University-Based Consulting Centers as Part of an Industrial-Organizational Master’s Program

Abstract

This chapter details key considerations for starting and maintaining a consulting center. University-based consulting centers provide unique out-of-classroom training opportunities for students in industrial-organizational psychology master’s programs to develop professional skills. Students work in groups with faculty and peers to provide services to organizational clients. Through the centers, students gain applied experience in project management, proposal writing, and business communications. Key considerations for establishing and maintaining a university-based consulting center include evaluating the needs and readiness of the stakeholders, aligning the centers with the objectives of the program and university, creating the center’s infrastructure to meet the administrative responsibilities, and networking with existing and potential clients.