Jillian Miron, Audit Supervisor (former Intern), Hawkins Ash CPAs
Having a hands-on internship in what I was actively studying made a huge difference in actually understanding the material and the why behind accounting rather than just memorizing another list of terms.
Gigi Galdamez, Public Affairs Intern, Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce Interning at the Chamber has exposed me to a range of experiences where I have been able to apply knowledge learned in the classroom. Concerning the advocacy component of the Chamber, majoring in Political Science has allowed me to relate topics involving public policy, the internal and external structure of an organization, and the makeup of local, state, and federal governments, to real-world scenarios with the Chamber. This includes meeting with elected officials and chamber members, understanding the policymaking process and its impacts on businesses, and the many ways a chamber works to foster a thriving business community. Learning something new in a hands-on environment is vastly different than just doing so in a classroom. It is important to establish a connection between both the classroom and real-world to really grasp the idea behind the work being done and do so with meaning and purpose.
Experiential learning is a cornerstone of effective education, emphasizing the application of knowledge and skills through direct, real-world experiences. By engaging students in problem-solving scenarios outside the traditional classroom or lab, this approach deepens understanding and fosters critical thinking. Instructors serve as facilitators, guiding students as they connect theory to practice. Industry involvement is essential to the success of experiential learning. When employers actively participate—especially through program advisory committees—they help shape relevant, hands-on opportunities that align with workforce needs. These experiences not only enrich student learning but also allow employers to identify and engage with emerging talent. Students benefit by exploring potential career paths, while employers gain access to motivated and well- prepared candidates.
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