Throughout the second year of the MBA, each Nicholas student works in rotating teams of 4-5 corporate finance consulting engagements. Each team consists of four MBA students and two undergraduate finance students (selected from the Investment Banking Club) who provide research assistance. Students apply technical and theoretical financial tools and concepts to analyze problems, improve decision making, and develop recommendations for actions. Student teams generally present their recommendations to high-level executives, e.g. CEOs, CFOs, etc.

Nicholas projects present a wide variety of complex challenges, such as working capital management, funding sources, valuation, cost of capital, capital expenditure decisions, acquisition analysis, and joint venture and strategic alliances for investment banks, public corporations, private companies, consulting firms, and start-up companies. 

Samples of Consulting Engagements

Team Deliverables

Each engagement requires teams to successfully complete the following three steps:

  • Collect data and information to analyze the engagement sponsor’s problem areas
  • Prepare written evaluations of their findings and recommendations to the engagement sponsors
  • Give oral presentations of their written reports. Presentations are typically attended by CEOs, CFOs, Treasurers, and other interested professionals from the sponsoring company

Testimonial

Paul Shain"The project completed by the Nicholas students helped us determine a more accurate way to evaluate the profitability of key business areas. The result was a more informed process for capital investment and business strategy. Our team enjoyed working with the Nicholas students, and would highly recommend particiaption to other companies."

- Paul Shain, President & CEO
Singlewire Software