Putting learning into practice

Jacob Since, an incoming senior studying Finance and Technology Innovation at University of Washington Bothell, reflects on his experience at the Consulting & Business Development Center.

My first experience with the Consulting & Business Development Center was at a week-long Microsoft Dynamics CRM training this past June. About 40 students, including myself, learned how to use and customize this powerful platform. After the training, I felt like I could see myself as a consultant, and was thrilled when I learned about an opportunity to be a consulting intern over the summer.

In July, I joined a team with two other students from the Microsoft Dynamics CRM training and began implementing a new CRM system for the Consulting & Business Development Center. This unique consulting experience allowed me to not only gain invaluable consulting skills and see a full-cycle development process, but I was also able to gain a deep understanding of the students, community members, and organizations that the Consulting & Business Development Center has impacted over the past 20 years.

With more than ten programs offered throughout the year, there is always a chance for the Consulting & Business Development Center to improve the lives of students and members of the local community. Over the eight weeks I worked with the Consulting & Business Development Center, I have come to realize that the programs they produce are needed not only at the University of Washington by students and local organizations, but Centers like this should be available in Higher Education institutions all across the United States.