How Boothies Give Back to the Community with the Business Solutions Group (BSG)

group of Boothies at BSG transition dinner

Sneha Nandigam, co-chair of BSG, shares how the student group is able to make a real-world impact through projects with business and non-profit organizations.

The Business Solutions Group facilitates consulting engagements for first-year MBA students with business and non-profit organizations. In this blog, Sneha Nandigam, Full-Time MBA student and co-chair of the Business Solutions Group (BSG), shines light on (1) the purpose of BSG; (2) professional opportunities offered to students; and (3) how BSG makes a lasting impact on the local Chicagoland community. Read on to learn more about BSG from Sneha’s perspective.

Sneha Nandigam headshot


About Sneha and Her Journey to Chicago Booth:

Sneha is originally from Hyderabad, India, and completed her undergraduate degree in Computer Science Engineering. After working as a software engineer for a couple of years, she realized she wanted to broaden her exposure to other industries and develop a stronger foundation in business thinking. This motivation led Sneha to pursue an MBA. Chicago Booth became her top choice because of the academic rigor offered and the close-knit, collaborative community. Sneha is now in her second year at Booth and is very grateful for the people she’s met and experiences she’s had so far in her MBA journey.


About Sneha and Her Journey to Chicago Booth:

Tell us more about the purpose of the Business Solutions Group.

Business Solutions Group is a selective club that brings together a small team of 1Ys to work on impactful client projects. Our mission is to support small businesses in Chicago through quarter-long engagements that result in well-researched recommendations addressing the critical challenges these businesses face. The group offers a unique opportunity to explore consulting by experiencing the work firsthand, while making a meaningful contribution to the local community. It’s a rewarding blend of professional development and real-world impact.

What kind of events and professional opportunities does the Business Solutions Group offer?

BSG offers students the opportunity to refine their skills through guidance from industry experts representing major consulting and tech firms, who serve as judges during our midterm and final presentations. The club also offers opportunities to network with sponsoring firms through dedicated events. Each selected student works under the guidance of a 2Y Engagement Manager, who provides mentorship and personalized feedback throughout the project. In addition, BSG shares a resume book with sponsor firms and offers coaching sessions with the co-chairs to ensure members have all the support and resources they need for their development.

What’s been your most memorable Business Solutions Group experience thus far?

My most memorable BSG experience goes back to my time as a 1Y. Coming in with limited exposure to consulting, I wanted to understand what the work truly looked like. Our team partnered with a small local business to develop a branding and distribution strategy that could meaningfully expand their reach. Collaborating closely with the client and seeing how our recommendations could directly support their growth was incredibly rewarding. It has been one of the most meaningful experiences I have had during my time at Booth.

What organizations has the Business Solutions Group partnered with in the city of Chicago? Tell us more about what that experience has been like.

BSG partners with a variety of local businesses in Chicago, including consumer packaged goods companies, restaurants, and apparel brands. We accept applications from a wide range of businesses and select projects where Booth students can provide the most meaningful support. Many of our clients return year after year, reflecting the tangible impact our students have had through these projects. Working with these organizations has been rewarding, as it allows us to apply our skills to real-world challenges while contributing to the growth of the local community.

Chicago skyline

Check out the Business Solutions Group website for more information about the student group.

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