Experience the DC Difference Many organizations have important projects they know they need to tackle but struggle to prioritize due to time, capacity, or resource constraints. The Consultancy Lab by Durham College (DC) helps organizations move these initiatives forward while providing students with meaningful real-world experience. This isn't a simulation. It's real consulting. Students work in small advisory teams with organizations to explore opportunities, analyze challenges, and develop practical, research-informed recommendations. For businesses, The Consultancy Lab provides access to fresh perspectives, emerging talent, and faculty-supported insights that help advance initiatives that might otherwise remain on the back burner. Our students bring foundational knowledge from their programs and further develop their skills through advanced coursework, work-integrated learning experiences, field placements, internships, co-ops, and applied consulting projects. For students, it creates meaningful opportunities to apply their learning in real-world environments while building the skills, confidence, professional networks, and experience employers value. WHAT WE DO WHAT WE DO Whether exploring a challenge, pursuing a new opportunity, or advancing a project that's been sitting on the back burner, organizations work with student teams on initiatives such as: Business growth and organizational development Workforce, people, and operational challenges Research and evidence-based decision-making Strategic projects and emerging opportunities HOW IT WORKS HOW IT WORKS Whether you have a defined project or an early-stage idea, we help shape opportunities into meaningful student engagements. Getting started is simple: Submit a business challenge. Explore the opportunity with a faculty advisor. Confirm the scope, approach, and student engagement. Students research, analyze, and collaborate. Receive recommendations and outcomes. WHY IT MATTERS WHY IT MATTERS Our collaborative approach creates value for everyone involved: Students: Gain hands-on experience, build professional confidence, and develop the skills employers value. Organizations: Access emerging talent, fresh thinking, and practical recommendations that help move projects forward. Communities: Foster collaboration, strengthen local businesses, and build a more resilient workforce. TESTIMONIALS TESTIMONIALS “Durham College’s Consultancy Lab students brought thoughtful ideas and practical solutions that supported our mission to empower our community. We are excited to continue this partnership as we strengthen our organizational capacity and long-term impact.” Douglas Mwaisaka, Executive Director, Tuelimike “Getting to work with our international partners was one of the most rewarding projects of my studies. It challenged me to think critically, adapt to real circumstances, and work with both my team to develop a sustainable solution that could continue supporting the community.” Bianca Odendaal, Graduate, Business Administration – Human Resources “Working with Durham College’s Consultancy Lab was a great experience for our team. The students brought practical ideas and quickly added value, helping us build a compensation strategy that fit our business.” Reid J. Edwards, Vice President, Finance and Administration, Sessions Cannabis ALUMNI SUPPORT ALUMNI SUPPORT Want to give back to Durham College and support the next generation of professionals? Share your experience as a: Guest speaker Industry advisor Project mentor Community partner Get Involved PARTNER WITH US PARTNER WITH US Whether you have a defined challenge, an early-stage idea, or a project that needs momentum, we'll help shape it into a meaningful student consulting engagement. Submit a Business Challenge Learn More MEET OUR FACULTY CONSULTANTS The Consultancy Lab is led by experienced faculty members who guide every project from planning through delivery. Corey Gill Program Coordinator, Human Resources programs With 30 years of experience in Business, Corey Gill specializes in navigating organizational change, managing global workforces, and responsibly leveraging AI and data. He holds an MBA, CHRL, and PMP designation and focuses on innovation, data analytics, and AI in Human Resources. Corey is a Durham College professor, program coordinator, and AI consultant who empowers both students and faculty. Keri-Ellen Walcer Program Coordinator, Entrepreneurship programs With more than 20 years of entrepreneurial experience, Keri-Ellen Walcer, MHSc, has been launching, managing, and consulting with businesses since starting her first venture in 2002. A Durham College professor since 2013, she specializes in entrepreneurship, small business development, and experiential learning. As Program Coordinator for the Entrepreneurship and Small Business program, Keri-Ellen connects practical business experience with education, mentorship, and community partnerships to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into viable businesses. PARTNERING ORGANIZATIONS The Consultancy Lab is proud to partner with the following organizations:
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