Fisher Global Consulting: Start-Up
Apply to work as a consultant with an Ohio State project team for a global start-up or venture capitalist firm for two weeks this summer!
With the support of a global startup and consulting program, students go abroad to work in teams for entrepreneurs. Before traveling abroad, all students will have an assigned program manager who will work with them on career development training. All students complete personalized online curricular modules to build relevant soft skills (resume review, interview prep, etc.) and hard skills in preparation for the consulting work and their broader career goals. Examples include learning how to build a market research analysis, strategic planning and financial modeling, or certifications in google analytics or hubspot software tools.
After completing these online modules, students spend two-weeks in May working in-country on a team for a local startup client. Example projects include a market-entry strategy for a new product, an investor pitch deck, or a new marketing plan for the client startup. Beyond the project work, students will meet with entrepreneurs, while also exploring the local culture and community through organized events.
Learn more about this program from our Fisher Global Consulting 101 info session (recording, slides) or the FGC: Start-Up info session presented by Sage Corps (recording, slides).
| Location(s) | *Arrival Date | *Departure Date | Application Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berlin, Germany | May 11, 2025 | May 24, 2025 | Apply to Berlin |
*Arrival date does not include estimated travel time, so program participants may need to depart 1-2 days early. Departure date is the formal end-date of the program, and does not include travel time back to the US.
Students apply to work on an in-person consulting project for an early stage startup company that has, or will seek, venture capital investment. This program is competitive due to the limited number of projects. Each project will have 4-6 students on a team.
Important Program Dates:
- Initial Placement Deadline (IPD): Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at 11:59 pm
- Qualified applications received by the IPD will receive priority placement. Placement decisions for project teams will begin after the IPD, but students can still apply up until the Final Application Deadline. Students who apply later can expect to be considered for fewer locations as project teams fill. Updates on project locations that have reached their capacity will be posted on the website.
- Final Application Deadline: Monday, January 13, 2025, at 11:59 pm
- Qualified applications received after the IPD may continue to be considered until the final deadline on January 13, 2025. Students who apply later can expect to be considered for fewer locations as project teams fill. Updates on project locations that have reached their capacity will be posted on the website.
- Application Fee: Paid Online at Time of Application Submission
- Deposit Due: Two Weeks after Notification of Acceptance
- Final Payment Due: Friday, January 24, 2025 at 11:59 pm
- OIA Fees: Posted to Statement of Account in Spring Semester
- Required Course Class: February - April 2025
Course Information
All students admitted into the FGC program will be required to take a one-credit class during the second half of the Spring Semester. The 7-week session is: BUSADM 4189, Advanced Field Study.
Class Details: Online via Zoom (details to come)
The class teaches students about the dynamics of doing business globally, the resources used for project management, and the understanding of location-specific cultures. Additionally, the class covers the mitigating risks while traveling and health and safety concerns.
Admitted students will be automatically added to the course by the Office of Global Business. Students cannot self-enroll. Please leave room in your spring schedule to accommodate this one-credit required course and be available each Wednesday during second session, 7:30-9 PM. Students exceeding 18 credit-hours will need to contact the Program Manager.
- GPA of 2.75 or greater
- English language proficiency (TOEFL Score of 90 or above preferred for international students)
- Good Standing with Office of Student Conduct
- Enrolled as an OSU student throughout the duration of the program (not available to graduating seniors)
- Valid Passport
- Not required for application, but you must have a passport at the time of visa application or departure, which ever comes first
- To apply or renew your passport, go to travel.state.gov
- Not required for application, but you must have a passport at the time of visa application or departure, which ever comes first
- Meet OIA's General Eligibility Requirements
- Meet OIA's Conditions for Participation
- Meet OGB Code of Conduct and Participation Policy
Step 1: Learn More
- Read more about specific consulting project locations on the OIA website by searching for "Fisher Global Consulting: Start-Up" (with double quotes) in the Program Name field.
- Submit a Student Interest Form to ensure your questions are answered, and our office can update you on important deadlines.
- Attend an Information Session to learn more about the program and hear from past participants.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
- Application: Applications will open on August 20, 2024.
- Note: A $150 application fee will be due upon application submission. The application fee will be refunded only if you submit a written request to withdraw prior to the application deadline, you are not accepted to your global education program or if the program were to be cancelled.
- Incomplete applications will not be considered!
- As part of the application process, applicants will need to submit the following items:
- Resume
- Video Recording. Record and upload a video of yourself (3-minute limit) that answers the below questions:
- Why are you interested in joining a FGC: Start-Up consulting team?
- What skills/experiences do you possess that would benefit a start-up project?
- Tell us about your most successful group project experience. What were the reasons it worked so well?
- As part of the application process, applicants will need to submit the following items:
- Upload the video to buckeyemailosu-my.sharepoint.com, and paste the shareable link in the field below. Instructions on how to obtain a shareable link. Confirm that “People with the Link” is selected when you enable the shareable link. If “People with the Link” is not selected, our office will be unable to view your video submission.
- Resume Review Agreement (OPTIONAL)
- It is recommended that all student resumes be evaluated by either the Office of Career Management or the Office of Global Business.
