[prəˈfeʃ(ə)n-bast ˈlərnɪŋ] noun
Real-life, hands-on, problem-solving experiences that can be done through case studies with external and internal audiences, peer-to-peer learning, practicums or field experiences.
At Northwest, we strive to be a leader in profession-based learning, a set of experiences developed through industry and community collaborations and partnerships, preparing all Northwest students for life-long learning, in their careers and as citizens.
All Northwest students experience real-life, hands-on, problem-solving experiences. Whether through case studies with external and internal audiences, peer-to-peer learning, practicums or field experiences, Northwest strives for courses across the core and all major degree programs to implement these types of experiences.
A significant amount of student learning occurs outside the classroom. Engagement in student organizations, service learning, and the broader campus community, provide opportunities for students to work with diverse groups of people, develop vital citizenship skills and enhance career preparedness skills.
Internships integrate knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skills developed in a professional setting. Internships help students make connections in professional fields and give employers the opportunity to guide and grow talent.
Capstone experiences take the knowledge and skills students have developed during their course of study and apply them in a professional setting. The requirements are presented in a variety of formats, including project research and development, exhibitions of artistic endeavors and demonstrations of technical abilities.
Northwest faculty are encouraged to engage in formal and informal professional development opportunities such as assessment of curricular outcomes, training in best practices in their courses, as well as externships, where faculty embed themselves in outside organizations for periods of time.
Northwest is creating living and learning spaces that invite collaboration and emphasize project-based learning. Through learning studios and maker spaces, students connect as an interdisciplinary community and share resources and knowledge as they build and showcase their work in a learn-by-doing environment.
Student Learning Space information
Professional Advisory Boards, composed of industry professionals, assist in the development and maintenance of state-of-the-art academic programs, the creation of profession-based learning opportunities and the overall advancement of academic units through strategic planning and fundraising.
We are always seeking external partners to engage in our profession-based learning activities both in and out of the classroom. Interested in learning more? Fill out this form and we will be in contact to learn more about your interest.
For more information on profession-based learning contact:
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Career Services |
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Dr. Kori Hoffmann |
Career Services has developed paid on-campus profession-based internships in an effort to development new opportunities for Northwest students to engage in profession-based learning internships on-campus, to increase exposure of such opportunities to a broad audience and to encourage cross-departmental collaboration.
To learn more about profession-based learning at Northwest, check out the success stories below:
