Students across the Illinois State University campus can now participate in a new and engaging professional development opportunity called the Innovation Consulting Community (ICC).

Students are teamed with peers from different disciplines, mentored by Illinois State University faculty and staff, and provide solutions to real organizational problems.

“This is a great opportunity for students who wish to develop knowledge and experience in a new area or may not have had the opportunity to gain professional work experience but hope to soon land a terrific internship or job,” Marketing Professor Peter Kaufman said.

“This is a great opportunity for students who wish to develop knowledge and experience in a new area or may not have had the opportunity to gain professional work experience but hope to soon land a terrific internship or job.”—Peter Kaufman

A wide variety of projects are offered including those involving autonomous vehicles, drones, electric bikes, a Major League Baseball team, and numerous sustainability-themed projects.

“Organizations of all types are searching for new talent that brings cutting-edge knowledge as well as real-world experience in innovation,” faculty project mentor Matthew Sheep, a professor in the Department of Management and Quantitative Methods Department. “ICC provides the framework for students to learn in real time, to make contributions to real projects, and to be mentored by ISU people who care about their progress.”

Students can potentially receive independent study credit for their participation or simply ratchet up their professional experience enabling them to secure a higher-caliber internship or job.

Participation is easy. Go to the website, review the projects, click on the “Get Involved” tab to submit your resume, and answer a few short questions!