Deadlines approaching this month for business consultancy, internships, and executive mentoring opportunities
Technology companies and startups across Northern Ireland have just days left to secure access to three high-value programs from Queens University Business School's Business Hub, with application deadlines falling between January 22-28 and February 6, 2026.
Business Clinic: Strategic Consultancy for Tech Challenges
Deadline: January 22, 2026
The Business Clinic offers tech companies—from early-stage startups to established enterprises—access to skilled MSc International Business student consultants for 6-12 week projects running June through September 2026.
This program is particularly valuable for technology businesses facing challenges they've identified but lack the bandwidth to address. Past projects have tackled export readiness assessments, EU expansion strategies, supply chain optimization, and remote workforce engagement—all critical issues for scaling tech companies.
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How It Works
MSc students, supervised by experienced academics, are matched with organizations to deliver evidence-based solutions. Each student consultant produces actionable reports and presentations as part of their graded coursework, ensuring high-quality deliverables.
Companies need only provide a designated mentor to guide the student and grant access to necessary business data. Projects can be conducted virtually or in-person, offering flexibility for distributed teams.
Eligible Projects
The program welcomes international or cross-border business challenges across strategy, innovation, marketing, HR, supply chain sustainability, or analytics. Whether you're a multinational corporation or a bootstrapped startup, if you have a strategic challenge with an international dimension, you're eligible.
Proven Track Record
Previous participants include renewable energy innovator B9 Energy, which leveraged MBA student expertise to research emerging renewable sectors, and multinational EY, which deployed student consultants to analyse service delivery. The Innovation Factory in Belfast used the program to measure organizational impact, while tech-focused organizations have accessed fresh perspectives on market expansion and digital transformation.
MSc Student Internships: Expand Your Team for Summer 2026
Deadline: January 28, 2026
For companies needing dedicated support on specific initiatives, 12-week MSc internships beginning in June 2026 offer a cost-effective talent solution.
Key Capabilities for Tech Companies
MSc Marketing and MSc International Business students bring current expertise in:
· Digital marketing and analytics
· Marketing strategy and market research
· Content creation and campaign management
· Business development and international sales
· Market expansion and logistics
· HR and operations management
Strategic Advantages
Beyond the immediate project value, hosting an intern allows tech companies to evaluate potential graduate hires, develop internal mentoring capabilities, and forge connections with one of the UK's top business schools. Students arrive equipped with knowledge of current practices and emerging technologies—invaluable for organizations navigating rapid digital transformation.
Organizations must assign a mentor and provide projects relevant to the students' specializations, ensuring mutual benefit from the experience.
MBA Mentoring: Shape the Next Generation of Tech Leaders
Deadline: February 6, 2026
The MBA Mentoring programme connects accomplished business leaders with current MBA students for a structured 12-week engagement from March through May 2026.
What's In It for Tech Executives
This isn't just altruism—mentors gain:
· Enhanced personal brand as an industry thought leader
· Access to curated networking events with senior alumni
· Early visibility into high-calibre MBA talent
· Opportunities to develop strategic relationships within the Queens Business School ecosystem
The Commitment
Mentors meet with their matched student at least five times during the program, either virtually or in-person. The Business School provides structured materials to set goals, guide conversations, and track progress, making the time investment both manageable and impactful.
The program runs from a welcome event on March 4 through a celebration event on May 27, 2026, with matches confirmed by February 24.
Why Tech Companies Should Act Now
With Northern Ireland's technology sector continuing its growth trajectory, access to skilled talent and strategic insights remains a competitive advantage. These three programs offer multiple entry points for companies at different stages:
· Startups can leverage the Business Clinic for strategic challenges like market entry or product-market fit analysis
· Scale-ups can deploy interns on critical projects while building a graduate recruitment pipeline
· Established tech leaders can mentor future executives while strengthening their industry profile
All programs are accessible regardless of company size, and the international focus of the MSc programs makes them particularly relevant for tech companies with global ambitions or cross-border operations.
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How to Apply
Applications are managed through a central registration system. Companies interested in any of these opportunities should visit the Queens Business School website and complete the relevant interest form before the respective deadlines.
With the earliest deadline just days away on January 22, technology leaders should review these opportunities immediately to determine which programs align with their 2026 strategic priorities. Learn more and register: Queens Business School Business Hub Programs align with their 2026 strategic priorities.
Learn more and register: Queens Business School Business Hub Programs
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