Global Challenge Labs
Thunderbird’s client-facing experiential consulting model, where student teams work on real organizational challenges.
Quick Hits
- Global Challenge Labs are client-facing consulting experiences built around real organizational challenges.
- Full-time Master of Global Management students complete a six-credit GCL.
- Student teams work intensively with an organization in an international or domestic setting and deliver data-informed recommendations.
- Thunderbird reports GCL work in more than 40 countries, with more than 300 clients served and more than 750 student consultants.
- Alumni and partner organizations can participate by hosting Global Challenge Lab projects.
What It Is
- The Global Challenge Lab is an experiential capstone model that connects Thunderbird students with organizations facing real growth, strategy, innovation, or impact challenges.
- Students work in small teams with support from Thunderbird faculty and staff.
- Projects require students to apply academic learning in a professional, client-facing environment.
How It Works
- Full-time MGM students participate in a six-credit Global Challenge Lab.
- Typical teams include approximately three to six students.
- The current MGM model includes an intensive three-week project period.
- Executive MGM and Master of Leadership and Management students may have access to shorter elective GCL formats.
What Students Do
- Define and analyze the client challenge.
- Gather and assess relevant information.
- Work collaboratively across backgrounds and disciplines.
- Develop data-informed insights and recommendations.
- Present findings and deliverables to the client.
Why It Matters
- GCLs connect classroom learning to real decisions and real organizations.
- Students gain consulting, teamwork, communication, analysis, and cross-cultural experience.
- Client organizations receive focused work from Thunderbird student teams supported by faculty expertise.
Global Reach
- Thunderbird reports GCL activity in more than 40 countries.
- More than 300 clients have been served.
- More than 750 students have participated as consultants.
Alumni and Partner Engagement
- Alumni and external organizations can host GCL projects.
- Hosting a GCL is one way the Thunderbird community connects student learning with real organizational needs around the world.