Become a Wake Tech HR Practicum Partner

We are excited to invite Zebulon Chamber of Commerce members to participate as Client Mentors in our upcoming Fall 2026 BUS 259 Human Resources Capstone course at Wake Technical Community College. This course is a vital component of our business program, designed to provide students with hands-on experience in solving real-world business challenges under the guidance of experienced industry professionals like yourself.

Course Overview:

The BUS 259 HR Capstone course brings together teams of 3 to 4 students who will work collaboratively to tackle a business problem, design a strategic initiative, and create an artifact that shows their findings and solutions. These artifacts may include comprehensive project reports, visual presentations, digital slide shows or videos, prototypes, and supporting documentation such as business plans, financial reports, and market analyses. The Practicum requires students to earn 10 hours of hands-on HR skills practice for real-world problem-solving and typically involves steps such as surveys, intake forms, and interviews.

Mentor Roles and Responsibilities:

As mentors, they will provide expertise and instrumental guidance in helping our students navigate their projects and gain valuable industry insights. Below is a summary of your role and responsibilities:

1. Initial Guidance and Project Kickoff:
   • Help students select a suitable project topic based on their interests and current industry trends.
   • Assist in defining the project’s objectives, scope, and goals.
   • Share relevant resources, such as case studies, articles, and examples, to aid project development.
2. Ongoing Support and Feedback:
   • Schedule regular check-ins (weekly or bi-weekly) with your assigned student group to monitor progress, provide feedback, and answer questions.
   • Guide students in overcoming challenges and offer alternative solutions or approaches when needed.
   • Review draft versions of project reports, presentations, and prototypes or models, and provide constructive feedback for improvement.
3. Industry Insight and Real-World Relevance:
   • Provide insights into current industry practices and market conditions relevant to the project.
   • Help students understand the real-world applications of their project outcomes.
   • If appropriate, facilitate networking opportunities or introduce students to industry contacts.
4. Skill Development:
   • Encourage critical thinking and innovative problem-solving among students.
   • Coach students to use effective communication and presentation skills.
   • Support team collaboration and conflict resolution within the student group.
5. Final Review and Preparation:
   • Assist students in preparing for their final presentations by offering tips on public speaking and Q&A.
   • Ensure that final project deliverables meet professional standards and course evaluation criteria.
6. Post-Project Debrief:
   • Participate in a debriefing session to reflect on the project’s successes and areas for improvement.
   • Offer career guidance and advice on leveraging the skills and experiences gained during the project.

Time Commitment and Flexibility:

We estimate that mentoring will require approximately 1-2 hours per week. All interactions with students are confirmed and scheduled by a student team member and conducted virtually via Microsoft Teams for flexibility to accommodate your schedule. This approach encourages mentors to participate and support our students effectively, regardless of their location.

Next Steps: 

Anyone interested in participating as a mentor should complete the registration form via the QR code on the attached flyer. Alternatively, this Registration link can be used for registration. They will then be invited to an information session where more details about the project and the timeline will be shared; learning more does not commit them to partner.