
Applied Consulting Practicum
Gain Hands-on Experience Consulting for a Real Company
Collaborate with fellow students to solve a business problem for a client sponsor
In your second semester, you will work on a student team under faculty supervision to scope, analyze, and report findings related to a client sponsor’s business question.
Top companies
Past sponsors include several Fortune 100 companies in the technology, retail, manufacturing, and utility sectors.
Answer a tough question
Each team answers a sponsor’s business question using statistical models, data visualization tools, or “what if” scenario planning.
Diverse experiences
The practicum includes in-class lectures and workshops on business problem definition, project and analysis planning, communication, leadership, and teamwork.
Career advantage
The practicum is part of our robust commitment to experiential learning to narrow the gap between career and classroom. You’ll gain a competitive edge in your job search.
Consulting Project Types
Descriptive
Mining data to understand and learn from information on hand.
- Statistical data profiles
- Customer segmentation
- Data visualization
- Geo-mapping
Example question: What accounts or account groups are most profitable?
Predictive
Using data to identify drivers and predict outcomes.
- Retention or renewal indicators
- Sales and profitability drivers
- Default predictors
- Repeat-purchase signals
Example question: Which accounts are likely to default?
Prescriptive
Using data to model different “what if” scenarios.
- Scoring interventions to improve outcome
- Optimizing protocols
- Reducing lead times
Example question: Which intervention is best for mitigating default?

Learn More
To explore the business analytics program or partnership opportunities, contact Jay Page, Director of Experiential Learning and Practicum Lead for the Wisconsin School of Business’ master’s and MBA programs.