A consulting project with Google gave one Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing student a chance to solve real artificial intelligence challenges.

That student is Dustin King, a rising senior pursuing a double major in computer information systems and integrated information technology. While serving as president of the Gamecock Consulting Club, based at the Darla Moore School of Business, from December 2025 to May 2026, he helped expand opportunities for students to solve real business challenges while preparing for careers at the intersection of technology and consulting.

King sees AI as a tool, not a replacement for critical thinking. While AI can accelerate research and organization, he says that clients still need people who can ask the right questions, evaluate trade-offs and develop practical strategies for implementation.

“Companies want to use AI, but they don’t know where to start,” King says. “Having that consulting spin on computing makes you really valuable.” 

King didn't always envision that path. He started as a computer science major before realizing he wanted a career that combined technical expertise with communication and business strategy.

“Computer information systems allowed me to blend business and computer science, which made me want to switch,” King says.

The Gamecock Consulting Club gave King an opportunity to develop both skill sets. He was drawn to the organization's professional atmosphere and strong alumni network, which includes graduates working at companies such as Meta and Apple and consulting firms like Deloitte and McKinsey & Co.

As president, King helped expand the organization's technology-focused consulting work, securing projects with companies including Google and Capgemini while helping students gain hands-on consulting experience.

One of his priorities has been growing the club's consulting engagements, in which companies present real business challenges for student teams to research and solve before presenting recommendations to clients.

King recently led a consulting engagement with Google after completing a project with Capgemini, a global technology consulting firm with an office in Columbia. Both projects centered on AI, an area where businesses continue to seek guidance. The club has also partnered with nonprofits, startups through Columbia's Boyd Innovation Center and organizations such as Ausome Fathers, a nonprofit that supports families affected by autism.

AI has become a common thread throughout many of those projects. While students use AI to speed up research and organize information, King believes it should complement critical thinking rather than replace it.

“Everyone has access to AI, but businesses are still coming to us with questions of how to actually implement or use it,” King says. 

Beyond client work, the club prepares students through national and international case competitions. Teams are given real-world business challenges and limited time to develop and present recommendations before panels of executives and consultants.

King has represented USC in competitions in Canada and Hong Kong, tackling topics ranging from AI and investment strategy to banking fraud prevention. The club has also competed in Ireland, Norway and Spain, giving students experience presenting recommendations before executives and industry leaders.

As a first-generation college student from Sharon, South Carolina, King says those experiences have broadened both his perspective and his career ambitions. He now hopes to combine his interests in technology, consulting and health care by helping pharmaceutical companies navigate digital transformation.

“Dustin has shown clear vision, communication and leadership,” says Gamecock Consulting Club faculty advisor Kristine Laca. “He knows how to motivate others and when to ask for help. He is not afraid of tackling tough issues and has made a difference for USC and for all the members of club.” 

Looking back, King says he never imagined he would travel internationally, work with companies like Google or lead consulting teams.

“With support from alumni, faculty, and the university, GCC gave me opportunities to travel the world and work directly with the largest consulting and technology firms,” King says. “Even with the world rapidly changing, GCC has prepared me to succeed and leave my own impact.”