We invite local organizations to provide two real-life challenges to a handful of teams at the beginning of the upcoming fall semester. Student teams will be assigned to work with with the organization throughout the semester. The teams will think creatively and practically, and present their ideas in response to the challenges at the end of the semester. Organizations will get some recommendations and workable ideas and students have the chance to work with the greater community.
CLIENT ENGAGEMENT | DATES TO HOLD | TIME COMMITMENT |
Client Orientation - Virtual | Wednesday, August 16 | 1-hour |
Meet and Greet with Teams - In-person | Tue, September 12 or Thu, September 14 | 1.5 hours |
Check-in with Teams - In-person | Tue, October 3 or Thu, October 5 | 1.5 hours |
Final Presentation by Teams | Tue, November 28 or Thu, November 30 | 1.5 hours |
Client Engagement Process
- Submissions: Clients provide two real-life challenges facing your organization through the online registration system. This information will include: an organization description, primary and additional (if applicable) contact information, the two challenges (in one sentence each), and information that supports each of the challenge statements. Upon submission we will create two client sheets to share with the students with the information provided in the challenge submission.
- Introduction to the Challenge Videos: As a way to introduce the organization and the challenges to the students, clients will provide brief pre-recorded video that will be shared with our students. This provides an excellent opportunity for you to introduce yourself and your organization. To make it easier we will supply you with a few prompts to cover and further instructions on how to submit your video. This can be a simple recording on your preferred method (i.e. Zoom, Loom, cell phone video)
- Client Orientation: we conduct a short one-hour virtual orientation for the clients August 16th to provide updates on the course and expectations for clients and student teams.
- Team Assignments: Clients will assigned TWO teams in the same class section:For example, if you are scheduled for the Tuesday, 10:15 am section, this is the section that both your teams will be in. Each client provide two real-life challenges facing your organization.
- Client/Student Team Meetings: Clients will not be meeting with students each week, but rather given an opportunity to engage with teams for two in-person meetings with the student teams. The days and times of the meetings will align with the predetermined schedule of the course times.
- Final Presentations: Student teams will present their creative and practical solutions in response to the challenges you pose on the last day of classes. Clients will attend the final presentation in person.
Examples of client challenges
Some examples of previous challenges include:
- What can our organization do to better reach and serve next generation philanthropists?
- How can we engage and inspire women in business networks to learn, support, and engage in our organization?
- What more should we be doing to expand our grassroots fundraising efforts?
Wharton 1010: Business and You
WH1010: Business and You is the first step of your Leadership Journey at Wharton. The course introduces you to thought leaders from the Wharton faculty; raises awareness of your strengths, reputation, and leadership potential; and invites you into the Wharton experience as an engaged and empowered member of the academic and co-curricular community. You will come to appreciate that leadership is an act and best developed through study, feedback from trusted colleagues and peers, and stretch experiences that stimulate your growth and development. You will also begin to hone four skills essential to the pursuit of your personal, academic, and professional goals: the ability to think creatively, to analyze and solve problems, to apply what you have learned, and to reflect on learnings. A live case is the vehicle for learning as you work with local agencies to address real-world challenges.
Application Process
Recruitment of new clients for the upcoming fall semester is now underway.
You will need to provide your organization description, primary and additional (if applicable) contact information, the two challenges (in one sentence each), and information that supports each of the challenge statements.
If you have any questions, please contact Amanda Zimmerman, amandaz@wharton.upenn.edu.