Opportunities for Organizations

Experiential Learning at MTSU is a prime opportunity for businesses to benefit from the energy and quality of students MTSU has to offer.

Find out if EXL at MTSU is right for your business:

1. Why should my organization or business get involved in EXL?

Organizations—nonprofit or business—that involve students who are seeking experiential-learning opportunities will allow these students to gain hands-on education, which is so valuable in today’s job market. In addition, these students will already be motivated to excel, and your organization will be the beneficiary of that young person’s energy and work ethic. This joint cooperation also will foster an active partnership with MTSU, which is one of the primary goals in the university’s Academic Master Plan.

2. What are some of the ways that organizations can be involved in the EXL program?

Non-profit organizations may have service-learning projects for students such as working with children on special projects at the Boys & Girls Club. Businesses may offer internships for students in a major that relates to their business such as management majors working in human resource management departments or chemistry majors working in manufacturing company laboratories. Companies may also consider offering employment through the MTSU cooperative education office.

3. How do I get involved?

Contact Dr. Jill Austin at jaustin@mtsu.edu or exl@mtsu.edu.

4. How soon can I get involved in the EXL program?

Many faculty are already completing service-learning projects in their classes, and many academic departments already offer internships. The MTSU cooperative education office currently offers work opportunities for students. You may want to contact Dr. Jill Austin for assistance in locating the appropriate office for discussion of EXL opportunities or contact the Cooperative Education Office at 898-2225. The EXL program begins officially in fall 2006, but you may begin offering EXL opportunities to students immediately.

5. What is the application process?

Organizations will have to complete application forms to gain acceptance of their work opportunity. The EXL Committee is still developing the criteria for service-learning projects and internships. However, departments may currently have an internship or offer service-learning opportunities for students. These criteria may be used until the EXL criteria have been completed. The contacts listed above can provide more information about current criteria for service-learning projects and internships.

Other benefits:

  • Experiment with new positions without long term commitment
  • Gain fresh, new insights from interns
  • Recruit, train, and evaluate potential employees
  • Influence and strengthen ties with the college
  • Free professional staff from routine duties to pursue creative work
  • Derive satisfaction from sharing expertise