OHIO International Consulting Program accepting applications for spring semester virtual experience

OCIP builds on the successes of its summer virtual experience to offer a similar program during the spring semester for all undergraduate students.

The OHIO International Consulting Program will build on the successes of its summer virtual experience to offer a similar program spring semester for all undergraduates. Program registration is available through November 9.

The program gives students the opportunity to work in small groups to solve challenging business problems for Sogeti USA, one of the largest consulting companies in the world with more than 100 locations globally. Students work with current and former clients of the corporation on international projects that integrate a technology solution.

During the 12-week program in spring 2021, students will meet in small groups using Microsoft Teams or a similar platform to discuss solutions and prepare for their client presentations. Each group is assigned a faculty mentor who will help guide the team, attend their meetings with the client, and help students ask the right questions.

For Jamie Lambert, the program director and an associate professor of instruction in marketing for the College of Business, one of the biggest advantages for students in the virtual experience is the close relationships they form in a time when in-person contact is limited. Students have regular meetings several times a week with other students, their faculty mentor, and the executive consultants from the corporate partner.

“Even though it’s virtual, we’re building those connections,” Lambert said. “This program provides a way for everyone involved to stay in touch during a time when everyone feels a bit isolated. Students are meeting online multiple times a week and developing close ties to each other, their mentors, and their clients. Whether you are in Athens or your hometown, you’re getting that connection and interaction.”

Lambert focused on making the experience as engaging as possible when the program had to be moved online over the summer. One of the things she did to help program participants get familiar with each other quickly was to have each person create a video introduction that included their name, major, hometown, career goals, and other information. Students and their faculty mentors also had to create a Two Truths and a Lie video, which was an entertaining way to build relationships and commonality in a virtual environment.

“Jamie was the perfect person to lead the OICP into the virtual domain,” said Dr. Colin Gabler, Director of the Center for International Business Education & Development (CIBED). “Her innovation and creativity have elevated the OICP to one of CIBED’s premier programs, and I’m excited to see where she takes it next.”

Along with the value of staying connected, students benefit in several other ways from participating in the program. Approximately 20 former students have been hired by Sogeti USA, with the program acting as a direct pipeline to a job post-graduation for some past participants. Lambert compared the program to a 12-week interview process that allows students to learn what it is like to be a consultant.

“That’s one of the many things that excites me about this program,” Lambert said. “Not only do students get real-world experience, they also can use it as a way to launch their career.”

All undergraduate students who complete the program earn six credit hours. College of Business students receive internship credit and the program satisfies their global perspectives course requirement. Students from other colleges can check with their advisor or the college’s student services office to see if the program meets their graduation requirements.

“OHIO International Consulting Program in Summer 2020 was fast-paced, enriching, and fun! I learned so much in the 7-week immersive program from proper communication on a large project, technical and project management skills, and professionalism in a completely virtual environment. Sogeti professionals guided our team while pushing us to enhance our strengths to deliver a proactive proposal for our client. Also, Ohio University advisors led individual teams through each deliverable acting as a project leader. From OICP, I discovered my passion for technical consulting and solving real-world, business problems and assisting to find innovative solutions that are tailored to individual clients to drive success on both sides. I have talked to potential employers about my experience through OICP and how I found my strengths, interests, and newly found confidence. If you have the time and opportunity to take OICP, please do. It will push you to lengths you did not know, but it will be so rewarding. Thank you to everyone who made OICP awesome last summer!” – Elizabeth Roscoe, Senior Management Information Systems Major

“OICP gave me the opportunity to grow as a leader, enhance my critical thinking, and the invaluable experience of interacting with real clients.” – Griffin Henley, Senior Accounting Major

Space is limited in the program, and applications must be received by November 9. Students who are interested can attend a virtual information session, visit the program page, or reach out to Jamie Lambert at carterj1@ohio.edu.

OICP virtual information sessions will take place via Teams on October 14 and 15.

• Wednesday, October 14 at 12 pm: Join Microsoft Teams Meeting
• Thursday, October 15 at 6 pm: Join Microsoft Teams Meeting