Experiential Learning Center

About Experiential Learning Center

The Northern Illinois University College of Business Experiential Learning Center (ELC)…

Experience

1. Project Coordination

   Northern Illinois University

   Jan 2000 — Present

   Since the Experiential Learning Center (ELC) opened in there has been over 860 student experiences and over 145 projects completed. Among the companies that have worked with us are fifteen Fortune 500 companies such as McDonald’s, Wal-Mart, McKesson, and Abbott.Because of the culture that the ELC has developed, working on a project in the ELC is an accurate reflection of the real business world, something that can’t often be recreated in a classroom setting. Just like in the business world, students must apply, interview, and be selected to participate in the Experiential Learning Center. This is a competitive process and ensures that the sponsoring organizations are receiving the best and brightest students that NIU has to offer.This program has been extremely beneficial for students so far because it serves as an internship alternative. Because of the experience that the ELC provides, many students have secured internships and permanent positions within the sponsoring organizations, as well as outside organizations. While working on a project team, students can expect to develop consulting, public speaking, teamwork, leadership, and project management skills. All of these skills are highly sought after by employers, and the ELC can provide a wonderful basis for talking about these skills during networking events and interviews. For sponsors, this is an advantageous program because it allows for companies to invest in the next generation of business leaders by helping them develop skills that are relevant to the real world. Another benefit is the creativity that the students offer and having a project looked at with “fresh eyes.” Often times, students offer new and innovative ideas because they aren’t afraid to recommend new solutions. While seasoned consultants may have been told “no” several times and may hold some ideas back as a result, students aren’t afraid to develop and create new ideas that can assist a company.

Skills

• Teamwork
• Educational Technology
• Student Engagement
• Interviews
• Leadership Development
• Career Development
• E-Learning
• Coaching
• Data Analysis
• Grant Writing
• Leadership
• Project Management
• Analysis
• Instructional Design
• Critical Thinking
• Program Development
• Team Building
• Staff Development
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Fundraising
• Time Management
• Organizational Development
• Conflict Resolution
• Resume Writing
• Team Leadership
• Consulting
• Instructional Technology
• Social Networking
• Social Media Marketing
• Marketing
• Training
• Photoshop