Hello, and a very warm welcome! We're delighted to have you join us on this learning journey, developed in collaboration with the University of Niagara Falls Canada, Springpod, and Consulting Partners. This is your opportunity to explore the world of AI consulting while developing practical business, innovation and problem-solving skills.
Over the next four weeks, you'll step into the world of AI consulting - learning how to identify real business problems, apply proven frameworks, and use AI tools to develop practical, client-ready solutions. You'll work through a mix of videos, activities and reflections, culminating in a written proposal and presentation you can showcase to future employers.
AI & the future of Business
AI is reshaping how organizations solve problems, from research through to decision-making
Understanding AI tools is becoming a core skill across every industry, not just tech
Consultants who combine human judgement with AI insight deliver stronger recommendations
This program gives you hands-on practice with the AI tools shaping modern business
The consulting mindset
Ask better questions before jumping to solutions
Back up recommendations with evidence and structured thinking
Stay curious, adaptable and open to feedback
Communicate clearly and confidently, even under time pressure
Skills you'll build
Skill 01
Critical Thinking
Break down complex problems and evaluate information objectively to reach sound conclusions.
Skill 02
Problem Solving
Apply structured frameworks to real business challenges and develop practical, workable solutions.
Skill 03
Team Collaboration & Communication
Work effectively with others and present your ideas clearly, whether in writing or in person.
By the end of this program, you'll have practical consulting experience, hands-on AI skills, and a portfolio piece to show future employers — all backed by a certificate of completion. We hope this will be you.
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 organizations 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.