Students Gain Insight into Business World on DC Experiential Learning Trip

By Annamarie Nyirady

Students from JMU’s College of Business (CoB) applied classroom learning to the professional world as part of the Experiential Learning Program’s Washington D.C., trip in January. The trip featured networking opportunities with successful JMU alumni at special receptions that helped students hone their networking and speaking skills.

Representing all seven CoB academic majors, the 25 sophomores, juniors and seniors participated in a variety of networking and career exploration opportunities with about 100 JMU alumni who live and work in the D.C. metro area. In addition to visiting organizations in the region, each student was paired with an alumni to conduct informational interviews and learn more about business careers. “It was amazing to see such a successful group of people who were truly interested in giving students advice,” says finance student Will Carpenter. “This experience gave me insight into what it takes to be successful in getting a job and progressing in a career.”

The itinerary included visits for all students to the General Services Administration (GSA) and to two consulting firms. Students also had the opportunity to visit companies that provide services related to their specific majors. Computer information systems (CIS) student Stephanie Trunong found it enlightening “to meet with companies and individuals that were specifically related to CIS.” She especially enjoyed visiting the Federal Reserve to “see business from a federal government perspective.” The students were graciously welcomed by JMU alumni at every company and governmental agency they visited.            

The Experiential Learning Program, open to all CoB students, is scheduled to host trips to Northern California in March and New York City in May.