Much different than a basic workshop or info session, a high-impact learning experience requires more engagement. Here are some ideas:
INTERNSHIPS:
An internship is a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skills development in a professional setting. Internships give students the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience and make connections in professional fields they are considering for career paths; and give employers the opportunity to guide and evaluate talent. Criteria for an experience to be defined as an internship (Nace, 2011):
- The experience must be an extension of the classroom: a learning experience that provides for applying the knowledge gained in the classroom. It must not be simply to advance the operations of the employer or be the work that a regular employee would routinely perform.
- The skills or knowledge learned must be transferable to other employment settings.
- The experience has a defined beginning and end, and a job description with desired qualifications.
- There are clearly defined learning objectives/goals related to the professional goals for student’s academic coursework.
- There is supervision by a professional with expertise and educational and/or professional background in the field of the experience.
- There is routine feedback by the experienced supervisor.
- There are resources, equipment, and facilities provided by the host employer that support learning objectives/goals.
STUDY ABROAD:
Living and learning abroad provides students the opportunity to develop highly sought-after professional skills-adaptability, communication, self-awareness, independence and confidence just to name a few. A quality study abroad experience:
- Provides opportunities for students to immerse themselves into another culture.
- Provides opportunities for students to further their foreign language.
- Helps students understand the increasing globalization and exposes them to developing critical thinking, problem solving, and strong written and oral communication.
- Students will have a competitive edge for job searches, interviews and promotions.
- Help build a global network and create lifelong relationships
ON DEMAND PROJECTS:
On-Demand Projects are high-impact learning experiences that students can design and tailor to align with their career aspirations. Students begin by creating a proposal and submitting it to the Amplifier team for approval. Once approved, they execute the project, document their work, and submit a final report following the High-Impact Learning Experience submission guidelines.
-RESEARCH PROJECT-
These experiences offer a unique way for students to build their academic depth and consider how graduate school may play a role in future paths. Research opportunities:
- Build skills and increased knowledge around a particular topic.
- Work closely with faculty and Ph.D. candidates to gain the perspective of a researcher.
- Opportunity to write proposals and learn the fundamental of research.
- Offers experience in the processes of collecting and analyzing data.
-WORKPLACE SPECIAL PROJECTS-
In collaboration with your organization organize, lead and help execute company projects that may fall outside the scope of regular duties. Specific responsibilities and purpose of projects vary, depending on the need of your company or organization. Special projects:
- Provide students opportunities to learn new skills and using their existing skills in different ways.
- Allow employees to connect with colleagues or groups with whom they might not otherwise work.
- Bring tangible benefits to the company in processes, procedures or new products.
-INDEPENDENT SPECIAL PROJECTS-
Proposal/plan created by students independently to benefit their own workplace, business or organization. Proposal/plans should be executable with “real world” benefits, but do not have to be put into place to receive credit.
- Provides students opportunities to learn new skills and using their existing skills in different ways.
- Allow employees and entrepreneurs to research and analyze company/organizational needs and develop programs/plans to meet these needs.
- Utilize the knowledge gained in coursework to tackle “real world” business issues.
- Workplace Proposal: Use your skills to identify opportunities for growth/improvement within your current company and create a proposal to address these issues, using the PRISM format.
- Business Plan: Use Research, existing Industry Knowledge and classroom learning to create a Business Plan for your existing or future business. Research Business Plan development standards as part of this requirement.
-STUDENT CLUB/ORGANIZATION PROJECTS-
Participating in a student club/organization competition or presenting for a conference gives you experience working in teams or presenting your work in a professional context. Presenting your work at a conference or participating in a competition:
- Allows you to receive constructive feedback from others and encourages you to continue developing and improving.
- Builds capacity for working in teams and communication skills for presenting to diverse audiences.
- Provides resume building experiences enhancing your ability to address your strengths.
- Improves collaboration within student organizations and have an impact on the broader community.
-COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS-
Participating in a community service project that clearly combines your technical learning from your major and transferable skills is a great opportunity to help those in need. For this to be accepted, you must be able to show the relationship it has to your major.
- Helps students connect to others. Increasing social and relationship skills.
- Increases self-confidence, problem solving, collaboration, time management, communication and leadership.
- Provides opportunities to increase transferable skills and networking.
- Helps to build career path connections and gain a perspective into the career field.
COURSEWORK
The projects completed in the following courses inherently qualify as High-Impact Learning Experiences and are accepted for submission: ENTRP 492.
HBM INDUSTRY HOURS
Hospitality students can use their industry hours to fulfill the High-Impact Learning Experience requirement. Students must still complete and submit their work following the High-Impact Learning Experience submission guidelines.
COMPETITIONS
Explore a variety of competitions tailored to specific majors, offering opportunities to showcase your skills and gain real-world experience. Visit your departmental page for more information on competitions related to your field of study.
