The Virtual Consultancy Challenge is an online training programme and team competition for Postgraduate Researchers from all disciplines to solve a real-life challenge for their client.
![Virtual Consultancy Challenge](/as/images/ei/virtual-consultancy-challenge800x254.png)
This opportunity is open and accessible for all University of Birmingham postgraduate researchers no matter where in the world you are located. You will work in a virtual team, meet your client in a webinar, complete online training modules and submit a team video pitch of your solution. This project is designed to fit around you and your existing commitments.
This online programme is available from Tuesday 9 May 2023
Key benefits of taking part
- Research and address an interesting topical challenge and help an organisation in the process.
- Develop key transferrable skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, innovation, project management, strategy development, teamwork, communication, client management, argument construction, pitching and video editing.
- Gain work experience as a consultant including useful examples of how you have applied your knowledge and skills for a client, which you can use in job applications and at interviews.
- Obtain insight into various career paths and sectors such as consultancy, market research, strategy development, small business structures, heritage, creative arts, local government and the charity sector.
- Full online training in teamwork, project management, creative problem solving, pitching and career impact is provided.
- Meet postgraduate researchers from other departments.
What previous participants said
- I liked the challenge and being able to consider how I could use the skills acquired during my degree in different contexts.
- I thought it was really well set out, I liked the fact you could work through things at your own pace but there were deadlines too so you couldn't become complacent. ... it was a pleasure to take part in.
- I would recommend it if people want to move out of academia into industry.
- I enjoyed gaining experience in a different sector to mine and getting to meet new researchers.
- It was good to learn about consultancy and take part in a research project outside the PhD.
- Accessible for researchers like myself. As I work full-time and miss out on events/opportunities.
- It was AWESOME!
How it works
The Virtual Consultancy Challenge runs for three-four months each year. The training modules and client webinar will be accessed via a Canvas course which you will be invited to join after registration. You will be allocated to an inter-disciplinary team with fellow postgraduate researchers and you will work together, completing the self-access training modules and addressing your client's brief. The suggested time allocation is 6 hours per week. A full breakdown of the programme structure including a timeline will be provided within the Canvas course in due course.
Register for the Virtual Consultancy Challenge 2023
For queries, please email the B-Enterprising Team at benterprising@contacts.bham.ac.uk.