Frequently Asked Questions

Interested in Fisher Professional Services but want to learn more? Below are answers to our frequently asked questions. If you have a question that is not answered below, please contact us.

Question Categories: Why FPS? | Getting Started in the Organization | Operations

Why FPS?

Why should I commit to FPS over other similar opportunities?

FPS offers the ability to apply the frameworks and concepts that you will learn in your MBA classes to the real business world. This differs from a field studies course or Business Solutions Team course in the sense that your client will provide less structure to the problem which needs to be addressed. In a classroom setting, the professor will set out clear objectives; while for FPS, deliverables may be modified over time to meet client expectations. FPS engagements differ from other student consulting opportunities because we engage with paying clients whose expectations for output are on par with that of major consulting firms.

I’m thinking about a career in consulting, what does FPS have to offer?

FPS will give you a solid understanding of what it is like to be a consultant. You will have the opportunity to learn what the entire process of an engagement is from proposal, to project plan, to deliverables, and follow-up to uncover client satisfaction and engage in relationship management. There are already a number of successful consultants that have come through the FPS program- will you be next?

I don’t think a consulting career is right for me, what does FPS have to offer?

FPS is a great way to propel your career in a new direction, while also adding professional services experience to your resume. Also, it is a great way to gain exposure to the field while incurring low switching costs.

Getting Started in the Organization

What is the typical weekly time commitment to FPS (and related engagements)?

During engagements, you should expect to commit five to ten hours per week. Between open engagements, your time commitment can vary from zero to a few hours per week for meetings and other FPS activities.

How many engagements do most Consultants have per academic year?

Typically, you will complete one project per quarter, but may choose to complete additional or fewer projects (depending on availability).

Where do I find out about engagement opportunities?

Engagements and the sales pipeline will be published on CARMEN and will be open for review by all participants of ProjectOne.

How do I get staffed on an engagement?

If an engagement looks appealing to you, you will have an opportunity to apply to the position on the CARMEN site. Additionally, the FPS HR Director(s) may reach out to qualified consultants during the staffing process. You should make sure to submit an updated copy of your resume to the FPS HR Director(s).

How long can I expect an engagement to last?

Engagements will typically last from 4-8 weeks or up to one quarter’s time, although sometimes engagements will not align perfectly with the start and end dates of the academic calendar.

Operations

Where do I find out what tools and resources are available to consultants?

The FPS knowledge base will be available to all participants on CARMEN. This includes presentations used at FPS meetings, templates to be used on client engagements, and project management tools.

How do I set up a meeting with the FPS Managing Director or the FPS director?

Email Nicholas Fischer at fischer_406@fisher.osu.edu, John Cavalier at cavalier_6@fisher.osu.edu, or Kurtis Roush at roush_104@fisher.osu.edu.

How do I provide constructive feedback (positive or negative) to FPS leadership?

Feel free to discuss issues with FPS Project Managers and Managing Directors during FPS Town Hall meetings held once per quarter, submit formal feedback during the annual FPS participant satisfaction survey, or reach directly to the Managing Partners or Director.

How is my performance as a consultant evaluated?

Each quarter your fellow consultants, project managers, managing directors, director, and engagement clients will review your performance.

Why is there “ProjectONE” and do I have to participate?

ProjectONE is designed to teach you about consulting, allow you to work in a semi-structured environment, and to test skills you learn in the classroom. The goal of ProjectONE is to prepare you for the unstructured nature of the engagements you’ll find in subsequent quarters. While participation is not required, it is highly encouraged.

Am I reimbursed for expenses?

Mileage expenses are paid at the current University rate, though approval from the Managing Directors must be given. Food and entertainment expenses are typically not reimbursed. Please reach to the Managing Directors for clarification.