicting data, mirroring the ambiguity faced in actual business settings.

Celina Flores echoes this sentiment, noting that the projects pushed her beyond traditional problem-solving frameworks and made her comfortable making decisions with imperfect information. She points out that in the real world, there is rarely a clear answer, and consulting projects force candidates to develop skills in navigating uncertainty. “The learning experience is really about shaping solutions in a chaotic environment, which isn’t something you can fully grasp in a textbook or case study,” she says. “This ability to make strategic decisions despite ambiguity is one of the most valuable leadership skills I took away from the EMBA program.”

A Diverse Portfolio of Experience

The variety of industries and types of organizations that candidates work with during the consulting projects ensures a broad spectrum of learning. As Malcolm describes, his team worked with a non-profit organization, a tech startup, and even an AI company looking to expand internationally. “My experience in the EMBA program provided me a nice cross-section of learning opportunities as the six consulting projects that I worked on had me dealing with a variety of companies – all of whose business environments and operations are different, so I really got the opportunity to test out frameworks in a variety of industries and learn how the consulting process differs for each,” he shares.

Celina’s experience with a water filtration company expanding into South Korea and a Silicon Valley startup using augmented reality for architectural design demonstrates the global and technical reach of the projects. She says, “The project we did for the Silicon Valley start-up pushed us to think strategically about market positioning and long-term scalability, while also considering how emerging technology could reshape industry standards. The projects associated with the two international trips equipped me with the skills to navigate international business challenges and sharpen my strategic thinking.”

The exposure to a variety of industries allows candidates to build adaptability and a robust portfolio of experience. The hands-on consulting projects push candidates to become adaptable which is an essential competency for leaders. 

Building Confidence and Expertise

One of the most significant benefits of the consulting projects is the confidence it instills in candidates. Malcolm, who has a background in public health and nonprofit work, notes that the projects gave him the confidence to launch his own management consulting company after graduation. “I’m not sure I would have taken that step had I not experienced the six consulting projects in the EMBA program,” he says. “I came into the program having knowledge and experience in one area, but after being exposed to different industries through the projects, I feel capable and confident in applying my skills across any industry.”

Consulting with Social Impact

The EMBA program not only enhances candidates' business acumen but also cultivates an understanding of social impact. Malcolm’s first consulting project involved creating a digital marketing plan for a small non-profit. This experience highlighted for him the unique role that business strategies can play in supporting social causes. “It is incredible that the Telfer Executive MBA program has this particular project allowing non-profit companies access to quality consulting services for free. It is so meaningful to these companies and the community,” he says. 

Celina, too, experienced the intersection of business and social responsibility when her team worked on a fundraising campaign for a retirement home. “This project was professionally and personally rewarding. It combined strategic business planning with helping a vulnerable population. I applied my marketing expertise while gaining a deeper appreciation for the social responsibility side of business.”

These experiences encourage candidates to consider the broader societal impact of their business decisions.

Real-World Impact and Success Stories

One of the most rewarding aspects of the consulting projects is their tangible impact on both the participating companies and the EMBA candidates themselves. Malcolm recalls his experience advising a company on its international expansion plans during the Global Business Strategy project. His team’s research revealed that expanding into Vietnam was not the right move at the time. Instead of pushing forward, they advised the company to delay expansion by two to three years, saving the business significant financial risk. This advice was appreciated, and directly influenced a real business decision. Occasionally there is also ongoing collaboration with a client even after the completion of a project. Malcolm's business development project with a bank led to continued contact with the Managing Director, who is now exploring the idea of turning Malcolm’s findings into a new project. These projects not only build strong relationships but also create potential pathways for paid consulting opportunities.

Similarly, Celina worked on a healthcare project during the pandemic, where she developed a diagnostic tool and decision matrix for a hospital’s leadership team. “This experience taught me the importance of engaging stakeholders and integrating their feedback into the solution. I applied these lessons in a recent project at work where we ran a large-scale public consultation. Involving stakeholders early on helped build trust and ensured smoother progress. By staying flexible and continuously tracking feedback, we were able to adapt to changing priorities and ensure the project's success.”

The Complete Learning Experience

The six hands-on consulting projects in the EMBA program offer candidates a full-circle learning experience. Malcolm says, “The projects take your learning to a whole new level. Just knowing tools, frameworks and concepts does not help prepare you for leadership roles in your career. Knowing how to apply these things in real business situations is what gives you results and ultimately propels your career forward. It is a complete circle of learning. This is the first time I really found school fun because it was 100% real world application of what I was learning. The interesting thing about these skills is that everyone in the class learned them whether they were planning to shift their careers to consulting or not and they are now finding other ways to use these skills in their professional environments.”

The hands-on consulting projects within the Telfer Executive MBA program offer opportunities for personal and professional growth. By working directly with real clients across diverse industries, candidates develop essential leadership skills. For many graduates, the consulting projects are more than just a learning tool - they provide a competitive edge in advancing their careers.