In today’s fast-paced world, learning doesn’t stop in the classroom; it occurs when knowledge is put into practice. As Communication Leadership students, many of us wonder how to apply what we’re learning to real-world situations and make the most of our time in the program. The Consultancy offers the perfect answer: an opportunity to gain hands-on experience, work with real clients, and grow alongside a community of peers through meaningful volunteer projects.

What is the Consultancy?

Starting in 2020, the consultancy was born out of a student-led initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing communication support to mission-driven organizations while offering hands-on experiences to students in the program, working with Seattle-based organizations. To date, our impact has spanned diverse sectors, including small businesses, non-profit organizations, local companies, and other UW departments.

What do we do?

The Comm Lead Consultancy connects students with nonprofit organizations, startups, and community groups in need of professional communications support. From designing social media strategies to conducting market research and producing videos, students work directly with clients on real-world projects that make a meaningful impact. 

“Our consultancy gives students the opportunity to turn passion and applied learning into purpose. You get to help local communities, shape stories, and drive impactful change that lasts well beyond the project”

– Susan MacLaren, Artist in Residence of the Communication Leadership program, and one of the first members of the Consultancy. 

Students will get a chance to work on diverse projects with clients across various fields, providing opportunities to build skills and gain practical experience in copywriting and storytelling, UX/UI Design, Social Media, Marketing, Graphic Design, and Audio/Video Storytelling (including podcasting and video). 

How to get involved?

Joining the consultancy to work in a volunteer or paid position is straightforward, and once you’re in, you’ll get to explore a wide range of hands-on projects and a supportive community. Here’s how to get started:

We post new roles to the Job Board on a rolling basis, and these positions are also featured in the Comm Lead’s newsletter that we send out to students every Monday. Think of it as our “opportunity drop” – new client projects, different roles, and chances to explore skills you’ve been wanting to try. 

Take your time browsing through the listings and find a role that fits your background, interests, or career goals. Each position description will give you a clear idea of the skills needed and the kind of work you’ll be doing.

Once you’ve spotted something that excites you, click the link to our online volunteer form and send in your application. From there, our team will review it and reach out if you’re a match for the project.

While you’re waiting, stay informed by following our Instagram and checking the website regularly, as new projects can emerge at any time, and you don’t want to miss them.

How to make the most of your experience 

Getting involved with the Consultancy not only deepens your knowledge and helps you gain real-world experience, but also is one of the best ways to truly enjoy your time at Comm Lead. 

Many of our students join the Consultancy to explore new interests, build confidence in their skills, connect with a diverse community of peers and professionals, and experience the U.S. work culture. Whether you’re leading a client project, contributing behind the scenes, or supporting your classmates, every role is a chance to grow. The more you invest in your experience by staying curious, open to feedback, and willing to take on challenges, the more rewarding it becomes.

“My background in the video production industry before joining CommLead equipped me well for the tasks at hand, aligning closely with the client’s requirements. Additionally, the experience pushed me to my learning edge. In my previous roles, I typically worked as part of a team, and this project provided a valuable opportunity to take on filming and editing independently, giving me a comprehensive hands-on experience. “

– Mihye, Consultant,  WA Alliance for Better Schools

Once you’ve decided to get involved, here’s our guide to help you maximize your journey:

Stay Active on the Job Board 

Opportunities come and go quickly, so be sure to keep an eye on the opening positions listed on our website and in Monday’s newsletter. Make a habit of checking the job board each week and applying early to roles that spark your interest.

Attend Workshop and Networking Session 

Attending a workshop is the best way to not only learn practical skills that will help you in your work, but also an excellent opportunity to connect with other students and interact with the guest speakers. For example, in January 2025, the Consultancy hosted a Portfolio Design Workshop with the participation of Larry Asher, Creative Director and Marketing Strategist. The workshop sparked the interest of 30 students who were excited to learn about building their portfolio. They had the opportunity to learn about critical elements when building their portfolio, as well as seeing others’ work. 

For the 2025-2026 school year, the Consultancy plans to host more workshops that help students learn practical skills, enabling them to leverage their abilities and apply for future jobs. We will also host offline/in-person networking sessions, where you cannot only interact with current students but also have a great chance to meet various instructors in specialized fields, as they are often invited to these types of events, as well as consultancy clients. 

Engage in the community 

The consultancy has many platforms for you to engage with. Follow us on Instagram to see our recent volunteer work and upcoming events. It’s a great way to understand project expectations, learn different creative approaches, and get inspired for your work. You can join our WhatsApp group to connect with other volunteers, share tips, and ask for advice. Many of our most successful projects come from volunteers collaborating and learning from one another.

Treat it like your professional role

Your first position sets the foundation for all the opportunities that follow. Whether it’s a volunteer role or a paid one, think of it as your first step into the professional workflow of the program. Communicate clearly, meet deadlines, and approach every task with the same dedication you would bring to a job. This mindset not only strengthens your reputation but also opens doors — increasing the likelihood of being recommended for future roles and projects. And yes! We do have students who came to the consultancy just to gain real-world experience. They did their best during the work and ultimately secured a full-time position, as our clients greatly valued their hard work. 

Last but not least: Document your work 

A vital part of joining the consultancy is that you will need to have some examples to showcase in your portfolio, so be mindful of documenting your work as you progress on a project. Keep track of what you’ve created — screenshots, reports, designs — so you can add them to your case study and talk about them in future job interviews.

Final Thoughts

The Consultancy is what you make of it. The more you engage, the more you’ll gain – whether that’s practical skills, industry connections, or confidence in your abilities. Take advantage of every resource we offer, and you’ll leave with more than just experience –  you’ll leave with a stronger, more defined professional identity. 

Explore our available positions and start your journey now!