CEL Summer Projects | Saving students' summers As a CEL client partner, you will be engaged with a team of top-tier students on a faculty-guided project designed to bring valuable insights to your organization through two distinctive programs:
For both, our student teams are assembled based on your project needs and the skill sets and experiences each member brings to the group. Project areas are comprehensive, ranging from high-level strategy challenges to in-depth analysis of your specific areas of need.
Your project is designed to:
- address your business challenges by delivering critical information and/or actionable recommendations
- provide opportunities for our students to apply and refine their skill sets
Top Talent. Measurable Results.
Engaging innovative young minds with access to leading faculty and cutting-edge research is an effective way to overcome challenges and make a lasting impact on your organization. The CEL Practicum and Small Business Initiative programs at WashU bring you actionable results to move your business forward, whatever the challenge may be.
The CEL Practicum
The CEL Practicum serves clients regionally, nationally and globally, with student consultants tackling challenges ranging from high-level strategy to detailed, in-depth analysis in specific areas. Our student teams are assembled based on your project needs and the skiil sets and experiences each member brings to the group. Our CEL Leadership teamworks with you to define key issues and set the project direction and timeline.
Your project is designed to:
- Address your business challenges by delivering critical information and/or actionable recommendations
- Provide opportunities for our students to apply and refine their skill sets
The CEL Practicum by the Numbers (2021–2022)
Testimonials for the CEL Practicum
Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC)
video The 15-year-old company transformed Kendall Square into an entrepreneurial hotspot by providing affordable office space and a support system for hundreds of startups with ties to neighboring MIT and Harvard.
The CEL Practicum team developed a market entry strategy for CIC and a plan for its role in building the entrepreneurial community in St. Louis. By 2014, CIC took occupancy of 32,000 square feet in Cortex innovation district.
Read more about the project (pdf)
Delcampe
Delcampe, a Belgian online auction house, found it challenging to gain traction in the US market. To help students understand the company culture, Delcampe flew the Olin team to their headquarters in Belgium. At the conclusion of the 14-week project, executives flew to St. Louis for the final recommendations.
"I really expect some great things to come as a result of this partnership. With the students’ help, we’re building a strategy for the future that I think is going to be very effective." — Sebastien Delcampe, founder and CEO of Delcampe.
Read more about the project (pdf)
Take the first step to moving your business forward.
Follow the steps below. See also our programs for nonprofits and startups.
How the Practicum Works
Step 1 Getting Started
- To kick things off, fill out our form. For questions, contact the CEL at CEL@olin.wustl.edu or +1-314-935-4512.
- You’ll work closely with the CEL to define a direction, identify key issues, and outline your project scope and desired outcomes.
- A key point to keep in mind: The final project deliverables are defined a minimum of four to six weeks before the start of the project.
| Define Project Deliverables | » | Early August | Mid October |
| Team Starts Project | » | September | January |
| Final Recommendations Presented | » | December | May |
Step 2 Your Customized Team Gets to Work
- The CEL considers experience, interests and skill sets when assembling your customized team of four to six students.
- Your team will include a student lead who is tasked with managing the team under the CEL’s oversight, and who will provide weekly progress reports and communication to your organization’s point person.
- Throughout the process, you will have direct access to the CEL leadership team and faculty advisor as needed.
Step 3 Final Presentations
- Your CEL team outlines its conclusions and specific recommendations for your business challenge.
- You choose key stakeholders from your organization to join the CEL team members, faculty advisor, and CEL leadership team for this final presentation.
- In addition to a final presentation, your CEL student team will provide an 8-10 page executive summary of their findings.
Past Practicum clients include:
