Student-led consulting projects zoom right along

This fall, more than 10 undergraduate classes at Nichols College engaged in course-based consulting projects with local businesses and nonprofit agencies all while adapting to restrictions to in-person collaboration. Using online tools, students worked together remotely in teams to research, plan and implement projects for their clients.

Professor Len Harmon’s Marketing Research class conducted a market analysis to determine the feasibility of launching a new Peruvian wine in the Massachusetts consumer market.  Students interviewed Peruvian restaurant owners and distributors and conducted a consumer survey to assess attitudes and preferences on behalf of the client. The students collected interpreted and reported the results and provided a Go/No Go recommendation. 

Professor Rob Russo’s Visual Communications class planned, conceptualized and created informational videos about getting started in real estate for a local commercial real estate broker. In Professor Len Samborowski’s Management Senior Seminar, teams of students supported the work of three entrepreneurs on special projects: RollywoodTV, a business that promotes independent Caribbean movie makers; LukeLeaders1248, a nonprofit that raises funds for educational scholarships for high school seniors; and Noble Fuel Centers owned by Nichols alumnus Mike Frisbie. According to Samborowski, the feedback from all supported entrepreneurs was extremely positive who expressed a desire to continue engagement with the Herd.