Student Resources
Center for Experiential Learning

The Center for Experiential Learning

Integral to the Olin advantage is our commitment to hands-on, real-life problem-solving.

Dedicated to this commitment is our Center for Experiential Learning (CEL), where you'll find real-world projects to learn through Values Based, Data Driven™ practice and application.

The CEL is like no other class at Olin. You get a real-world problem to solve, and you do with a diverse student team. It’s very practical and the projects they give you are always really interesting.
Justin Matthews, FTMBA 2023

CEL by the Numbers

1,100 students

participated in CEL projects

2022 calendar year

115 organizations

engaged with the CEL

2022 calendar year

45 local clients

participated in the Small Business Initiative

2022 calendar year

200% growth

in CELect startup consulting

Where Theory Meets Practice

The CEL offers eight challenging programs geared toward building your resume and your leadership skills. Each program earns class credit and is designed to help you develop business management consulting competencies, including project management, critical thinking, problem formulation, and leadership and communication skills.

CEL Practicum Program

This experiential learning program is a 14-week, team-based consulting project that can take place anywhere around the globe. Student participants are immersed in real-world critical thinking and problem-solving with corporate leaders from companies of every size and sector. Learn about how participating companies benefit from this program.

Eligibility: WashU graduate students, WashU undergraduate students (3rd and 4th years)
Teams: 4 to 6 students
Timing: Full semester (fall and spring)
Credits: 3.0
Small Business Initiative

Collaborate with small businesses in St. Louis on semester-long consulting projects. Participants work in teams to address the company's obstacles and make actionable recommendations that can immediately impact their bottom line. Discover the ways small businesses benefit from our SBI.

Eligibility: All WashU undergraduate
Teams: 4 to 6 students
Timing: Full semester (fall and spring)
Credits: 3.0
CELect (CEL Entrepreneurial Consulting Team)

If you're passionate about the startup ecosystem, this is your chance to work with local entrepreneurs in technology, life sciences and other exciting sectors. One of these opportunities is CELect, an 8-week team-based program that includes consulting experience and interaction with the startup leadership. Explore the ways these teams benefit the local startup environment.

Eligibility: All WashU students
Teams: 4 to 5 students
Timing: 8 weeks (fall and spring)
Credits: 3.0
Taylor Community Consulting Program

Work directly with a St. Louis-based nonprofit organization to create positive change for our local community. This team-based program has partnered with such institutions as the Boys & Girls Club of Greater St. Louis, the International Institute of St. Louis and the American Red Cross.

Eligibility: All WashU students
Teams: 4 to 6 students
Timing: Full semester (fall, spring), 8 weeks (summer)
Credits: 3.0 (fall and spring), 1.5 (summer)
Olin/United Way Board Fellows Program

This unparalleled leadership experience gives Olin MBA, Professional MBA and dual-degree students (law or social work) the opportunity to serve on the board of a local charitable organization for a calendar year. Vested with full voting rights as an official board member, you gain real-life practice in governance, nonprofit management, and community diplomacy and representation.

Eligibility: Full-Time MBA, Professional MBA, Executive MBA, social work and law students
Teams: Individual opportunity
Timing: Calendar year (January to December)
Credits: 1.5 (spring) and 1.5 (fall) (full year participation required)
Marketing Metrics

Apply your analytical skills to solve the challenges of St. Louis-based startups in half-semester, team-based consulting projects. Discover how local small businesses benefit from these clinics.

Eligibility: All Olin students
Teams: 2 to 6 students
Timing: 8 weeks (fall and spring)
Credits: 1.5
CEL Summer Virtual Consulting Program

Over the summer, students participate in short-term CEL projects for a variety of organizations virtually.

Eligibility: Olin undergraduates (rising 2nd and 3rd years), specialized master’s students
Teams: 4 to 6 students
Timing: 6 weeks
Credits: 1.5