- You can bring a printed copy of your resume to be reviewed by OCM Peer Career Coaches below:
- Initial Placement Deadline (IPD): Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at 11:59 pm
- Qualified applications received by the IPD will receive priority placement. Placement decisions for project teams will begin after the IPD, but students can still apply up until the Final Application Deadline. Students who apply later can expect to be considered for fewer locations as project teams fill. Updates on project locations that have reached their capacity will be posted on the website.
- Final Application Deadline: Monday, January 13, 2025, at 11:59 pm
- Qualified applications received after the IPD may continue to be considered until the final deadline on January 13, 2025. Students who apply later can expect to be considered for fewer locations as project teams fill. Updates on project locations that have reached their capacity will be posted on the website.
Step 3: Prepare for a Global Consulting Project!
- Funding: Apply for one of the many scholarships/grant opportunities compiled on the Office of Global Business web page.
- Course Availability: Students admitted into the program are required to take a one credit pre-departure course (BUSADM 4189), which you will be enrolled in by the Office of Global Business prior to the global consulting project. Failing to successfully complete this class will disqualify you from participating in the Fisher Global Consulting program. If adding this course pushes you over 18 credit-hours, be sure to check with your academic advisor for next-steps.
- International Students: CPT paperwork is typically required for all international students (see FAQ section below) to complete a global internship. For summer global internships, international students are also required to enroll in the 0.5 credit-hour BA 2191.02 course to maintain student eligibility. Enrollment in this summer course will also require payment of any tuition fees. View a list of tuition fees.
Step 4: Pay Your Program Fees
- Deposit ($1000 non-refundable):
- Due prior to beginning internship placement process
- Due 2 weeks after acceptance email is received
- Program Fee ($3,295 - $1,000 deposit):
- Due Friday, January 24, 2025
- OIA Fees (variable based on program length):
- OIA Admin Fee ($50)
- OIA Study Abroad Fee (international accident and sickness insurance)
The following links are provided as reference when considering education abroad programs:
- OSU Health and Safety
- OSU Supplemental International Insurance
- OSU Cancellation Policy
- Funding and Scholarships
- OSU Travel Alerts
- OSU Travel to Risk Designated Countries: Any student traveling to study, conduct research or field work, or participate in a service learning project or an international program in a risk-designated country must petition the International Travel Policy Committee (ITPC) for approval. More information is provided on the linked website. For further information on the policy and/or the petition process, please contact Kirsten Dabelko, Global Health and Safety Manager (dabelko.4@osu.edu), Office of International Risk Management and Insurance.
External Resources
Conditions for Global Program Participation
You must meet all entry, exit, and visa requirements of your global education program destination, any countries while in transit, and the U.S. upon return, including but not limited to possessing a valid passport, obtaining the appropriate visa (if applicable), and providing proof of any required vaccinations (if applicable) and/or any testing requirements and other protocols (if applicable). Entry, exit, and visa requirements are established by each individual country and the Office of International Affairs, The Ohio State University and its visa provider, Travisa, have no control over visa denials, immigration and visa regulations, and/or any changes in the Embassies/Consulates’ policies. Please refer to travel.state.gov and the respective Embassy or Consulate websites for the most up to date travel information.
You can learn more about relevant conditions for participation through the Office of International Affairs website.
Q: "What is the difference between the initial placement deadline and the final deadline?"
A: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis after the initial placement deadline (IPD). The IPD allows students to be considered for all locations they list as preferences in their application. Team slots will begin to fill in each project location after the IPD. Students who apply later will have fewer project options. Applications will no longer be considered after the final deadline.
Q: "When will I receive a decision letter?"
A: Students can expect an application decision between three-four weeks from the date they submit their application.
Q: "What if I don’t speak the native language of the country I want to go to?"
A: Languages are not required for any location, but they will make students more competitive to be selected for the project team.
Q: "Will airfare be included in the program fee?"
A: For the Fisher Global Consulting (FGC) Start-Up program, airfare will NOT be included. Students accepted into the program will be responsible for their own airfare.
Q: "Do I self-enroll in the second session spring semester course?"
A: No, the Office of Global Business will automatically enroll after your acceptance into the program.
Q: "I’m a Freshman, am I allowed to apply?"
A: Yes, freshmen who meet the eligibility requirement are able to apply. Freshman must have at least a 3.0 at the end of the autumn term.
Q: "I want to apply to a location, but I don't see it on the application anymore".
A: Project teams that have been filled for specific locations will no longer be listed in the application.
Q: "Does OSU / Office of Global Business help students with transportation once in country, and if not, how will that work?"
A: The program fee covers housing, shared accommodations, the project placement, in-country activities, program orientation, and transfer between the airport and housing. Tt does not cover costs associated with transportation in-city.
Q: "Am I able to pay the program fee with money from a 529 account?"
A: Yes, payment with a 529 account is accepted and must be done via check through the following steps:
On the envelope, please note the recipient as Ed Ward using the address and information below:
Ed Ward
Fisher Shared Services
2100 Neil Avenue - 100 Fisher Hall
Columbus, OH 43210- On the check itself, please include the following information:
- Payable to: The Ohio State University
- Memo: [Ohio State name.#, Program Name, Location]
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2100 Neil Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210