Brock Consultancy
Student Strategists. Local Impact.
The Brock Consultancy connects local businesses with Samford’s marketing students for semester-long research projects, delivering insights at no cost to partners.
18+
Local Businesses Served
80+
Student Consultants Trained
Businesses Grow. Students Launch.
The Brock Consultancy pairs Birmingham-area businesses with dedicated student teams who spend an entire semester answering one critical question: How can your business better reach and serve college-age consumers?
Our student consultants partner with you to conduct rigorous primary research, evaluate your digital presence and deliver actionable recommendations under the guidance of expert faculty. You gain fresh perspectives and data-driven insights. They gain hands-on, real-world experience that prepares them for meaningful careers and reinforces why Samford is ranked No. 3 in the nation for Career Preparation by The Wall Street Journal (2026).
What Businesses Get
Primary Research
Qualitative insights from in-depth interviews and focus groups with college students about your brand, plus quantitative validation through a survey.
Digital Audit
Analysis of your SEO performance, AI search visibility, social media presence and brand storytelling across all digital touchpoints.
Competitive Intelligence
Social listening reports capturing what customers say about you online: reviews, mentions and sentiment analysis.
Future-Focused Strategy
Industry trend analysis examining where your market is headed over the next decade, drawn from trade publications and industry reports.
Professional Presentation
A comprehensive final presentation with specific, actionable recommendations tailored to your business and budget.
Estimated value: Comparable consulting engagements typically cost $5,000–$10,000.
Your Commitment
Partner businesses agree to:
- Attend the final presentation (during finals week)
- Provide feedback to help students learn from your real-world perspective
- Be available for occasional questions via email (typically 1–2 times per semester)
Build Your Portfolio Before You Graduate
Through The Brock Consultancy, students gain direct experience leading a real project for a real client with measurable impact.
You’ll conduct primary research, analyze data, develop strategy and present recommendations to business decision-makers. It's the kind of experience that transforms a resume into a conversation starter.
Currently offered through:
- MARK 414: Marketing Research
“The Brock Consultancy bridges the gap between classroom theory and marketplace reality. Our students don't just learn about marketing research; they do it, for businesses that want a fresh perspective.” —Mary Harrison, Assistant Professor of Marketing, Brock School of Business
“Samford students conducted extensive research on our marketing efforts and delivered a clear, compelling presentation of their findings to our staff. Insights into the behaviors, preferences and feedback of the students they interviewed gave us a fresh perspective on our marketing that we might not have seen otherwise. We are very grateful for their work.” —Trey Hines, Manager of Public Relations and Broadcast, Birmingham Squadron
“The Brock Consultancy, offered through the Marketing Research course, has been the most immersive and engaging class of my time at Samford. Working directly with real data and translating insights into clear results created a meaningful, hands-on learning experience. The course gave us the opportunity to research an organization we genuinely care about and deliver real, conclusive results.” —Walker Jackson, Senior Marketing Student, Brock School of Business
About Brock Consultancy
Brock Consultancy is an experiential learning initiative of Samford University’s Brock School of Business. Launched in 2025, the program connects marketing students with local businesses for semester-long consulting engagements focused on the college consumer market.
