Real-World Consulting. Real Impact.

Daytime MBA students practice their presentation skills in class

The Fuqua Client Consulting Practicum (FCCP) is a for-credit experiential learning course that equips students with real-world consulting experience. Working in small teams alongside classmates in the same program, students tackle pressing challenges faced by businesses and nonprofit organizations. Guided by faculty and supported by former FCCP students serving as mentors, students apply core business concepts to define problems, conduct research, and deliver actionable recommendations to clients.

Throughout the course, students strengthen their industry and functional expertise while building key consulting skills, including:

  • Scoping and structuring business challenges
  • Engaging clients and managing project plans
  • Delivering persuasive, insight-driven presentations
  • Adapting to feedback and navigating ambiguity

FCCP prepares students to lead with confidence in complex, client-facing environments.

What students say

“FCCP is a great way to get involved in a project in a real setting where there is support from the Fuqua faculty, collaboration with teammates and the buy-in from the client to address a problem they are facing to come up with a solution that will help the client in the long run — while we get some first-hand experience in a new industry or functionality.”

“The work will be tough and sometimes will add significant time to your already busy work and school life. Even with all those frustrations, you will come out the other side a better and more capable person, with a few more friends at your side. Highly recommended.”

“FCCP is a pretty good approximation of what a consulting engagement can feel like. You get real experience working with a client, and the opportunity to experience all the excitement and challenges of consulting.”

“I was able to use some of the frameworks from strategy class in real-time while working on my project. Regular meetings with our faculty advisor was also a key element. We were able to draw critical advice from him and learn best practices throughout the project. This kind of hands-on practice, along with great guidance, facilitates very effective learning.”

FCCP in action

MMS students visit the Nomaco factory to gain a deeper understanding of their client’s business challenge and meet key stakeholders
After weeks of collaboration, the Executive MBA team presents their final analysis and solutions to their client
Executive MBA students meet their Durham-based client to present midpoint findings
Daytime MBA students discuss project work scope in preparation for a client meeting
Daytime MBA students discuss project work scope in preparation for a client meeting
An MMS team gets together for a team-bonding activity in Downtown Durham
Daytime MBA students travel to New Orleans to meet with their client partners at PJ’s Coffee
Daytime MBA students visit a Durham cafe to gather more background information on their operations project with Panera Bread
Daytime MBA students visit a Durham cafe to gather more background information on their operations project with Panera Bread

FCCP is right for you if…

  • Youโ€™re in Fuquaโ€™s Daytime MBA, Accelerated MBA, Weekend Executive MBA, or MMS program
  • Youโ€™re making a career transition or want to build strategic expertise in a new industry
  • You want to develop your consulting, project management, teamwork, strategy, and leadership skills
  • You need client work experience to land your dream internship or post-MBA job
  • You want to get the most out of your elective credits, whether in general or to contribute to your concentration or certificate, such as Health Sector Management or Energy & Environment

Learn more about FCCP programs