Global Consulting Capstone: Germany

 

This project will be offered virtually for spring 2023. For application inquiries, please contact the program faculty and staff listed on this page.

Learning by professional experience is an invaluable way to gain transferable skills and apply business knowledge toward solving complex global problems. This three- credit, spring semester course will allow experienced marketing students to apply classroom learning to a real-world client. Students will utilize marketing and consulting principles and strategies to address the client’s needs and issues to deliver a strong, implementable marketing solution. Starting in 2024, spring break is spent abroad in Augsburg, Germany, working directly with the client, as well as students and faculty from the University of Augsburg.

 

What You'll Accomplish: 

As an engaged and active participant in this program, you will have the opportunity to develop:

  • global experience in effective project management through a hands-on consulting experience 
  • the abililty to apply business skills and knowledge to a real-world marketing project
  • transferrable skills towards your professional and personal development 

 

Augsburg is one of the oldest cities in Germany, located in Bavaria, less than one hour by train from Munich. Founded in part by powerful banking empires, the city emerged as a prominent financial center, hub of international trade, and fine arts. Today, Augsburg is a city of commerce and technology, with historically preserved buildings and a vibrant cultural scene.

The University of Augsburg, founded in 1970, is a modern university located near the Augsburg city center and easily accessible by public transportation. The university attracts students and faculty from all over Germany, as well as internationally. When not in class, enjoy the modern architecture, sculptures, and spend time outside in one of the many green spaces. Keep an eye out for the friendly campus cat! 

 

Where You'll Live: 

You'll stay in a hotel near the city center while in Augsburg. You can expect your housing to include the following:

  • Double occupancy rooms
  • Shared bathrooms
  • Linens and towels
  • Wifi/Internet access
  • Breakfast
  • Easy access to city center and public transportation

We do our best to provide the most accurate information about housing and amenities but due to the nature of the locations in which we offer programs and limited availability, these items are subject to change.  Contact your program manager with any questions. 

 

What You'll Study: 

You’ll earn 3 academic credits for the Global Consulting Capstone. Class is Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:30am - 10:45am. During the spring semester, you will learn about the theory and practice of consulting, as well as work on a marketing project for a client in Augsburg. The course will allow you to develop a scope of work, build and manage successful client relationships, explore marketing solutions and apply them for the client’s benefit, and much more.

This course counts for one foreign culture requirement and a marketing major elective.

Please note that this is the international section of Projects in Marketing. If you have taken Projects in Marketing in past semesters, you are not eligible to participate in this program.

 

Global Projects in Marketing (BUSMKT1485)

You’ll earn 3 academic credits toward your marketing major. During the spring semester, you will learn about the theory and practice of consulting, as well as work on a marketing project for a client in Augsburg. The course will allow you to develop a scope of work, build and manage successful client relationships, explore marketing solutions and apply them for the client’s benefit, and much more.
Course requirements: 

  • must be a declared marketing major
  • completion of Introduction to Marketing with a B or better
  • completion of a minimum of two semesters at the university
  • 3.0 GPA

 
Please note that this is the international section of Projects in Marketing. If you have taken Projects in Marketing in the past, you are not eligible for this program.
More information is located in the syllabus.

Experiential Learning Description: 

This course is a project-based, hands-on experience, and you should be prepared to utilize the consulting and transferrable skills discussed in class lectures toward your project deliverables during your time working in-country with the community organization. You will be supported by Pitt Business faculty throughout the experience.

 

This program is offered in partnership with the University of Augsburg, Chair for Value Based Marketing, with a teaching and research focus on value based, services marketing and media and omnichannel management. Our partners at the University of Augsburg will host you during the international component of the course, as well as serve as the liaison to the client.  

 

Your Pitt Study Abroad Contacts: 

Steph Spirk

Hola, hallo, hi!  I'm Steph Spirk, and I am a Global Experiences Program Manager for Pitt Business.  I am a yinzer, very proud to call Pittsburgh my home, yet my love for cultural exchange has always led me to new places, even ones I never thought I'd go to before.  I was a Pitt student myself, becoming an expert on study abroad by participating in three programs: Global Service Learning in Bolivia, the International Internship Program in Madrid, and an exchange program at Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona.  I speak fluent Spanish and German at an advanced level.  In my free time you'll find me practicing yoga in the square, hiking through the many parks, painting, and capturing the beauty of Pittsburgh and beyond through the lens of my camera.
Looking forward to chatting with yinz!

Schedule an appointment

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Your In-Country Contacts: 

Professor Meade Johnson

Meade is a professor in marketing and executive in residence at Pitt Business. She graduated from Duquesne University with a degree in communications. She has held account management positions at several advertising agencies in Pittsburgh including: Marstellar, MARC Advertising, Blattner Brunner, and GBL Advertising. Meade has worked on a broad range of client businesses including consumer, business-to-business, and retail, providing such services as project management, marketing communications plan development, and strategic planning. In addition, she has a proven track record of leadership and has spearheaded the delivery of creative, media, and research services by agency teams to meet the needs of a variety of clients. Her client experience includes Dick’s Sporting Goods, Philips Respironics, Pittsburgh Public Schools, UPMC, PPG, and The New York Philharmonic. Meade is currently working as a marketing consultant and is a past president of the Pittsburgh Advertising Federation Board.

E-mail: 

Items Billed by Pitt

  In-State Out-of-State
Tuition TBD TBD
Program Fee TBD TBD
Study Abroad Fee TBD TBD
Total Billed by Pitt TBD TBD

Estimated Additional Out-of-Pocket Costs

Personal Expenses $500

Total Estimated Program Cost

  In-State Out-of-State

Total Estimated Cost of Program
(Includes items billed by Pitt and additional expenses)

TBD TBD
 
 
 
 
What's Included: 

As a part of your program fee, the following are included in the program:

  • Lodging
  • Tuition for three credits
  • Round-trip international airfare
  • In-country transportation
  • Excursions
  • Most meals
  • Visa (where applicable)
  • International Health Insurance

Remember that your lifestyle and spending choices can greatly affect the amount of money you'll need while abroad.  Visit our Budgeting page for more information.

 

When You'll Go: 

 

 

What Else You Need to Know: 

All students are required to attend the mandatory Agreement Meeting.  This afternoon long event will cover important topics relevant to study abroad like health, safety, security, and more.  Plus, it will give you the chance to meet other students studying abroad on your programs.  Alumni and staff will also be present to help you start thinking about your goals for the program.  Your program manager will follow up with more information once you begin your application.

Students must have completed at least 2 semesters of coursework at Pitt, be a declared marketing major, and have completed Introduction to Marketing with a B or better. 

For scholarship opportunities, be sure to check out the Pitt Study Abroad Scholarship page. 

Pitt Business students may also apply for additional scholarship through the Pitt Business International Scholarships, as well as crowdfund using the Pitt Business Fund My Travel page. Please note, that the application deadline for the Pitt Business International Scholarship is the same as the program application deadline.