Northeastern University’s Oakland campus recently hosted a two-day Experiential Entrepreneurship program that brought together over 800 students to engage with 31 Bay Area businesses. The program, centered around three themes – health and wellbeing, tech and creativity, and food and sustainability, aimed to provide students with hands-on learning experiences and opportunities to connect with industry leaders.
One of the students, Gianna Ou, a business major from San Francisco, expressed the value she found in the program. She highlighted the importance of applying what you learn in real-world settings to truly understand and excel in your field. This sentiment was echoed by Northeastern President Joseph E. Aoun, who emphasized the significance of experiential learning in helping students discover their interests and strengths.
The program featured a diverse range of speakers from public and private companies, including Google, Kaiser Permanente, PayPal, and more. Constance Yowell, Northeastern’s senior vice chancellor for educational innovation, emphasized how the program allowed students to explore potential careers and make a meaningful impact in their chosen fields.
The emphasis on experiential entrepreneurship at Northeastern has garnered attention from businesses seeking to connect with talented students. Mary Ludden, Northeastern senior vice president for global networks and strategic initiatives, highlighted how the program helps students translate their passions into purposeful outcomes through products, services, and offerings.
The students participating in the program expressed excitement about the opportunities it presented. Sean Finch and Eric Huang, first-year students, shared their positive experiences with President Aoun, praising Northeastern’s unique approach to education. The program not only provided valuable insights into various industries but also fostered connections and networking opportunities for students.
Rich Zou, a freshman from Queens, New York, highlighted how the program will lead to additional workplace experiences and internship opportunities. The hands-on activities and discussions with industry leaders have given students like Zou a new perspective on their chosen fields and the potential impact they can make.
Overall, the Experiential Entrepreneurship program at Northeastern’s Oakland campus showcased the university’s commitment to providing students with practical learning experiences and opportunities to engage with industry professionals. The program not only broadened students’ horizons but also equipped them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their future careers. With plans to expand the program to other locations worldwide, Northeastern continues to lead the way in experiential education and entrepreneurship.
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