Applied Learning
Applied Learning
Experiential learning is an integral part of the MBA curriculum, providing students with the opportunity for hands-on learning and collaboration through projects that result in real-world application of skills. Read more about current and recent offerings below.
Please note: Experiential learning offerings vary by semester. Entry to these opportunities depends on program availability and may include an application and approval process. Some offerings will require out-of-pocket costs and fees.
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In this Fall 2021 directed practicum, MBA students will develop a predictive model to help customer service representatives of a real-world insurance company identify when emergency services should be deployed to a loss location. Through this project, students will hone skills and abilities in data analytics and predictive modeling, as well as gain exposure to the insurance industry.
This Fall 2020 course taught by John Neeson, co-founder emeritus of global B2B research and advisory firm SiriusDecisions, focused on developing an integrated marketing plan for a new startup. As startups are unique endeavors that require agile marketing approaches, the course covered topics like market segment prioritization, positioning and messaging approaches, and sales model and capacity planning for marketing—all with the goal of familiarizing students with agile marketing approaches that help scale a new company quickly. Classes incorporated lectures, projects, guest speakers, and the development of a marketing plan for an early stage startup.
This Fall 2019 directed practicum focused on learning and applying B2B marketing analytical skills and best practices in a real-world context. Student teams took on projects for client companies, applying rigorous analytical skills drawn from cutting-edge digital and analytical tools to solve marketing issues.
Examples of projects included segmentation and analysis, sales productivity and marketing alignment, and marketing ROI and campaign strategy. Leading B2B technology, financial services, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing companies—including Adobe, Microsoft, LogMein, Analog Devices, 3M, and PTC—have used these approaches to impact top and bottom-line performance.
Some of the highly sought-after skills students gained from the course are digital marketing techniques, marketing waterfall analytics, account-based marketing, audience-centric campaign planning, and content strategy.
In this Spring 2020 directed practicum, MBA students worked with an industry-leading company in digital therapeutics that creates personalized digital therapeutics engineered to directly improve cognitive impairments. Participants developed a comprehensive go-to market and messaging strategy for the company as it looks to expand into and beyond the world of cognitive impairment treatment, including attention disorder and adult and pediatric impairments.
In this Fall 2019 research and development project for Fidelity Investments, MBA students looked at the catering of products and services to newer generations. Students researched their attitudes and behaviors in regards to spending, financial services, and technology, with the aim of developing mobile application engagement.
Students specifically partnered with Fidelity’s Center for Applied Technology, which conducts research and experimentation with AI, VR, machine learning, and blockchains to find fin-tech related solutions.
The International Project Seminar is a collaborative consulting project. In Spring 2020, graduate students from the Boston College MBA program and the Friedrich Alexander University in Nuremberg, Germany, collaborated on a project entitled, “Exploring ‘Digital Competencies’: What Are They?” Students worked with the German technology enterprise Diehl Group, engaging with stakeholders and executives on a project that relied on qualitative empirical data generated by case studies comparing the United States and Germany.
In Spring 2019, students from the Boston College MBA program and the Friedrich Alexander University School of Business and Economics in Nuremberg, Germany, joined forces to identity and analyze digital-driven business models for partner company, DATEV eG, a software developer and IT service provider, culminating in a final presentation of project results in April.
In Spring 2018, students in the seminar worked with Nuremberg-based TeamBank to formulate innovative digital banking solutions for our times. Read more about the project.
In this Fall 2017 project, MBA students worked with the patrons of the McMullen Museum at Boston College to develop a long-term strategic plan to help the museum achieve its mission of playing a major role in the cultural and intellectual life of the University. Students worked on project deliverables, including stakeholder interviews, SWOT analysis, comparable institution research, strategic recommendations, and a tactical plan of execution.
Offered in Spring 2019, this experiential learning course involved MBA students conducting market research and analysis on a revolutionary and proprietary material and process developed by Dr. Michael J. Naughton of the Naughton Lab at Boston College. The project resulted in the creation of a comprehensive business plan including data-supported recommendations for strategies, tactics, and implementation.
MBA students in this Fall 2018 directed practicum developed a comprehensive marketing strategy and implementation plan for OR Dx + Rx: Solutions for Surgical Safety, a national healthcare consulting firm. Students on the project workd directly with several nationally recognized healthcare experts to target a diverse client base.
Boston College Chief Executives Club
Several times each year, Boston’s business leaders gather at the Boston College Chief Executives Club, long recognized as one of the country’s premier business forums. The keynote speakers at these events are CEOs drawn from the top echelons of their fields—thought leaders who welcome the opportunity to address an audience of their peers. Among the recent speakers are Disney’s Bob Iger, Nike’s Mark Parker, and IBM's Virginia Rometty.
An elite group of Boston College graduate students are invited to attend CEO Club events throughout the year. Learn more about the CEO Club.
Edmund H. Shea Jr. Center for Entrepreneurship
The Shea Center at the Carroll School of Management engages undergraduate and graduate students in the field of entrepreneurship. Through programs like Accelerate@Shea and the Strakosch Venture Competition, the Center provides student startups with expert advice, space, and funding to launch and grow their business. Learn more about entrepreneurship at the Shea Center.
GMA Clubs
The Graduate Management Association (GMA), which represents the student body of Carroll School Graduate Programs, offers a range of clubs that facilitate applied learning and networking opportunities. Learn more about GMA club activities.
Workshops and Training
In the past, resources for Carroll School graduate students have included ARGUS training, Wall Street Prep, case interview prep, as well as workshops on data analytics software. Students are encouraged to check the Boston College events calendar for available offerings.