Undergraduate experiential learning in Dyson
We take the “applied” part of applied economics and management quite seriously. At the Dyson School, hands-on experiences such as internships, study abroad, community engagement and leadership development are embedded into our program.
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 program starts your second year with a writing course, continues in year three with a pre-project immersion course and culminate with a team-based capstone in your final year.
Dyson Leadership Program
The Dyson Leadership Program prepares students to lead with purpose through a multi-year sequence of experiential learning, executive coaching and systems thinking. Leadership Fellows are selected during their first year on campus and begin developing the interpersonal skills needed to thrive in the modern workforce. The program culminates with Cornell’s participation in the Map the System Challenge hosted by the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship in the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, UK.
For more information, contact Trent Preszler, Professor of Practice and Faculty Director of the Dyson Leadership Development Program
SMART Program
The SMART Program brings together undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff from across disciplines to help businesses, nonprofits and public institutions solve real challenges in emerging markets and domestically.
Food Marketing Fellows
Get a taste of the food marketing world through onsite visits to manufacturers, distribution centers and retail outlets locally and around the world.