Human Resource Management master’s students put theory into practice through Consultancy Day 2025
Working with clients to provide bespoke solutions to their real-life business challenges, 50 students on our MSc Human Resource Management programme took part in our annual HRM Consultancy Day Workshop.
This one-day practiced-based learning, now in its third consecutive year, is an integral part of our master’s students’ professional development on the HRM: Academic and Practitioner Perspectives module.
Acting as professional HR consultants, students worked in groups with business clients from three multinational firms including, Sophie E. Bannister, Talent Acquisition Specialist at Enterprise Mobility, Barry Challinor, SSC Supervisor at BDO, and Robert Zajko, Senior Director Talent Acquisition Europe, Middle East and Africa at Hilton.
The consultancy challenge started with each client providing the students with an organisation briefing, discussing a current live problem that their organisations are confronted with and sharing key details and information.
Students were then divided into teams and scattered in different rooms where they brainstormed and collaborated closely with one another for two hours to draw up tailored solutions and strategies to address their clients’ specific HR issues.
During this intensive group discussion, students employed theoretical concepts, tools and techniques to understand their client’s unique business context, analyse and understand the root cause of their issue and evaluate how their solution provides strategic value to the business.
In the afternoon, we saw students present their findings and solutions before an external and independent panel, enabling students to address real-life stakeholders and develop their communication skills. The panel then provided insightful assessment and collective feedback to their proposals and overall performance as HR consultants.
Speaking about the importance of conducting real-life training to enhance students’ learning on the course, Dr Salma Raheem, Lecturer in Human Resource Management and Organisational Behaviour at the University of Liverpool Management School (ULMS), said:
“By collaborating with real clients, students learn how to provide evidence-based solutions to organisational issues. Additionally, they learn teamwork skills, time management and presentation skills.”
“All of the skills are mapped on to their CIPD Level 7 professional accreditation such as business acumen, evidence-based practice, professional courage and influence and working inclusively, to name a few.”
One of the panel members, Dr Jennifer Johnson, Director of MSc Healthcare Leadership programme (online) at ULMS, said she was suitably impressed with the ability of the students to introduce their ideas to HR professionals and academics alike.
“They managed to present some innovative plans to the client which will be actioned. This is a wonderful example of how employers can interact with our students for mutual benefit.”
Collectively, the students also found the event a positive and insightful learning experience.
Andrea Payán commented: “During the workshop, I had the opportunity to propose innovative strategies and practical solutions to real HRM challenges, allowing me to learn from industry experts. I’m thrilled by everything I’ve learned and the chance to grow professionally in such a dynamic environment.”
Another student, Phuong Linh Nguyen, expressed her appreciation, describing the event a “valuable opportunity.”
“The event was hosted very professionally, leaving both the space for professional simulation and reflective learning. We applied what we learned in the real-life case study, were provided with real-life data from corporations, and expanded our network with amazing guest speakers and HR professionals. The gifts and food were also amazing, and we learned a lot and had a lot of fun as well.”
Learn more about MSc Human Resource Management or what we do to help enhance our postgraduate students’ skills and employability.