Program Overview

Introduction to the Gabelli School of Business

The Gabelli School of Business at Fordham University offers a unique and comprehensive education in business, with a focus on developing students' skills in areas such as finance, marketing, and management. One of the key programs offered by the school is the Consulting Cup, a semester-long project that tasks student teams with solving complex business problems for real-world clients.

The Consulting Cup

The Consulting Cup is a defining experience for sophomore students at the Gabelli School of Business. The program is designed to give students hands-on experience in applying the skills and knowledge they have gained in the classroom to real-world business problems. Students work in teams to analyze a business challenge, develop a solution, and present their findings to a panel of professors and industry leaders.

Core Business Courses

The Consulting Cup is integrated with six core business courses, which provide students with a solid foundation in the principles of business. These courses include:

• Financial Accounting: Deep-dive financial analysis
• Information Systems: Data management and technical workflows
• Statistical Decision-Making: Data modeling and forecasting trends
• Management: Leading teams and collaborating effectively
• Marketing: Building a competitive brand strategy
• Business Communications: Mastering the pitch

Student Experience

The Consulting Cup provides students with a unique opportunity to apply theoretical concepts to real-world problems. Students work in teams to develop a solution to a business challenge, and then present their findings to a panel of professors and industry leaders. This experience helps students develop important skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.

Examples of Student Projects

Several examples of student projects are highlighted, including:

• Repositioning McCormick for a younger audience: A team of students developed a marketing campaign to make McCormick's heritage spice brand more appealing to a younger generation.
• Tapping into a new market for Harley-Davidson: A team of students developed a strategy to expand Harley-Davidson's customer base, including the development of a high-performance e-bike.
• Focusing on an older niche for Skechers: A team of students developed a strategy to target an older demographic for Skechers, including the development of shoes designed specifically for people with arthritis.

Benefits of the Consulting Cup

The Consulting Cup provides students with a number of benefits, including:

• Hands-on experience in applying business concepts to real-world problems
• Development of important skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving
• Opportunity to work with real-world clients and develop solutions to complex business challenges
• Enhanced career prospects, as the experience and skills gained through the Consulting Cup are highly valued by employers.

Conclusion

The Gabelli School of Business at Fordham University offers a unique and comprehensive education in business, with a focus on developing students' skills in areas such as finance, marketing, and management. The Consulting Cup is a key program offered by the school, providing students with hands-on experience in applying business concepts to real-world problems. The program has a number of benefits, including the development of important skills and enhanced career prospects.