A student's perspective: My personal Practicum Program review

Before this practicum, I was filled with theoretical knowledge but had no idea how to apply it in a real-world setting. Like many students, I had sat through lectures, completed assignments, and passed exams, but I still didn’t feel ready for the professional world.

My name is Aria, and I’m a business student who recently completed the Mayerfeld Consulting Practicum Program. I joined the program with the hope of gaining practical experience and building confidence in my skills. What I found was much more than I expected.

In this Practicum Program review, I’ll share my honest thoughts on what the experience was really like, from the projects and mentorship to the challenges and key takeaways. This isn’t a polished brochure or a sales pitch. It’s a real student’s story about what worked, what surprised me, and how the program helped shape my career goals.

If you’re a student wondering whether this kind of hands-on experience is worth your time, I hope this review gives you a clear, personal perspective.

The Practicum Program overview: My initial expectations and context

The Mayerfeld Consulting Practicum Program is a structured, hands-on training experience designed to help students and early-career professionals gain real-world exposure in consulting and business strategy. It runs for several weeks and focuses on practical projects, mentorship, and professional development. The program is tailored for individuals interested in areas like operations, data analysis, project management, and client-facing roles.

I chose this practicum program because I wanted something more than just theory. I had already completed several academic courses in business and economics, but I was missing that real-world application. I wanted to test my skills in a setting where the stakes were real and the feedback was meaningful. Mayerfeld Consulting stood out to me because of its reputation for blending strategic thinking with hands-on learning.

Going into the program, I was excited but also a bit nervous. I wasn’t sure what to expect from the project work or how much guidance I would receive. I wondered if I’d be able to keep up with the fast pace, and whether my background would be enough. I hoped it would challenge me, but not overwhelm me, and I was definitely curious to see how closely it aligned with actual industry work.

What came next not only answered those questions but gave me a whole new level of confidence.

My daily/weekly experience: A firsthand account of the Practicum Program

One of the things I appreciated most about the Mayerfeld Consulting Practicum Program was the structured yet flexible schedule. A typical week balanced independent work, collaborative meetings, training sessions, and one-on-one mentorship.

Each Monday, we received a project briefing from our team lead. These briefings outlined clear objectives, timelines, and deliverables. Throughout the week, I worked on tasks such as creating client presentations, analyzing business case data, or preparing insights based on internal research. We also had regular check-ins where our mentors reviewed our work and provided constructive feedback.

One project that stood out involved conducting a competitive analysis for a mid-sized B2B software company. I was responsible for synthesizing market research and identifying areas where the client could improve its customer acquisition strategy. This project challenged me to apply concepts I had only seen in textbooks, like SWOT analysis and market segmentation—in a much more nuanced, data-driven way.

The learning curve was real. During the first week, I struggled with time management and interpreting client expectations. But over time, I grew more confident asking questions, prioritizing tasks, and communicating with clarity. The mentors played a huge role here. They were approachable, supportive, and willing to walk through problems with me—without giving away the answers.

By the end of each week, I could feel the growth. The feedback loop was fast, and I was constantly learning from both successes and mistakes. It didn’t just feel like I was completing assignments, it felt like I was preparing for a real consulting role.

Skill development: What I gained beyond the classroom in the Practicum Program

One of the most valuable takeaways from the Mayerfeld Consulting Practicum Program was the opportunity to build real skills that go far beyond what’s taught in a traditional classroom setting. The program was designed to help participants grow both technically and professionally, with a strong focus on real-world application.

During the program, I significantly improved my technical skills in areas like data analysis, market research, and presentation development. I became more confident using tools like Excel, PowerPoint, and Google Sheets for client deliverables. For one project, I built a competitor benchmarking dashboard that visualized key metrics across several companies. It was rewarding to see something I created being used in a real consulting context.

I also learned how to structure reports and executive summaries in a way that communicates insights clearly and concisely, something that’s very different from writing a university paper.

Just as important were the professional skills I developed. Weekly team meetings and client briefings helped sharpen my communication skills, especially when explaining complex ideas or presenting findings. I also learned to work within a team remotely, adapting to different work styles and collaborating across time zones.

One moment that stands out was when I took the lead on organizing our team’s workflow using a shared task board. It helped us stay aligned, hit our deadlines, and work more efficiently. Problem-solving also became a daily practice, whether it was figuring out how to gather missing data or reworking a slide deck after feedback.

