Students have an opportunity to preference for the projects that they will work on. The Managing Director will identify the team based on preference and identify a team lead based on student interest and readiness to lead a team.

The typical consulting engagement lasts between 7 - 14 weeks. Consultants are asked to devote on average 15 hours per week on their projects. Teams will have a client point-person, whom they will regularly meet with; additional client personnel are assigned as appropriate. These weekly meetings are generally held at the client’s location. The majority of the analysis work is done at the Carlson School. While it is rare to work with a client outside of the Twin Cities, this does occur. However, working with a client outside the Twin Cities is voluntary, it is managed so that consultants do not miss class, and clients pay for all travel expenses.

• Teams are usually comprised of 4-6 students. Team members determined by:
  • Student preference
  • Required skills/capabilities for project
  • Mix of team members (work with different people each semester)
• Team roles/responsibilities defined by all team members based on interests and capabilities
• One graduate student will be defined as team lead
• Teams will have both undergrads and graduate students
• CCE Director assigned to team to help guide and mentor team members, ensure quality and customer satisfaction
• University faculty leveraged as subject matter experts where possible
• Client project manager involved with team as well as other stakeholders, depending on nature of project
• Teams work both at Carlson School and on client site