Experiential Learning at Dolan

"Learn by doing. Do it Dolan."

Experiential learning at the Dolan School of Business integrates hands-on projects, internships, research, client-based work, and reflective practices to connect theory to practice, fostering critical skills, practical knowledge, adaptability, analytical abilities, and innovative problem-solving to prepare students for academic and professional success.

Internships

Gain hands-on work experience applying classroom knowledge in a professional setting while gaining industry insights, developing critical skills, and building networks. Learn more about internship opportunities available to Dolan students.

Immersion Programs

Experience intensive programs such as study abroad, week-long immersions (such as the Silicon Valley Immersion), or corporate visits to gain exposure to different cultures, industries, or practices to broaden their global or professional perspective.

Client-Based Learning Projects

Collaborate with external organizations in and out of the classroom — applying academic knowledge to solve real business or organizational problems — to gain practical experience and professional feedback. Learn more about one such example, where marketing students showcased their skills by pitching to local, Fairfield business founders.

Collegiate Competition

Compete in formal student competitions solving case studies, presenting research, or demonstrating skills in business-related disciplines, fostering teamwork and critical thinking. Past examples include The Rotman International Trading Competition, Michael Smith Business Ethics Case Competition, Business Analytics Competition, Alternative Investment Conference, and College Fed Challenge.

Volunteering and Student Leadership

Take on a leadership role in student clubs or organizations or tackle a service project within not-for-profits to develop management skills and a sense of social responsibility. Students who embody leadership and demonstrate success across societal impact, academics, and professional development, like previous awardee Nikki Farmer ’25, may self-nominate (or have a faculty member nominate them) for Dolan's 30 Under 30 program.

Entrepreneurship

The Dolan School offers many ways students can participate in entrepreneurship activities at the University, both in the classroom and within the local community.

Entrepreneurship in the Classroom

As students study all aspects of entrepreneurship and develop business ideas in the classroom, Dolan faculty strives to put those business plans into real-world context.

One example of this is a recent partnership, Chris Hamer, adjunct faculty member and entrepreneur-in-residence, and students in the Entrepreneurship Product Development and Commercialization class, developed with the Westfield Trumbull Mall in Trumbull, Connecticut. To pilot the idea of Gondoola™, Hamer and students have partnered with Westfield Trumbull Mall to secure a mall kiosk where they will recruit drivers and promote the service among potential customers.

Entrepreneurship Program Partners

Hands-On Learning in the News