week 1

Understanding business problems

Available from 6th July

This week introduces you to the fundamentals of consulting and problem-solving. You’ll learn how to identify, analyse, and address real-world business challenges using proven frameworks and AI tools to support your thinking.

time required

10–12hrs

modules

duration

1 week

format

online

Start week 1

The program

Your micro internship journey

Onboarding

6 Jul

Week 1 · Understand problems

6–13 Jul

Week 2 · Develop solutions

13–20 Jul

Week 3 · Brief selection

20–27 Jul

Week 4 · Submission review

27 Jul–2 Aug

Submission deadline

2 Aug

Week overview

In Week 1, you’ll build a strong foundation in understanding real-world business challenges and begin applying core consulting techniques. Through a series of modules, you will explore how organisations define problems, drill into root causes, and frame strategic insights using tried-and-tested frameworks. You’ll also begin experimenting with AI tools responsibly — completing guided exercises, watching expert videos, and reflecting on how to integrate prompt engineering into your consulting process.

Learning objectives

Explain what constitutes a “business problem” and how it manifests in organisational contexts
Apply the “5 Whys” method to dissect issues and uncover underlying causes
Conduct Root Cause Analysis (RCA) to move beyond surface symptoms
Use SWOT analysis to map strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats
Integrate multiple frameworks to approach a complex scenario and propose structured insights
Reflect critically on how AI and prompt engineering can support (but not replace) your analytical thinking

Week deliverables

A short case scenario exercise applying 5 Whys, RCA, and SWOT to a business challenge
Your individual reflection on how frameworks and AI tools influenced your thinking
A knowledge-check quiz to test your understanding of key concepts
(Optional) An AI-literacy quiz module to validate your confidence in prompt engineering

This week’s modules

Module 01

Working with AI, and not from AI

Watch videos explaining GenAI and how to use it responsibly, plus prompt-engineering basics and best practices.

Module 02

Understanding the problems organisations face

Before tackling a client brief, understand the kinds of problems organisations face. A video gives you a head start.

Module 03

“5 Whys” framework

A video diving into a simple but powerful problem-solving technique you’ll use throughout your consulting journey.

Module 04

Root cause analysis

A video introducing RCA — a foundational tool used by consultants across all industries.

Module 05

SWOT analysis

A video detailing one of the most widely used tools in business strategy and consulting: the SWOT analysis.

Module 06

Applying frameworks

Apply the frameworks from previous modules to solve real-world business problems.

Module 07

Starting to use your skills

Take on a detailed scenario and apply the frameworks and tools learnt throughout Part 1.

Module 08

Reflection activity

Reflect on what you’ve learnt so far and start thinking more about prompt engineering with a brief activity.

Module 09

Knowledge check

Test your knowledge of everything you’ve learnt so far in Part 1.

Start now

Frequently asked questions

What is this Micro Internship all about?

This program gives you the chance to step into the shoes of a consultant working with a real client, while learning how to use AI as a professional tool. You'll explore how businesses identify problems, develop solutions, and communicate recommendations — just like real consultants do — while seeing how AI can enhance research, analysis, and creativity. It's short, hands-on, and built to help you gain practical, future-ready skills without needing to be on-site.

Who is this Micro Internship for?

It's designed for university students who want to understand how consulting and business problem-solving work in practice, build transferable skills like communication, research and analysis, create a portfolio piece to show employers, and learn how AI and technology are reshaping work. No prior experience is required — just curiosity and motivation to learn.

How do I access the Micro Internship?

Simply create your Springpod account where you will be prompted to enter you licence code to access the Micro Internship. You can also add your licence code when navigating to https://space.springpod.com/settings and inputting it at the bottom box. Your modules, videos and activities, videos, and activities will appear in order.

How do I create an account and activate my Micro Internship licence code?

If you're new to the platform, you'll first need to create your account before activating your Micro Internship licence code.

This video walks you through the entire process, including:

Creating your account
Verifying your email
Signing in for the first time
Entering your Micro Internship licence code
Accessing your internship content

Watch the video below for a step-by-step guide.

My licence code doesn’t work when trying to access. What should I do?

If your licence code isn’t working, please raise the issue via the chat bot on the platform and include your full licence code in the message.

The Springpod Team will verify your details and get you back up and running as quickly as possible.

I have trouble logging in / can’t access certain pages. What should I do?

If you have trouble logging into the AI Consulting Micro Internship, or struggle accessing certain pages throughout, please raise a support ticket through the chat bot at the bottom-right corner of your screen.

A member of the Springpod Support Team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Do I need to pay to access the Micro Internship?

No — the AI Consulting Micro Internship is free to access. To take part, you'll need to apply for access (if it's still open). If your application is successful, you'll receive a unique licence code and step-by-step instructions on how to get started.

What will I actually do during the Micro Internship?

You'll go through a mixture of videos, activities, reflections, tutorials and a final project: learning how organisations identify and solve complex problems, developing a written proposal and presentation recommending a solution, and reflecting on how you've developed as a problem-solver. Everything is done online and at your own pace.

How long does it take to complete?

You should take 40 hours in total (inclusive of independent work on the proposal), but you can work at your own pace. Your progress is saved automatically, so you can stop and return at any time without losing your place.

What do I need to submit at the end?

You'll submit a written proposal (around 1,000 words) and a visual presentation (max 5 minutes in Canva or PowerPoint). Together these show your full understanding of the client's problem and your proposed solution. The written proposal makes up 50% of your grade and the visual presentation the other 50%.

Will I get a certificate?

Yes! Once you complete all modules and submit your final proposal, you'll receive a certificate of completion — a great way to prove your commitment and capability to future employers.

Do I need to download anything?

No — everything is browser-based. However, you might want to use Canva or PowerPoint for your final presentation, and you can download templates provided in the course. You will also need to use the AI tool, Copilot.

What skills will I gain?

You'll build core employability and consulting skills: problem-solving and critical analysis, research and data interpretation, creativity and innovation, communication and presentation, responsible use of AI tools in a business context, and time management and professional writing.

What's the biggest tip for success?

Treat it like a real client project — because, essentially, it is. Be curious, professional and creative. And remember, it's about learning how to think like a consultant, not just ticking off activities.