180 Degrees Consulting UCLA: Driving Social Impact Through Student-Led Consulting
180 Degrees Consulting (180DC) stands as the world's largest volunteer consultancy, boasting a network of over 7000 volunteers and 165+ university-based branches across 35+ countries as of 2022. It leverages the potential of university students to provide high-quality, innovative services to socially conscious organizations. 180DC aims to develop practical and sustainable solutions to the challenges these organizations face. 180DC at UCLA exemplifies this mission, harnessing the capabilities of high-performing university students to address pressing issues at the intersection of business and social impact.
A Global Network with a Local Focus
While 180 Degrees Consulting operates on a global scale, its strength lies in its local branches, such as the one at UCLA. These branches work closely with influential, socially-oriented organizations in their respective regions, strengthening their ability to achieve high-impact outcomes. This localized approach allows 180DC to tailor its services to the specific needs and challenges of each community it serves.
Services Offered
180DC assists organizations by working together to define the scope of each project to fit their different circumstances. By working flexibly and diligently with clients from the ground up every step of the way, they foster innovative thinking and deliver actionable solutions that fit their goals and realize their vision.
The organization helps clients do what they do better. Projects typically last 8-10 weeks, with new cycles beginning each September, January, and April. Each project is staffed with teams of 4-5 consultants led by 1-2 experienced project managers. During the initial consultation, 180DC aims to understand an organization's mission, operations, and short-term and long-term goals. They will also discuss any challenges the organization is currently facing and ways they can help. The team works to develop personalized recommendations through ideation, research, data analysis, and synthesis.
Impactful Projects and Initiatives
180DC passionately serves socially-driven organizations through its consulting services. 180DC at UCLA has completed over 80 projects for clients ranging from nonprofits and startups to socially-conscious organizations in various spaces, such as education, social justice, consumer goods, and technology.
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One notable project involved the University of California student team consulting with ‘Community Coalition’, a 30-year old grassroots organization aiming to transform the socio-economic condition in South Los Angeles to battle addiction, violence and poverty. Community Coalition was searching for a sustainable social enterprise business model in order to establish a center to build people and political power from the ground up. The 180DC team gave suggestions on potential business models and conducted an extensive research of the South Los Angeles justice landscape.
In 2022, 180DC student volunteers conducted over 1250 projects internationally. Besides helping clients to drive social impact, foster societal change and work towards Sustainable Development Goals, 180DC also seeks to become more sustainable within its own organization.
Recognition and Awards
180DC's commitment to excellence and innovation has been consistently recognized through various awards and accolades. 180DC at UCLA was recognized as the Best Overall Branch in the Americas at the 180DC Global Awards for three straight years (2025, 2024, and 2023). In 2021, it was recognized as the Most Innovative Branch in the Americas at the 180DC Global Awards.
Once a year, 180DC hosts the Global Awards to bring together its global society and celebrate the work of its student consultants. Every year, the Global Awards take place virtually and are open to all members and alumni within 180 Degrees Consulting. Branches can hand-in their client projects or sustainable initiatives which are carefully evaluated based on objective criteria. The best client projects, performances and initiatives of the year are awarded in a final ceremony. The Global Awards also allow members to connect personally in virtual activities, as well as discuss ideas on becoming even more sustainable as an organization.
Fostering a Culture of Innovation and Sustainability
Beyond client projects, 180DC encourages sustainable initiatives within its own organization. Examples include paper-free operations and vegetarian food at events by the Technical University of Delft and circular utensil-usage at socials by the University of California.
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Outstanding sustainable initiatives such as establishing an carbon positive gifting program for top consultants, supporting plantation drives and launching a Sustainable Sunday initiative to educate on reducing CO2 footprint were launched by consultants at Jamia Milia Islamia University.
The 180DC Community
180DC members have very diverse backgrounds, ranging from technology to business. However, they have a common interest in the intersection of business and social good. They are curious minds, and are ready to take on the biggest problems faced by organizations that create impact in this world.
From projects to people, partners are behind 180DC every step of the way. They enable some of the greatest feats, so 180DC makes them its top priority. The organization partners with top consulting firms and organizations to provide them access to the talented pool of students in the 180DC network and at UCLA.
Opportunities for Students
180DC at UCLA actively recruits new members through events like information sessions. The organization seeks individuals with diverse backgrounds and a shared passion for leveraging business principles to drive social good.
180DC at UCLA also holds events such as the EY-Parthenon Social Impact Case Competition. In this competition, teams of 4-5 UCLA undergraduates have the opportunity to tackle a real-world social responsibility mergers & acquisitions case, as well as to develop essential market assessment skills, connect with EY-Parthenon professionals, and hone innovative problem-solving and teamwork skills. The top 5 finalists receive the opportunity to present to a panel of professionals from EY-P's Los Angeles Office, and all winners receive prizes.
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A Look Towards the Future
Looking ahead, 180DC aims to continue its ambition to drive social change, work towards an inclusive, socially and ecologically environment and address the world’s challenges on sustainability. By fostering a global network of passionate student consultants and partnering with impactful organizations, 180 Degrees Consulting, and specifically 180DC at UCLA, is well-positioned to make a lasting difference in the world.
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