Project-Based Work Experience (PBWE) is an experiential learning opportunity where students work in small, cross-functional teams to complete a real-world business project for a sponsoring company.
These student consulting teams, typically made up of four to five students, collaborate over the course of a semester to solve challenges or improve processes defined by the organization. The projects are designed to create value for the company while giving students meaningful, hands-on experience.
Students gain professional skills, while businesses benefit from fresh ideas, detailed deliverables, and the energy of a dedicated team focused on their goals.
A win-win for both sides.
Proven Results from Real Projects
- 60+ student projects completed
- 100% of sponsors report value from deliverables
- 95% say they’d sponsor again
Why This Class Matters for Your Career
- Gain real-world experience without leaving campus or quitting your job.
- Work on actual business projects from companies, applying what you learn in class directly to real challenges.
- Build your resume, expand your network, and develop professional skills employers want.
What’s Expected from You
- Dedicate 5-6 hours per week to your project and coursework.
- Collaborate in a team of 4–5 students, each with defined roles (team lead, sponsor liaison, project manager).
- Meet deadlines for deliverables like project plans, midterm updates, and final presentations.
- Communicate professionally with your sponsor and teammates.
Skills You’ll Develop
- Teamwork & Leadership – Work effectively in diverse groups.
- Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving – Tackle real business challenges.
- Professional Communication – Write, present, and interact with business partners.
- Time Management – Balance project demands with other commitments.
Learn More About PBWE (CAR 300)
- Attend an Info Session – Held the first week of the semester and again when registration opens for the next term.
- Discover how PBWE works – Learn about real-world projects, skills you’ll gain, and how it fits your career goals. Link to the list of the Projects Edsourced
- Meet with the Program Coordinator – Ask questions and get personalized guidance.
Enroll in CAR 300 and start building the real-world experience employers want.
Partner with a Student Consulting Team to Solve Real Business Challenges
Looking for innovative, no-cost support to tackle a current business challenge? Ensign College offers a unique opportunity to partner with a student consulting team through our Project-Based Work Experience (PBWE) program—an experiential learning initiative that connects motivated students with real organizations.
Over a 14-week semester, teams of 4–5 students collaborate on a real business project tailored to your company’s goals. These cross-functional teams dedicate over 20 hours per week in total to your project, working under the guidance of faculty and program mentors to ensure high-quality, professional results.
What You Gain as a Project Sponsor
- Fresh insights and practical solutions from student teams
- Student-quality, no-cost work on key projects
- Brand visibility on campus and across our professional network
- Early access to emerging talent for internships or future hires
- Connection to hundreds of resources through Ensign College and BYU-Pathway Worldwide
How It Works
- Schedule a discovery call – Meet with the Program Coordinator to discuss your goals, explore fit, and get your questions answered
- Submit a project proposal – Quick online form with the details of the project
- Get matched with a student team – Teams are selected based on your project goals
- Engage weekly – Meet regularly with the team to provide feedback and direction
- Receive final deliverables – Actionable outcomes at the end of the semester
Project Opportunities
We welcome business challenges across a wide range of fields. Sample project types include:
- Marketing Strategy & Customer Insights
- Business Development
- Financial Planning & Analysis
- Software Development & UX Design
- Supply Chain & Logistics Optimization
- Data Analytics & Reporting
- Cybersecurity & Risk Assessment
- Entrepreneurship & Business Model Testing
- Customer Experience & Service Improvement
- Operations & Process Improvement
Application Timelines by Semester
| Semester | Sponsor Application Period | Project Duration |
| Winter | Sept 1 – Nov 30 | Jan – Mid April |
| Spring | Jan 1 – March 31 | May – Mid August |
| Fall | May 1 – July 31 | Sept – Mid December |
Note: Exact dates under Project Duration may vary each year. Please refer to the Full Academic Calendar for official start and end dates of the Semesters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay students?
No, students receive academic credit.
What kind of time commitment is expected?
Most sponsors spend 1–2 hours/week.
Can I use NDAs?
Yes. You would facilitate.
Will I receive final deliverables?
Yes, your team will provide a written report and a presentation.
Have a question before submitting a project?
Email: pbwe@ensign.edu
Phone: (801) 524-8123
Questions About Project-Based Work Experience?
Elder Kurt Jones
Elder Benjamin Wood
Rob Bagley
