Students at the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics have a diverse range of nearly 30 student-led groups on campus, offering students opportunities to connect, engage and grow in their personal and professional interests.
Michael Sullivan, Class of 2026 finance and business analytics double major, is the president of the Delaware Consulting Club. Sullivan shared why he joined the club and his proudest moment from being a part of this organization.
Lerner: When and why did you choose to join this student group?
Sullivan: I co-founded the Delaware Consulting Club with six friends during the summer of 2024. Our first official semester as a club was in the fall of 2024. My introduction to consulting came in the spring of 2024 when I participated in the external Capital One Consult for America competition alongside several friends from my university. I was immediately drawn to the field, as it blended my passion for creative and analytical thinking with my enthusiasm for working with people. Later that semester, my friends Charles Sobocinski, Sylas Chacko, and I competed in the Deloitte Case Competition. We spent countless late nights refining our pitch, and the experience only deepened our interest in consulting. Inspired by these experiences, we decided to establish the Delaware Consulting Club, creating a space for students to develop their consulting skills and engage in real-world problem-solving.
Lerner: When and where does your student group meet and approximately how many members do you have?
Sullivan: Our club meets every Wednesday at 5:15 p.m. in the Geltzeiler Trading Center located in Purnell Hall. We have approximately 25 active members in the club.
Lerner: What is the mission/goal of your student group?
Sullivan: The Delaware Consulting Club prepares students for consulting careers through real-world projects, skill-building, and industry connections. We are committed to giving our members the expertise and experience to succeed anywhere in the industry.
Lerner: What is your best memory or proudest moment from this student group?
Sullivan: One of my proudest moments with this student group was our very first meeting. My fellow founding members – Sylas Chacko, Chloe Dunning, Noah Gross, Shahzil Khan, Charles Sobocinski, and Annette Wei – and I dedicated countless hours over the summer to bringing the club to life. The process wasn’t always easy, but we were united by a shared vision: introducing our future members to the exciting world of consulting. Seeing the room filled with engaged students eager to learn and participate made all the late nights and planning sessions worth it. Standing at the front of the room and welcoming everyone to the first official Delaware Consulting Club meeting is a memory I’ll always cherish.
Lerner: What is unique about your student group?
Sullivan: One of the defining aspects of our student group is that we take on real consulting projects with actual clients. This semester, we launched an external casework initiative, partnering with nonprofits, charities, and other local organizations. Through this program, teams of students serve as consultants, applying their skills to help these organizations tackle real challenges. Not only does this give our members hands-on experience in client relationships and problem-solving, but it also allows us to give back to the Newark community in a meaningful way. By leveraging our knowledge and expertise, we’re not just advancing our own careers – we’re demonstrating how education and strategic thinking can create real impact. Our goal is to make these external cases a cornerstone of the club, inspiring members to see consulting as a tool for both professional growth and positive change.
Lerner: What are your goals for the future of your student group?
Sullivan: Our long-term goal for the Delaware Consulting Club is to continue expanding our external casework program, as we believe the best way to learn consulting is through real-world experience. By growing this pillar of the club, we aim to provide our members with more opportunities to apply their skills, challenge themselves, and gain hands-on experience with client work. We are committed to helping organizations of all sizes, from small local nonprofits to larger entities, by offering strategic insights and practical solutions. As we expand, we want to build a stronger network of partners and create a lasting impact, both for our members’ professional growth and for the organizations we support.
Lerner: How has your student group helped you grow, personally or professionally?
Sullivan: The Delaware Consulting Club has been instrumental in my personal and professional growth. On the professional side, founding the club required me to develop critical skills in strategic planning, operations management, and member engagement. Managing the back-end logistics gave me hands-on experience in problem-solving and organization, while leading meetings strengthened my ability to communicate effectively, facilitate discussions, and keep a team aligned toward a common goal. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of delivering value to our members. Shifting my mindset from simply running a club to ensuring that every member benefits from meaningful experiences has deepened my understanding of leadership and organizational impact. On a personal level, building and leading a group that I care deeply about has reinforced my determination and passion for helping others succeed. Seeing our members grow, develop skills, and pursue their own goals has been incredibly rewarding, and it has solidified my appreciation for mentorship and collaboration.
Lerner: Does your group have any social media handles?
Sullivan: LinkedIn: Delaware Consulting Club