The Foster School Undergraduate programs emphasize hands-on experience in solving complex, real-world business challenges while helping companies achieve their goals. From week-long competitions to quarter long-intensive projects, the programs are designed to teach the essentials skills for career advancement.
- 87% of students report that their experience helped them obtain their first job after graduation.
- 96% of students reported that their experience helped them perform better than their colleagues.
Business Management Consulting Program (MKTG/MGMT 445)
Offered in the Winter quarter, our business consulting class (MKTG 445/MGMT 445) allows students to work in teams, manage projects, and solve complex business problems for real clients. This unique opportunity for hands-on experience in management consulting will help students gain valuable career skills and expand their professional network! Student consultants are guided by Accenture, Deloitte Consulting, Ernst & Young, and industry experts from firms such as Microsoft, Amazon, and Boeing.
Why take MKTG 445/MGMT 445?
- Earn 4 academic credits (Foster elective)
- Fulfills “W” and DIV requirements
- Gain hands-on consulting experience with local Seattle companies
- Expand your professional network with guidance from industry leaders
- Develop career-boosting skills transferable to any industry
- Become eligible for paid internships with the Consulting and Business Development Center (CBDC) after completing the course
Who can register?
- Foster School students (all business majors): Prerequisite is MKTG 301
- Business minors and non-business UW undergrads: Prerequisite is MKTG 305
- Tip: If you haven’t taken MKTG 305 yet, register for it this Fall to be ready for Winter registration!
Dates when the course is offered: Winter 2026 (lasts 10 weeks, currently ongoing). Next registration for Winter 2027.
How to register
- Foster students: Register for MKTG 445 or MGMT 445 during Winter quarter registration Period 1, which starts early November
- Business minors / Non-business students: Register for MKTG 445 or MGMT 445 during Winter quarter registration Period 2, which starts mid-November
- Check the UW Academic Calendar for registration dates
Note: Registration for Winter 2027 opens in November 2027, unless otherwise noted on the UW Academic Calendar.
Fall Info Sessions
We’ll be hosting two Info Sessions in the Fall, and we highly encourage you to attend one. It is a great opportunity to learn more about the course, the types of companies and the consulting projects students work on. It’s also the perfect time to ask any questions you may have about this class/program.
At the info session, you will learn about:
- Types of companies and consulting projects students work with
- Professional skills you will gain in the MKTG 445/MGMT 445 class
- The CBDC’s impact on the local business community
- How we source our professional advisors
- Paid internship opportunities
- Other ways to gain consulting experience
Check back on when and where these sessions will occur.
Be ready to Register Early
MKTG 445/MGMT 445 is only offered in Winter Quarter, and space fills quickly. Mark your calendar, complete your prerequisites, and be ready to register early to secure your spot in this career-launching course.
CONTACT
Gabriela Michan | [email protected] | (206) 543-9545
Business Technology Consulting Program (MGMT 440)
Undergraduate teams of 4–5 students work directly with small businesses, as part of this hands-on technical consulting course, offered during Spring Quarter at the University of Washington Foster School of Business.
Students are supported by professional advisers from Accenture, alumni networks, members of the Seattle Rotary Club, Amazon, and Microsoft providing industry insight, mentorship, and real-world perspective throughout the consulting engagement.
Course Overview
MGMT 440 is a 4-credit course that fulfills two UW General Education requirements:
- UW General Education Requirements: the Diversity requirement (DIV-course)
- Writing requirement (W-course)
Students should expect to dedicate 8–10 hours per week outside of class. The experience is structured to mirror a part-time internship, combining client engagement, technical problem-solving, and professional communication.
What Students Gain
- Real-world consulting experience with local businesses
- Exposure to technology strategy and digital transformation challenges
- Direct mentorship from industry professionals and alumni
- Professional client-facing experience
- A portfolio-ready consulting project
How to register
Register for MGMT 440 during the Spring quarter registration period. See the UW Academic Registration Calendar for Spring 2026.
