Pothos Project Brings Students into the Worcester Community

Students sitting at table for speaker

Sponsored by the Ciocca Center for Business, Ethics, and Society and the Office of Sustainability with faculty guidance from Professor Karen Teitel, 20 students from all four class years participated in the third offering of the Pothos Consulting Project this spring.

Pothos plants often symbolize determination, perseverance, wealth, and good fortune.  It thrives under challenging circumstances, making the most of limited resources like light and water, and its heart-shaped leaves clean the air. It also improves its environment while ensuring its own growth and flourishing. Through the Pothos Project, students help Holy Cross and our local business community do the same, becoming more sustainable on their way to prosperity and good fortune. 

Over the six week project, participants attended interactive sessions with HC alums and select businesses, learning about the consulting field and its distinctive recruitment process. As participants collaborated with an organization on a real-world consulting assignment that aimed to increase corporate responsibility, participants practiced some of the skills and tricks needed for the job. Alumni mentors provided guidance and support throughout the program.

Thank you to our Holy Cross alumni mentors:

  • Cole Worthy ’88: Program Manager & Vice President, Haley & Aldrich
  • Megan Skwirz ‘12: Consultant, Slalom Consulting
  • Jessica Dodakian ’14: Associate, McKinsey & Company
  • Patrick Czorniak ’11: Senior Manager, Deals Transformation, PwC

Thank you to our local businesses:

Pothos Project Expands

PowWow Worcester mural

The fall 2021 Pothos Project was another collaboration with the Sustainability Office at the College.  The second iteration of the program boasts one faculty member, two teacher’s assistants, four Worcester businesses, six alumni, and 18 students!

New this time around was a career session held by three alumni at Mercer, a consulting firm focused on healthcare, to help students explore opportunities, understand the application process and recruiting timelines.

In addition, students were partnered with local Worcester businesses including TidePool Bookstore, Glazy Susan Donuts, K Sense Co., and the Holy Cross Athletics Office.

Esmeralda Garcia ’24 shares her experience with the Pothos Project on the Sustainability Blog.