Highlander Consulting Group (HCG) is the first student-run consulting group at the University of California, Riverside. Established with the goal of bridging academic learning and real-world practice, HCG provides students with hands-on experience that allows them to expand their skill sets and gain invaluable first-hand exposure to the consulting field. The group not only serves as a professional development opportunity for students but also supports businesses and organizations seeking fresh insights, strategy recommendations, and innovative solutions.

Founded in the Fall of 2022, HCG has quickly grown into a thriving organization with over 20 active members. The club is structured to provide opportunities for involvement at multiple levels. Students who wish to commit to more intensive roles can apply to become consultants or interns, positions that require an application process and ongoing project work. General members, however, are also welcomed and can participate by attending larger meetings, professional development workshops, and networking sessions that the club organizes throughout the school year. This layered structure allows HCG to remain accessible to students of all backgrounds and levels of commitment while still maintaining a strong professional standard for client-facing work.

Director of Marketing Preksha Kaushik emphasizes that HCG is intentionally interdisciplinary. “We are open to all majors, for anyone who’s interested in learning more about consulting, and looking for hands-on experience with business management and strategy. Every organization, at its root, is a business, so no matter what major you are, you can join and gain perspective.” This openness allows students studying everything from engineering to the humanities to contribute their perspectives and develop transferable skills that are valuable in any industry.

The process of working with clients begins with outreach. The HCG team identifies potential companies and organizations that could benefit from consulting support and invites them to collaborate. Once a client expresses interest, HCG meets with them to determine the scope of work, clarify goals, and establish expectations. From there, the consulting team, composed of lead consultants and interns, develops an initial proposal. The proposal outlines recommendations, strategies, and measurable outcomes. After review and refinement, the team delivers a final project to the client, ensuring that the deliverable is both actionable and aligned with the client’s objectives. This cycle not only benefits the client but also gives students direct experience in managing professional relationships, creating deliverables, and solving complex business problems.

So far, HCG has partnered with a range of organizations, including a developing social media platform, a software development company, and a social investing platform. These projects highlight the diversity of industries that consulting touches and demonstrate how students can adapt their knowledge to different business contexts. Projects have included activities such as developing market entry strategies, analyzing user growth opportunities, and providing structured recommendations for product positioning. In every case, the goal is to identify client needs, propose realistic strategies, and provide recommendations with anticipated results that can guide the company toward its desired goals.

As Kaushik explains, “We work with clients to identify specific needs, for example, developing market strategy. We provide specific recommendations with anticipated results to reach our clients’ desired goals.” This focus on practical, results-oriented consulting sets HCG apart as more than just a student club — it operates as a professional resource for businesses while simultaneously offering students an invaluable training ground.

Looking ahead, Highlander Consulting Group is actively seeking to expand both its membership and client portfolio. The organization plans to continue building relationships with start-ups, small businesses, and companies across industries, creating more opportunities for its members to engage in meaningful, hands-on work. At the same time, the group is welcoming applications from UC Riverside students who want to gain experience in consulting. Students can apply through the HCG website, highlanderconsultinggroup.org, which also features information on upcoming events, recruitment opportunities, and past projects.

With its commitment to professional growth, real-world impact, and inclusivity, Highlander Consulting Group is poised to become a long-standing resource for students and businesses alike. By combining the enthusiasm of UC Riverside students with the practical needs of companies, HCG continues to build a bridge between campus and industry that benefits everyone involved.