Contact
Amadou Loum | [email protected]
Summer Consulting Program
For nearly three decades, the Consulting & Business Development Center has partnered with small businesses to deliver high impact, customized consulting support. Through the Summer Consulting Program, participating businesses are matched with a dedicated undergraduate student consultant, supported by an experienced professional advisor, to tackle a defined business challenge. Over a 10-week period, each business receives approximately 130 hours of consulting focused on a clearly defined project, resulting in actionable recommendations.
Examples of previous projects include:
- Marketing plans
- Financial analysis
- Sustainable growth analysis
- Management system diagnostics
- Long-term financial projections
Eligibility Requirements
- Currently enrolled undergraduate student at the University of Washington
- Annual revenues of at least $300,000
- A defined challenge or growth opportunity in areas such as marketing, operations,
financial performance, strategic planning, etc. - Commitment to partnering with a student consultant over 10 weeks
- Regular communications regarding project context and feedback
- Access to a decision-maker that can implement final recommendations
Cost: $250
Time Commitment: Minimum 2 hours per week (20 hours total)
2026 Timeline
- Final Deadline: May 22, 2026
- Foster Student Consultants: Monday, June 22, 2026, to Friday, August 28, 2026
- Final Project Presentations: Last week of August 2026
APPLY
Click here to submit your application!
Contact
Amadou Loum | [email protected]
These are paid positions, generously sponsored by the following endowments with specific application requirements.
Nate And Leslie Miles Family Endowed Summer Internship
The Nate and Leslie Miles Family Endowed Internship support students pursuing a degree at the Foster School of Business to work with Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individually (SEDI)-owned businesses with a special emphasis on businesses located in communities with high unemployment. All are welcomed to apply.
Aggie Clark Endowed Internship
The Aggie Clark Endowed Internship supports undergraduate students providing consulting work to a SEDI business. The applicant must show experience helping small businesses in their application. All students are welcome to apply.
Educational Benefits
The internship provides a rigorous, immersive learning experience that prepares students for careers in consulting, finance, project management, and entrepreneurship. Student interns will gain hands-on experience in consulting, small business management, and strategic problem-solving by working directly with business owners on real organizational challenges.
Student interns will build skills in client communications, data analysis, and strategic planning. They will produce high-quality deliverables that directly inform client decisions, contribute to business growth, and advance economic mobility.
Eligibility Requirements
- Currently enrolled undergraduate student at the University of Washington
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
- Organizational skills including accuracy and attention to detail
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
The ideal candidate would be a business major with interest or experience in business consulting. Students who have completed MKTG/MGMT 445 are highly preferred.
Salary, Duration, Location
Each intern will receive an hourly salary of $22/hour and will work 40 hours per week. Internships will begin Monday, June 22, 2026, and will conclude Friday, August 28, 2026. Students will receive one paid holiday (Friday, July 3, 2026).
Interns are required to attend all virtual, on-campus, and on-site client meetings.
Supervision
CBDC staff will provide supervision interns. Each intern will receive a professional advisor for additional guidance and support for consulting projects.
APPLY
The application opens Wednesday, April 22 and close Thursday, April 30. The application is available through https://uwfoster.my.site.com/Foster/s/cbdc-program-applications. Applicants may also reference the Handshake posting (Job #10972612) but materials submitted through Handshake will not be considered.
CONTACT
Amina Bouayad | [email protected]
Undergraduate Scholarships
In conjunction with the Undergraduate Program Office, the Center awards three annual scholarships.
ABBS (Association of Black Business Students) Endowed Scholarship
Provide assistance to undergraduate students at the Foster School of Business, with a preference for students who have had a deep cultural experience within the African American culture and affiliate with the Center to support the growth of African-American owned businesses.
Asian Pacific Islander Endowed Scholarship
Provide assistance to undergraduate students at the Foster School of Business, with a preference for students who have had a deep cultural experience within the Asian/Pacific American community who affiliate with the center to support API-owned businesses.
Thaddeus H. Spratlen Endowed Scholarship
Provide assistance to undergraduate students at the Foster School of Business, with a preference for students who have had a deep cultural experience within the African American culture and affiliate with the Center to support the growth of African-American owned businesses.