Because Mayerfeld Consulting works with a range of industries, I got exposure to real-world business problems, particularly in tech and B2B services. I now have a much clearer understanding of how consulting firms approach challenges like customer acquisition, competitive positioning, and digital strategy.

These insights have already helped me during job interviews. I can now speak more confidently about industry trends and what companies are actually looking for in entry-level hires.

Overall, the Practicum Program turned abstract skills into practical strengths, and that’s what makes it stand out. It wasn’t just about what I learned, it was about what I could do with it.

Mentorship and guidance in the Practicum Program: My personal interactions

One of the standout features of the Mayerfeld Consulting Practicum Program was the mentorship. Having access to experienced professionals who were genuinely invested in my growth made a huge difference in my learning journey. The mentorship was not only helpful, it was one of the most rewarding aspects of the entire experience.

Each team was assigned a dedicated mentor who guided us through our projects, gave regular feedback, and helped us understand how to approach real consulting problems. My mentor brought years of industry experience and made time every week for one-on-one check-ins, even with their busy schedule.

They didn’t just answer questions, they asked the right ones to help me think more critically and independently. Whether we were discussing how to approach a client’s market entry strategy or how to organize a deck for maximum impact, the guidance was always clear and actionable.

One piece of advice that stuck with me was: “Always focus on the ‘so what?’ behind your analysis.” It shifted how I presented insights, not just reporting data but connecting it to real business value. That feedback helped me elevate the quality of my final deliverables.

Another time, I was struggling with prioritizing tasks across multiple deadlines. My mentor walked me through how they manage client projects in real consulting work and showed me how to break down larger assignments into manageable action items. It immediately helped me reduce stress and become more efficient.

The mentorship I received gave me more than just guidance on assignments, it boosted my confidence. I learned how to take initiative, lead parts of our project, and deliver work that met professional standards. It also opened my eyes to what a supportive, collaborative work environment can look like.

I walked away from the program not just with new skills, but with a clearer vision of how I want to grow in my career. That’s the power of mentorship, and it’s something that truly sets the Practicum Program apart.

Networking and connections: Expanding my professional circle

One of the unexpected highlights of the Mayerfeld Consulting Practicum Program was the chance to connect with professionals across industries and regions. The program didn’t just focus on skill-building, it actively created space for networking, collaboration, and real relationship-building.

Throughout the program, we participated in virtual networking sessions, team collaborations, and Q&A events with industry experts. These weren’t generic webinars—they were small group discussions and mentoring circles where we could ask real questions and get honest answers.

We also had the opportunity to engage with past alumni of the program. Their stories were inspiring, and they were open about sharing their own journeys, what worked, what didn’t, and how the practicum helped them get where they are now.

One of the most valuable connections I made was with a fellow participant who had already been working in the tech industry. Our conversations helped me better understand career paths I hadn’t considered before, and we still keep in touch regularly. I also connected with a project mentor who offered to review my resume after the program, and later introduced me to a hiring manager at a firm I was interested in.

Another connection came from a guest speaker during one of our sessions. I reached out afterward with a follow-up question, and it led to a short informational interview that gave me real clarity about where I want to focus my career.

These connections weren’t just good conversations, they opened doors. Some led to referrals. Others became mentors. And some simply helped me feel more confident navigating the early stages of my career.

The Practicum Program didn’t promise job offers, but it gave me something just as important: access to people who have been where I am now and are willing to help me grow.

If you’re looking for more than just skills, if you want to build your network with people who care about your development, this program is worth considering.

My personal reflections: The Practicum Program's impact

Looking back on my time in the Mayerfeld Consulting Practicum Program, I can confidently say it was one of the most meaningful experiences of my academic and professional journey so far. It challenged me, motivated me, and, most importantly, prepared me.

Personally, I became more confident in my abilities. Tasks that once felt overwhelming, like presenting findings to a team or managing a project timeline, became routine by the end of the program. Professionally, I gained exposure to real-world tools and workflows, and I left the program with a much clearer sense of how to apply my education in a business setting.

I also learned how to receive and apply feedback effectively, which helped me improve faster than I expected. The program's fast pace kept me on my toes, but the support system in place made it manageable and rewarding.

