Career Development Through Real-World Consulting Experiences
Leigh Woods - Unit Manager Consulting Projects & Service Learning
October, 2024
In today’s competitive job market, it’s no longer enough for students to simply excel in their academic studies. Employers are increasingly looking for candidates who have practical experience and the ability to apply their knowledge to real-world situations. This is where our Sustainable Development Consulting Projects come in. Through these Projects, students of all levels can work directly with companies across the globe, tackling real business problems and gaining invaluable experience.
But how exactly do these Consulting Projects help students in their career prospects? The answer lies in the unique blend of hands-on experience, cultural exposure and professional skills that our projects offer…qualities that many employers seek but are rarely developed in traditional academic settings.
Encouraging Essential Skills
The impact of our Consulting Projects on students’ careers is best illustrated by those who have lived the experience. Take Holly Skinner, who worked with ISP’s partner, Husqvarna, in 2023:
“It’s safe to say that every potential employer asked about my consulting experience with ISP. It gives you that ‘cutting edge’ over other candidates and highlights a significant amount of dedication, collaboration, and commitment—all qualities that employers look for.”
Holly Skinner
Similarly, Palak Padariya, emphasizes how her experience with Fotografiska in 2024 equipped her with crucial professional skills:
“The [project] allowed me to gain hands-on experience in client communication and collaboration, extending beyond the traditional classroom setting … I learned to navigate cultural differences and present business insights in a compelling, client-friendly manner. These skills, particularly in real-world client interactions, are invaluable...”
Palak Padariya
Both Holly and Palak's testimony highlight how our Projects immerse students in real-world business environments, pushing them beyond their comfort zones and honing their ability to work in diverse, global teams.
A Real Business Case That Seals the Deal
For many students, the experience of working on a real-world consulting project becomes a defining moment in their career journey and these types of opportunities can profoundly shape a student’s career path. This was particularly true for another 2024 participant, Mohammed Abdalla. His experience collaborating with a diverse team and tackling an international business challenge not only prepared him for a global career but also gave him a compelling narrative for job interviews – a story that in this case, played a role in him landing his job. In this case study video, you’ll hear Mohammed (01:56) share his insights from this transformative journey:
Enhancing Professional Skills and Credentials
Brandon Ng, who collaborated with Volvo Cars in 2023, details his experience that enriched his professional skill set and helped him stand out in the job market:
“…The project demanded thorough market research, effective teamwork, and polished communication—areas where I had little experience but made significant strides... The opportunity to work with a globally recognized company was a standout point in my job search, and it continues to give me an edge in my current role at a leading professional services firm.”
Brandon Ng
These realistic challenges foster key professional skills that prove invaluable during the job hunt, as they strengthen students’ credentials—just as they did for Brandon—and make them more appealing to potential employers.
Personal Growth That Resonates Professionally
Beyond professional skills, these opportunities also foster significant personal growth, which can be just as critical in a job interview. Chloe Donnelly, who worked alongside Palak at Fotografiska in 2024, reflects on how the experience boosted her confidence and public speaking skills:
“…I also developed my confidence and public speaking. The [project] allowed me to build practical skills by exposing me to real-world environments where we had to adapt to various challenges and meet client expectations…”
Chloe Donnelly
Confidence, adaptability and cultural sensitivity are qualities that enrich students’ personal lives and appeal to employers seeking candidates who excel in diverse, challenging environments. Chloe’s experience further emphasises how these projects enhance employment prospects, giving students a competitive advantage in a crowded job market.
Preparing the Workforce of Tomorrow
These experiences do more than fill a gap on a resume. They equip students with practical skills, and a global perspective and promote personal growth that are essential in today’s job market.
As ISP continues to design and deliver these projects, we remain committed to empowering the next generation of professionals, ensuring they are not only ready for the job market but also capable of making a meaningful impact in their chosen fields.
Leigh Woods
Unit Manager - Consulting Projects & Service Learning
woods@studyprograms.com