This article originally appeared on Fuqua’s Daytime MBA student blog and is shared here with permission.
By Odufa Abalu, Daytime MBA ’25
When I applied to Fuqua’s Daytime MBA program, I knew the Fuqua Client Consulting Practicum (FCCP) was a must-take course for me. Consulting had been my career goal for a long time, and I was drawn to the hands-on experiential learning that FCCP offers, mirroring an actual consulting engagement. I thought, what better way to test if consulting is the right path for me than to experience it in a guided, low-risk environment?
High Stakes and High Standards
Our team was tasked with a project for Chase, focusing on their co-branded credit card business with Aeroplan, Air Canada’s loyalty program. The challenge was to recommend solutions to reshape current and prospective customers’ perceptions of travel and rewards point management. The unique nature of our client, Chase, being an American brand selling a co-branded Canadian airline credit to United States residents added an interesting layer to the project.
Under the guidance of our faculty advisor, Professor Stephanie Knight, a former McKinsey consultant, we were held to exceptionally high standards — comparable to those of a million-dollar consulting engagement. The emphasis on professionalism and consistency was high. Every slide had to flow seamlessly into the next, and it needed to appear as if crafted by a single hand rather than five individuals. From font size to design elements and color schemes, the level of detail and cohesion expected was intense, setting a high bar for our work.
Gaining Transferrable Skills
I discovered new skills as we utilized Canva to build mockups of the solution and designed Qualtrics surveys to understand target customer needs and perceptions. We also organized focus groups to get feedback on our mockup and dive deeper into the insights we gained from the survey.
FCCP pushed me out of my comfort zone, challenging me to take on a leadership role as a co-project manager. I found myself managing our project plan, delegating tasks, and managing key client meetings. This experience not only honed my consulting skills but also developed my abilities in team management and leadership. Throughout the project, we maintained regular communication with our client, providing weekly updates and aligning on project goals. This constant feedback loop ensured that our final recommendations were always in line with the client’s evolving needs and expectations.
Before Fuqua, I had accumulated about eight years of experience in accounting and corporate finance, working across the energy and consumer packaged goods (CPG) industries in Nigeria and Canada. My FCCP experience taught me a valuable lesson: FCCP isn’t just for those pursuing management consulting. The skills and knowledge gained are relevant across various job functions, including roles in tech, banking, and entrepreneurship.
A Transformational Experience
Perhaps the most unexpected and cherished outcome of FCCP was getting to work with incredible teammates. Some of us later became close friends. This collaborative experience not only enhanced my professional skills but also enriched my personal journey at Fuqua.
Looking back, FCCP was more than just a course — it was a transformative experience that solidified my career goals and provided me with lasting friendships and professional connections. For anyone considering FCCP, I wholeheartedly recommend embracing this opportunity to learn, grow, and make a real impact.