PSSPEN350 - Special Project: Experiential Learning in Entrepreneurship

Experiential Learning

Semester Credits: 3

Contact Hours: 150

Prerequisites: Cover letter, CV, and material pertinent to the chosen area, interview

Description: 3 semester credits. This placement offers students an opportunity to expand their knowledge of business ventures and entrepreneurship through a set of activities within the EntrepreLearn lab. This CEMI affiliated with FUA’s International School of Business (ISB) is dedicated to business and entrepreneurial operations with a specific aim of fostering new ideas and inventions for startup companies. Responsibilities range from research on business opportunities to the development of strategies for other community engagement systems at FUA. Students will assist the ISB division with researching and selecting startup companies within the local territory for institutional collaboration. Furthermore, they will develop entrepreneurial and innovative strategies to increase awareness of non-profit cultural activities. Collaboration with startup ventures and Italian entrepreneurs will be an integral part of the placement. Students will provide data collection, qualitative and quantitative analysis, as well as specific planning development shared between ISB and the local industrial association of the province of Florence – Confindustria (confindustriafirenze.it). Special projects are assigned depending on the area of skills and interest. EL hours may be distributed from Monday through Friday. This placement may require PM shits or shifts that take place on weekends. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management. Additional materials/Dress code: Business casual attire, business attire for formal meetings and external site visits. Prerequisites: Cover letter, CV, and material pertinent to the chosen area, interview.