Several Project Management MSc students were recently tasked with consultancy projects about live challenges faced by local organisations – including Sussex Innovation and Brighton & Hove City Council. Briefs spanned carbon reduction recommendations and service improvements – with students delivering insights, research and presentations that have the potential to make significant impacts on local business. 

Abdlrhman (Project Management MSc), along with his consultancy teammates, worked on a brief set by Brighton & Hove City Council to explore how parking could be improved in the city. The student consultancy team delivered an impressive presentation to the council’s parking team, including a demonstration of a proposed app that could revolutionise parking. 

We caught up with Abdlrhman to learn more about the project, and how it contributed to his skills development: 

What was the appeal to you for taking part in this project? 

I wanted to gain hands-on consultancy experience with a real client, applying project design thinking and systems thinking in a practical setting. The project offered a chance to work with a public sector organisation, tackle a real-world challenge, and enhance my professional portfolio. 

What did your consultancy project involve? 

Our team was tasked with improving parking services in Brighton & Hove. We conducted stakeholder interviews, developed user personas, mapped customer journeys, created a rich picture, and identified system-level variables. Using project design thinking, we prototyped a mobile app MVP to address pain points and improve user experience, especially for residents, commuters, and tourists. 

What did you enjoy about the project? 

I enjoyed collaborating with both my peers and BHCC representatives, as well as applying creative problem-solving to a complex public service challenge. The process of turning research insights into a tangible solution was highly rewarding. 

What was your main takeaway? 

That public service challenges require a balance between innovative solutions and practical constraints, and that engaging with diverse stakeholders is essential to creating sustainable change. 

What skills did you develop through the project, and how will you use them in your future career? 

I developed skills in stakeholder engagement, user research, systems thinking, and prototyping. These will be invaluable in my future roles in consultancy and project management, especially in managing multi-stakeholder projects and delivering user-centred solutions. 

Did you require any previous experience? 

No prior parking services experience was necessary, but having strong research, analytical, and communication skills was essential to quickly understand the system and propose relevant solutions. 

What would you say to a student taking part in a student consultancy project (through their course, or the Career Lab extra-curricular programme)? 

My advice is to focus on consistently delivering high-quality work during your studies, as strong academic performance and active engagement can open up opportunities like this. It’s a valuable opportunity to develop both professional and personal skills. Be proactive, communicate openly with your client, and make the most of the chance to work on a meaningful project. 

Career Lab Student Consultancy Programme 

You can apply to extra-curricular work experience opportunities through our Career Lab programme. Applications for the Winter Student Consultancy Programme are open now, and close on Sunday 28 September. 

Real-world experience in your curriculum 

Across the University, many undergraduate and postgraduate courses feature real business briefs set by employers, authentic assessments designed to prepare you for life after graduation, and subject-related careers sessions.