One of the biggest takeaways for me was the importance of adaptability. No project went exactly as planned, but that’s part of what made the experience feel real. I learned that being resourceful and asking the right questions is often more valuable than having the “perfect” answer from the start.

Another important lesson was how much mentorship and collaboration can accelerate learning. I realized I don’t have to figure everything out alone, and I probably shouldn’t.

Did It Meet My Expectations? Absolutely. When I first applied, I was looking for experience, something more than just another certificate or online course. I wanted to know what it actually feels like to be part of a team, to contribute, and to be accountable. This Practicum Program delivered on all fronts.

If anything, it exceeded my expectations. I didn’t just get a better resume, I gained real confidence, practical experience, and a clearer direction for my career.

Honest pros and cons: My personal review of the Practicum Program

Every learning experience has its highs and lows, and I believe it’s important to share both. Here’s my honest assessment of the Mayerfeld Consulting Practicum Program, based on my personal experience.

What worked well?

• Hands-on experience: The most valuable part of the Practicum Program was the opportunity to work on real-world projects. I wasn’t just observing—I was contributing meaningfully.

• Mentorship: The support I received from my mentor was consistent and constructive. Regular feedback helped me grow quickly and build confidence in my work.

• Skill development: I improved in areas I hadn’t even anticipated, like client communication, time management, and presenting insights clearly.

• Structured yet flexible: The program had a clear structure, but there was also room to explore areas that aligned with my interests.

Where is there room to improve?

• Time commitment: While manageable, the workload can be intense at times, especially if you're balancing school or another job. Clearer time expectations at the start would have helped with planning.

• Onboarding: The first week felt a bit fast-paced, and it took time to fully understand the tools and platforms. A more detailed orientation could improve the early experience.

• Peer interaction: While there were some opportunities to connect with fellow participants, I wish there had been more group collaboration or team-based projects.

In my opinion, the Mayerfeld Consulting Practicum Program is a strong, well-rounded experience that delivers real value. The strengths far outweigh the challenges, and any drawbacks were manageable with the right mindset and time management.

If you’re looking for a program that truly prepares you for the professional world, not just in theory but in practice, this is one I’d wholeheartedly recommend.

Recommendations for future students: My advice on the Practicum Program

If you're thinking about joining the Mayerfeld Consulting Practicum Program, here are some honest tips and insights that might help you get the most out of it.

How to prepare and what to Expect

• Brush up on your basics: Before starting, review core concepts relevant to your field, whether that’s data analysis, project management, or client communication. It’ll help you feel more confident during your first few assignments.

• Expect to be challenged: This isn’t a passive experience. You’ll be expected to contribute, take initiative, and manage real tasks. That’s where the learning happens.

• Time management is key: Make a weekly schedule and stick to it. Balancing the practicum with other responsibilities takes planning, but it’s doable with structure.

• Ask questions early and often: Don’t be afraid to seek clarity. Everyone wants you to succeed, and asking questions shows engagement, not weakness.

In my view, the ideal candidate for the Practicum Program is someone who is:

• Motivated to learn and grow beyond the classroom.

• Comfortable with feedback and eager to improve.

• Open to new challenges and willing to step out of their comfort zone.

• Interested in gaining real-world experience that aligns with long-term career goals.

Whether you're still in school or recently graduated, if you're looking to build a portfolio, gain mentorship, and strengthen your confidence in a professional setting, this program is a solid fit.

My personal tips

• Keep a progress journal: Tracking what you’re learning each week will help you reflect and prepare for future interviews.

• Take initiative: Don’t wait to be told what to do. Suggest ideas, volunteer for tasks, and be proactive, it’s noticed.

• Stay connected: Follow up with your mentor and peers after the program ends. The connections you build can be helpful long after the practicum is over.

Conclusion of this Practicum Program review

Looking back, the Mayerfeld Consulting Practicum Program was one of the most valuable steps I’ve taken in my academic and professional journey. It gave me the real-world exposure I was craving, helped me build confidence in my abilities, and connected me with people who truly care about growth and development.

From hands-on projects to personalized mentorship, the program offered much more than just a line on my resume. It gave me skills I can apply immediately and a clearer sense of where I want to go in my career.

If you're a student or recent graduate wondering if a practicum is worth the effort, I can confidently say yes. The practical experience, industry insights, and professional connections are things that no textbook or lecture can fully deliver.