Measurable Career Impact: The Science Behind Experiential Learning
Studies show that students participating in field trips demonstrate improved employability skills, including enhanced communication, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities. This evidence supports what we see consistently in our graduates' career success.
Direct industry engagement provides students with crucial insights into:
- Workplace cultures and operational challenges
- Emerging industry trends and technologies
- Professional networking opportunities leading to internships and jobs
The Power of Experiential Business Education
At RPI's Lally School of Management, we believe the most transformative business lessons happen outside traditional classrooms. Our students don't just study business theory, they experience it firsthand through field trips, industry partnerships, and real-world challenges that prepare them for leadership roles.
Why Traditional Classroom Learning Isn't Enough
"There's a point when the classroom just isn't enough," explains Dr. Kevin Fletcher, Director of Undergraduate Programs and Professor of Practice in Organizational Theory and Change Management. "When students walk into a real company, ask their own questions, and see decisions being made on the ground. That's when the learning sticks."
These immersive experiences don't just teach content; they build three critical elements:
- Confidence through real-world application
- Context for business decision-making
- Character development for future leaders
Remarkable Student Achievements: A Look at Just the Last 6 Months
International Recognition: NIBC 2025 Competition Finals in Vancouver
Several weeks ago, the Rensselaer Finance Club team traveled to Vancouver, Canada, to compete in the final round of the NIBC 2025 Competition. This international experience provided students with:
- Global business exposure through presenting their comprehensive pitch book
- Professional evaluation from a panel of industry expert judges
- International networking opportunities with finance students worldwide
- Cross-cultural business insights in a competitive international setting
RPI Students Excel at Harvard's Global Case Competition
Building on their international success, members of the Rensselaer Finance Club also represented RPI in the final round of the Global Case Competition at Harvard (GCCH) this past March, competing against top-tier business talent from around the world.
Beyond the competition itself, students:
- Networked with finance industry professionals
- Exchanged ideas with peers from leading institutions
- Applied classroom concepts in high-stakes, real-world scenarios
Inside Industry: Finance Club Visits Schwartz Heslin Group
In April, Rensselaer Finance Club members experienced business firsthand during their visit to Schwartz Heslin Group, Inc. in Latham, located at The Hangar at 743. This immersive experience provided students with:
- Direct industry insights into the firm's operations and culture
- Career guidance from experienced professionals
- Real-world perspective on what a typical workday looks like in finance
Special thanks to Cory Martin, CVA, Raimundo Archibold, and Randall Hooper for their insightful presentations and to Schwartz Heslin Group for hosting this valuable learning opportunity.
Ethics in Action: Third Place at Michael Smith Ethics Case Competition
Three students from our business ethics class—Allison, Isadora, and Lillian—recently participated in the Michael Smith Ethics Case Competition at Providence College, one of the longest-running ethics competitions in the United States.
Their Challenge: Develop policy recommendations to make social media safer for users.
Their Solution: A comprehensive digital literacy program mandated as part of high school education, similar to how sex education is currently integrated into curricula.
Their Results:
- Competed against 20 teams from top schools nationwide
- Won their first round with flying colors
- Achieved an impressive third place overall finish
The judges were particularly impressed with their thoughtful approach to addressing digital safety through education rather than regulation alone. Thanks to Dr. Kevin A. Fletcher for encouraging student participation in this prestigious competition.
These diverse experiences, from international competitions to local industry partnerships, demonstrate how Lally students gain practical knowledge through multiple real-world touchpoints. And this is just a snapshot of the last six months of student achievement!
What sets Lally apart is not just these impressive results, but the consistent and frequent opportunities we provide students to demonstrate their skills and learn from industry professionals, peers from top institutions, and expert judges. This regular exposure to high-stakes, real-world challenges ensures our students graduate with confidence, competence, and the connections they need to succeed.
Measurable Career Impact: Why Experience-Based Learning Works
Direct industry engagement provides students with crucial insights into:
- Workplace cultures and operational challenges
- Emerging industry trends and technologies
- Professional networking opportunities leading to internships and jobs
Research-Backed Results
Studies show that students participating in field trips demonstrate improved employability skills, including enhanced communication, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities.
Leadership Perspective: Investment in Real-World Preparation
Dr. Liad Wagman, Dean of the Lally School of Management, emphasizes the school's commitment:
"At Lally, we don't just talk about preparing students for the real world. We invest in it. These site visits, competitions, and immersive experiences expose our students to the complexity, urgency, and possibility of business today and tomorrow. They return with sharper insights, stronger networks, fresh ideas, and new challenges to tackle."
Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Where Business Meets Innovation
Modern business challenges require interdisciplinary thinking. Lally students visit diverse settings including:
- Clean energy sites - Exploring sustainable business practices
- Advanced manufacturing plants - Witnessing Industry 4.0 in action
Innovation centers - Seeing entrepreneurship and startup culture
Our Hands-On Approach Includes:
- Company visits to leading organizations
- Consulting projects with real clients
- Industry speaker series featuring business leaders
- National case competitions like GCCH
- Alumni engagement opportunities
- Innovation partnerships with technology companies
Student Transformation: The "Aha!" Moments
Students consistently describe field trips as pivotal moments in their business education. Whether witnessing sustainable packaging solutions at local manufacturers or hearing founders share their startup journeys, these experiences:
- Ignite curiosity and purpose
- Make business feel real, urgent, and personal
- Inspire innovation and entrepreneurial thinking
The Lally Advantage: Comprehensive Real-World Learning
Preparing Tomorrow's Business Leaders
At Lally, we're committed to shaping agile, adaptive leaders ready to create value in an ever-changing world. Our experiential learning approach ensures graduates are not just academically prepared but professionally ready.
Join Our Community: Upcoming Alumni Opportunity
2025 Griffiss Business Park Tour & Alumni Luncheon
Calling all RPI Alumni! Join current Lally students for an exclusive tour and networking event hosted in partnership with the New York State Technology Enterprise Corporation (NYSTEC).
Event Highlights:
- Connect with current undergraduate and graduate students
- Share your career insights and professional experiences
- Explore one of New York's most vibrant public-private innovation ecosystems
About Griffiss Business Park
Once a U.S. Air Force base, Griffiss Business Park now serves as a thriving hub for:
- Cybersecurity innovation
- Aerospace technology
- IT solutions
- Defense-related research and development
This transformation showcases how business education at RPI extends beyond campus into the future of work.
Ready to Experience Business Education Beyond the Classroom?
Discover how Lally's undergraduate and graduate programs prepare you for the future of business through hands-on, high-impact experiences.