UBCO management students ready to help local businesses, non-profits – Think Local

Photo: UBCO

Rotary Centre for the Arts executive director Colleen Fitzpatrick worked with UBCO management students.

If your business is facing a complex challenge or a major decision about growth, UBC Okanagan’s faculty of management might have just the solution.

The final project for UBCO’s fourth-year bachelor of management students is the Capstone Service Learning and Consulting course that bridges the gap between classroom theories and practical business challenges.

And that is where Okanagan businesses enter the picture. Jamie Snow, UBCO’s director of interdisciplinary co-op and experiential education, is reaching out to Okanagan businesses and non-profits eager to gain insights from dedicated and motivated students ready to make an impact.

“We’re seeking partners who want to work with a small group of students,” Snow says. “This collaboration not only provides a fantastic learning experience for students, but it also supports businesses by delivering hands-on solutions to pressing challenges.”

Each year, student teams of four to five collaborate with diverse industries—hospitality, tourism, tech, non-profits and manufacturing—to bring fresh perspectives to business challenges. These partnerships have proven to be a win-win, as businesses gain tailored solutions while students learn to navigate real-world pressures and expectations.

The structure of the capstone program is meticulously designed to maximize outcomes for both students and businesses. UBCO instructors oversee the program, matching student groups with projects submitted by community partners. Throughout the 13-week term, instructors guide the students, ensuring the solutions developed are practical, applicable and relevant. Participating organizations contribute only their time, as the program is free of charge.

“We’re really trying to make sure that there are solutions, recommendations and research to help businesses grow in efficient, productive ways,” Snow says.

At the end of the term, each team presents its findings in a formal presentation and a detailed written report—both of which contribute to their final grade. Many businesses have found the experience impactful, with some even extending job offers to students after seeing their talent first-hand.

The management capstone program also addresses contemporary business challenges, such as generative AI and market expansion strategies, preparing students to meet the evolving demands of the business world.

“This program strengthens the connection between UBCO and the Okanagan community,” Snow says. “It’s a chance for organizations to shape the next generation of talent while creating an educated workforce ready to contribute locally. Many of our students want to stay in the Okanagan, making this partnership especially meaningful.”

Rotary Centre for the Arts took part in the program recently, and executive director Colleen Fitzpatrick was impressed with the impact it had on her organization.

“The students’ dedication to fostering creativity, innovation and real-world problem-solving has enriched our program planning immensely,” Fitzpatrick says. “We are grateful for the opportunity to work with the UBCO students to help shape future leaders.”

The capstone course runs from January to April, and the deadline for businesses and non-profits to apply is Nov. 15, 2024.

To learn more about the capstone course, visit the UBCO website here.

This article is written by or on behalf of the sponsoring client and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.