Before the recruiting process begins candidates work hard to polish their resumes, prepare for case interviews, gain professional experience, and participate in extracurricular activities to distinguish themselves from the rest. However, many miss out on a great opportunity, which is to do pro-bono consulting for non-profit organizations or startups.
Seeing as every non-profit organization or startup is in a different stage and may be very diverse in nature, projects tend to vary significantly, lasting from a few weeks to even months. However, the end goal is to connect with the organization, and be passionate about taking initiative to develop valuable recommendations. The various services you might provide as a pro-bono consultant include financial analysis, market research, cost/benefit analysis, marketing strategy development, growth planning, operational review, and even coding (if you possess this particular skill).
Ultimately, pro-bono consulting projects present three invaluable benefits:
- Gaining tangible, first-hand consulting experience and figuring out if this is the right career for you
- Applying the skills that you’ve learned in the classroom by making an impact in the community
- Building connections with consulting firms, and putting a face to your name
If you’re still in school there are usually three ways to get involved with pro-bono consulting.
1. Consulting Clubs
A lot of the consulting clubs are starting to partner with non-profit organizations and startups in order to offer their members with this unique experience (So if you’re in an executive position you already have an advantage. If not sign up!) The clubs seek out some of the brightest and most motivated students willing to make a difference in the community, and one team usually consists of 4-5 students to work on each engagement. The greatest thing about pro-bono consulting is that you don’t need to be an expert. All you need is commitment and passion for the work to make a positive social impact in the community.
Also, if you are a top performer, several clients will probably offer you a job. You are given ample opportunity to develop strong rapport with your clients and as such, simply indicating that you’re looking for work can potentially lead to an opportunity, or at the very least have them speak to their peers in other startups about potential jobs on your behalf.
2. Business School
Several business schools already have established programs (e.g., Ivey Community Consulting Project (CCP) and HBS Community Partners) to match students with NPOs or startups to undertake pro-bono consulting projects. What’s great about these affiliate programs is that throughout the project, students are guided in their research, analysis, and presentation by consultants from global management consulting firms. This provides tremendous opportunity for students to learn more about the specific consulting firm, make connections, and earn an interview spot.
According to Taproot Foundation, one of the most consistently compelling reasons HBS alumni compete for work on Community Partners projects is because of the networking opportunity. Peer driven to perform their best, many Community Partners have become CEOs, COOs and CFOs of NPOs and foundations, and over 90% serve or have served on a non-profit board.
3. Start Yourself
If your school does not offer any of the above options then start it yourself. NPOs and startups are always open for extra hands, and are looking for quality recommendations to address a goal or solve a problem they may be facing. However, if you are still unsure how to approach these groups, then a startup incubator is a great place to begin. These incubators usually have ambassadors who are responsible for business development and marketing, and reaching out to them usually leads to a great conversation for next steps. Below are some tips to get started in your pro-bono adventure:
- Consider what skills and expertise that you have to provide
- Take advantage of matchmakers (i.e. organizations that pair you with pro-bono opportunities, like Taproot or Catchafire)
- Make sure the benefit is reciprocal
- Be clear about what you can offer
- Talk it out
- Put it in writing
Pro-bono consulting is an excellent way to devote your passion and volunteer your time. It allows you to enhance your resume and make some great connections, so if you see an opportunity, go for it!
Jason Oh is a management consulting enthusiast with past experience in helping F500 financial services clients with product management, go-to-market and distribution channel strategy.
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