The Importance of Experiential Learning: Insights from Foster School of Business

Laura Edwards, Associate Director of Student Engagement, Leadership and Learning, the Foster School of Business

Laura Edwards, Associate Director of Student Engagement, Leadership and Learning, the Foster School of Business

Experiential learning, the practice of learning by doing, is integral to the student experience at the UW Foster School of Business. In my role, I guide student organizations and oversee the capstone Strategy Development Competition, both of which extend learning opportunities beyond the classroom. Seeing the students thrive through experiential learning experiences is one of the most rewarding aspects of my role.

With over 31 Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) and the Undergraduate Business Council, students develop leadership skills by engaging in strategic planning, mentoring, financial management, and overseeing major projects. Presidents of these organizations further hone skills in performance monitoring, delegation, conflict resolution, and feedback, gaining rich, practical experience that complements their classroom studies.

During the 2023-2024 academic year, our RSOs organized over 1,100 events, from panel discussions and mixers to summits and formal fundraisers. Among the most impactful are case competitions and summits, such as Unify UW, the Equitable Futures Case Competition, and the Climate Solutions Summit. These events engage students in real-world problem-solving on topics like business and technology, DEI, and sustainability, with support from sponsors like Accenture, Deloitte, and lululemon. These experiences require skills in project management, marketing, event planning, financial management, public speaking, and networking, significantly enriching the student experience.

Creating a culture of experiential learning requires balancing student autonomy with support. At Foster, we remove barriers while providing resources. RSOs manage their sponsorship money independently but receive guidance through workshops and resources on financial pitches. My team provides logistical support, while faculty assist with case writing. By simplifying processes and offering coaching, we empower students to lead confidently.

One promising initiative emerging from our student body is Casedown, a startup by Foster Business student Daniel Lee and UW Computer Science student David Song. Casedown hosts online case competitions, offering a cost-effective, accessible solution for businesses and students alike. This platform enables businesses to post competitions, evaluate submissions, and enhance recruiting efforts, while students gain valuable insights and skills through increased experiential learning opportunities.

Foster undergraduates also have several consulting courses to choose from, covering areas like management consulting and international business. However, the capstone Strategy Development Competition stands as the pinnacle of our undergraduate business program. As the manager of this competition, I lead a team that includes faculty, event planners, corporate relations representatives, and career services team members. Each quarter, we partner with a local employer to develop a business case based on a current issue they face. Students work on the case for about a month, culminating in a one-day competition judged by company representatives and local business leaders.

Feedback from students and corporate partners has been overwhelmingly positive. This competition provides students with invaluable insights, connections, and the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios. Over the years, we've partnered with companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Starbucks, offering students real-world challenges and direct engagement with industry leaders. The experience enhances their analytical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and presentation skills, preparing them for future professional success and a deeper understanding of business strategy in practice.