Experiential learning opportunities in 2024-25

Experiential learning at UW–Madison benefits students and businesses alike. From coursework to internships, these upcoming opportunities will allow you to leverage student and faculty expertise while helping develop the talent that is building the future of Wisconsin and the world.

Biomedical Engineering

Do you have an idea or need for a medical or biological innovation? UW–Madison Biomedical Engineering (BME) student teams are available to work on solving medical problems by designing solutions to meet your research, medical practice, or personal needs through our unique BME Design curriculum. Submit your project before January 15 for spring semester consideration and August 15 for fall. Learn more and apply.

Computer Sciences Capstone

In the Computer Sciences Capstone Course, students learn and apply best practice software development processes as well as the interpersonal and professional skills needed for workplace effectiveness. Any company, R&D organization, or non-profit that considers computing core to their success should consider sponsoring a Capstone Project. Benefits include forming close connections with UW–Madison faculty and students, meeting potential future employees, networking and forming connections with other project sponsors, and helping shape the future of technology education at UW–Madison and beyond. Find out more about the CS Capstone Course and contact Justin Hines for more information.

Corporate Sustainability Internship Program

The Corporate Sustainability Internship Program provides UW–Madison students with real-world sustainability experiences in a corporate environment. Supported by the Office of Sustainability and the Nelson Institute, the program provides access to a broad talent pool of undergraduate and graduate students from across the university. The program prepares UW students to demonstrate how improved environmental performance is a cost-effective investment for Wisconsin’s business sector; project results are quantified in dollars saved and environmental metrics. If you are a potential host organization and would like more information about the program, please submit an inquiry form or email Will Erikson.

Data Analytics and UX Research

The MS Information program has teams of graduate students available to contribute to projects involving data analytics and reporting or user experience (UX) research. As part of its capstone project, the MS Information program provides partners with access to diverse groups of iSchool students, who act as consultants, to help address data and information-related organizational challenges. For more information, contact iSchool Director of Experiential Learning Brendan Casey at brendan.casey@wisc.edu.

Energy Analysis and Policy Program

The Energy Analysis and Policy (EAP) program engages students and faculty across multiple departments on campus and offers many experiential learning opportunities to connect with outside partners. Our Spring Capstone course features interdisciplinary teams of graduate students working on a semester-long energy analysis project for clients in the private, non-profit, and government sectors. Capstone project ideas are typically submitted in the fall and finalized in December. For short-term projects any time of year that include more direct faculty involvement, EAP offers a Client Services program billed out at market-competitive rates. And we always welcome employers to post jobs and internship announcements to our Energy Jobs email list. For more information on any of these opportunities and more, visit our For Industry and Non-Profits webpage or contact EAP Business Engagement lead Paul Meier.

Engage with Economics Students

Connect with the Economics Career Development Office to reach more than 1,600 undergraduates and more than 200 master’s students studying economics. The office partners with employers for an Economics Job Shadow Program, Case Competitions, and Career Development Trips. Send listings of internships or entry-level positions to Ilsa May to promote among current students. Learn more about employer partnership opportunities with economics students.

Government Partners: UniverCity Alliance

UniverCity Alliance is looking for new local government partners to collaboratively develop solutions to community-identified challenges during the 2024-27 academic years. We especially enjoy seeing applications that include cross-sector collaborations with businesses and/or non-profits alongside local governments. The deadline to apply is Monday, August 5, though applications may be considered outside of this time period. Learn more here.

Industry Internships: PhD Students in the Life Sciences

The Graduate School Industry Internship Pilot Program provides a unique opportunity for advanced graduate students in the life sciences to gain practical experience, work alongside experienced professionals, and apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems. The UW–Madison Graduate School provides interns with a summer stipend and fringe benefits. Doctoral students in select life sciences graduate programs will be invited to apply for the internship program by November 2024, and participating employers will review, interview, and select interns by February 2025 for summer 2025 internships. Learn more about partnering with the Graduate School as an industry internship site by contacting Alissa Ewer.

International Academic Programs

International Academic Programs help global employers access UW-Madison students with global competency, language proficiency, and expertise in their fields. Intern Abroad staff can help you define the internship position and customize it to your needs. They also assist in managing recruitment and can help students apply for class credit and funding. Learn more about partnering with International Academic Programs to host interns internationally.

Library & Information Studies

Students in the MA Library & Information Studies program, housed in the UW–Madison Information School (iSchool), will be available for practicum and other experiential learning opportunities starting in early 2025. In addition, the iSchool is partnering with the University of Illinois to present the GLAM (Government Libraries, Archives and Museums) Virtual Career Festival in February 2025. Employers interested in meeting talented Library & Information Studies students by participating in GLAM can learn more here.

Mechanical Engineering

Partners in the Mechanical Engineering Senior Design program engage with a team of students as they work to solve a real-world design problem with faculty guidance. Small startups, large corporations, community members and organizations, and faculty researchers have all benefited from this program, which runs over the course of two semesters. Apply by August 15 for inclusion in the Fall 2024–Spring 2025 cohort; find out more.

Public Policy

Graduate and undergraduate students in the UW–Madison La Follette School of Public Affairs are uniquely qualified to carry out policy design, implementation, analysis, research, advocacy, and evaluation. If you have a policy-related internship or job opportunity or a policy project needing some analysis, our students are looking to partner with real-world clients to hone their skills. Students are looking for fall internships now, and in the fall and spring, teams of graduating master’s students can provide research and analytic support on a public policy or public management issue for your organization, at no cost to you. Post a policy-related job or internship or submit a project proposal.

SuccessWorks Job Shadow Program

The SuccessWorks Job Shadow Program provides a diverse population of students from UW–Madison with an opportunity to get direct experience with careers that interest them during winter break. This short-term program is a great way to host fellow Badgers and familiarize them with your industry and workplace culture. Employers can learn more and sign up for the January 6 – 17, 2025 program here, and please contact Emily Pomykalski with any questions.

Wisconsin School of Business Master’s Consulting Practicum

Do you have a business question you wish you could spend more time on? Let students from the Wisconsin School of Business (WSB) help. The WSB Master’s Consulting Practicum connects teams of students with organizations on a 12-week, live consulting-style project. Projects give students real-world experience while you get actionable results – 90% of teams earn the highest “definitely would recommend” rating! Most importantly, you play a critical role in students’ success. Applications for the 2024-25 academic year are now open. Contact Halley Jones or Natalie Norton at cpo@wsb.wisc.edu for more information.

Career Events

You can also access talented UW–Madison students and recent graduates at campus career fairs and other events. Check back often as the fall semester approaches.

Do you have other business needs that could benefit from experiential learning? Let us know.