Driving Sustainable Development Through Student Consulting
Leigh Woods - Unit Manager Consulting Projects
Nov, 2023
In a world that increasingly values hands-on experience and a commitment to social and environmental impact, the partnership between business students and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and social enterprises is proving to be a game-changer. These collaborative efforts, facilitated by organizations like us, are not just an opportunity for students to gain valuable real-world experience but a catalyst for positive change and sustainable development.
Sustainable Development Consulting projects are unlocking potential and contributing to lasting impact and sustainable development:
Students Gain Real-World, Resume-Worthy Experience
Imagine a classroom where textbooks and theoretical knowledge transform into practical solutions and impactful initiatives. University business students are increasingly seeking experiential learning opportunities, and the realm of consulting for NGOs and social enterprises offers just that. These projects enable students to roll up their sleeves, delve into real challenges, and apply their academic insights to address complex, real-world issues.
The experiences they gain are not confined to textbooks; they become powerful stories on their resumes. For these budding professionals, these consulting projects provide a competitive edge in the job market, showcasing their ability to deliver results in high-pressure, real-world scenarios.
Fresh Insights and Solutions for NGOs and Social Enterprises
On the flip side of this mutually beneficial relationship are NGOs and social enterprises, often operating on limited budgets and resources. When they open their doors to business students for consulting projects, they welcome an infusion of diverse knowledge, skills and experiences. This diversity can translate into fresh insights, innovative perspectives and pragmatic solutions to some of their most pressing challenges.
For instance, we worked with a multinational outdoor gear brand in Stockholm, where students were tasked with researching and analyzing wage data to determine if and how the company met the Global Wage Coalition standard. By contributing to the UNDP's Sustainable Development Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), the students not only helped the company but also advanced a critical global development objective.
In another partnership, a group of students collaborated with The Stoplight Approach International Association (SAIA), a non-profit organization based in Uganda. Their mission is to create safe places for vulnerable children, aligning with Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 4 (Quality Education), and 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The students identified potential partners and crafted a marketing strategy, empowering SAIA to reach more children and transform communities.
“International Study Programs reached out to us to connect us to an international business studies professor, whose students did a comprehensive study of our organization. We implemented many of their recommendations immediately”
Contributing to Sustainable Development Goals
Sustainable development is at the heart of these collaborative efforts. Take, for example, our ongoing project with the social enterprise EBikes4Africa, headquartered in Windhoek, Namibia. Specializing in empowering local communities through e-mobility and solar-powered services, the students are identifying new markets across Africa for expansion and determining the required products. In this project, they are contributing to several Sustainable Development Goals, including Goals 7 (Clean Energy), 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and 13 (Climate Action).
Many other projects are in the pipeline, including one with Activate Action, an NGO in Kenya, focused on empowering young people with entrepreneurial skills and sexual and reproductive healthcare knowledge. This project aims to help the organization become self-sustaining by developing a strategy that aligns with multiple Sustainable Development Goals, such as Goals 3 (Good health and wellbeing), and 4 (Quality Education).
UHD students at EBikes4Africa in Windhoek
In summary, the potential of business students engaging in consulting projects with NGOs and social enterprises is immense. The impact of their work goes beyond immediate solutions; it contributes to sustainable development by addressing critical global challenges and advancing the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. As we continue to foster partnerships through Sustainable Development Consulting Projects, we’ll bridge the gap between academia and real-world impact, creating a brighter, more sustainable future for us all.
