Learning through real-world experience

Experiential learning, simply put, involves putting knowledge into action. At the Dyson School, experiential learning could mean providing financial analysis to an early-stage health care incubator in Kenya, performing an organizational audit of a sustainable beekeeping start-up, or designing and commercializing a 3D printed “smart” mask to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Benefits for Dyson students

Being real-world ready is one of the greatest benefits of real-world learning.

We hear from employers and alumni all the time how Dyson School students are well prepared for higher-level positions after graduation—often better prepared than their counterparts from other institutions. (So skip over those entry-level job descriptions!)

Our hands-on approach gives you plenty of practical experience. Here are just a few examples:

• The critical thinking and problem-solving skills you’ll learn through case studies and applied economics and management (AEM) research challenges you to think quickly on your feet.
• International experiences, on and off campus, broaden your perspective and prepare you to function successfully in a global marketplace.
• Classes and projects related to analytics, statistics, and technology give you in-demand technical skills and knowledge.
• Internships, service-learning, and capstone projects give you experience communicating and collaborating with industry partners, community leaders, and practicing professionals.

Dyson Grand Challenges

Use your business acumen for good by connecting your coursework to complex, real-world challenges.

Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Dyson Grand Challenges allow you to work with your peers, professors, and industry partners to tackle environmental, societal, and economic issues in our region and beyond. The Grand Challenges start your second year with a writing course, continue in year three with a pre-project immersion course, and culminate with a team-based capstone in your final year.

see requirements

Dyson internships

Gain real-world, on-the-job experience, get insider information, and make valuable connections through an internship with a local or global organization.

With the Dyson School’s reputation as a global leader in business education and our international network of alumni and partners, you’ll have access to paid and/or for-credit internship opportunities in the Ithaca region, across the US, and around the world.

Earning credit for internships

Because many businesses and organizations offer only non-paying internships for which a student must earn academic credit, we have established a special one-credit, satisfactory/unsatisfactory (S/U) independent study option.

Please email the Office of Student Services and Advising for more information and the Internship for Credit Application.

Your opportunities for internships are as broad as the field of applied economics and management: nearly limitless. Learn more about Dyson School internships through the Office of Student Services and Advising.