Elevate your learning, accelerate your career...virtually
The Coronavirus pandemic has brought unprecedented changes to how students learn, work, and use resources. Many students have been affected with canceled study abroad plans, canceled internships, and even unemployment.
In an effort to help students learn more about available opportunities, particularly those being completed remotely, we’ve evaluated possibilities under each RISE category. Some are existing opportunities and will look similar to what’s been done in the past. Others are brand new and have been created specifically for this time through a collaborative effort college and university wide. Our goal is twofold: to provide flexibility and creativity to current requirements, and to ensure students still have access to concrete, meaningful experiential learning opportunities.
We encourage students to be innovative and resilient during these challenging times. What projects could be completed for a company or organization remotely that may not yet exist? What additional roles or responsibilities could one seek to enhance a paid work position? Whether it’s designed separately or with the assistance of the information below, it is our hope that these remote experiences allow students to reflect more deeply on what they’ve learned in this time of adversity—about business, about communication, and about themselves.
Research
Participate in a personalized research experience with Tippie faculty. Determine your research interest, find a faculty mentor, and enroll in a research course to gain RISE credit. Visit our research course options page for more details. If you would like more assistance with finding research opportunities, fill out the research interest form. A Tippie advisor will review your submission and let you know if a research match might be possible.
Internship
Do you have an internship lined up with a company for a future semester? Be sure to enroll in the BUS:3100 internship course to gain RISE credit. Learn more about the course and complete the registration request form.
We understand that it may be difficult to find an internship during these challenging times, especially if previous experiences have been canceled. It is during these times that creativity and perseverance become even more important. As the Pomerantz Career Center suggests, stay in contact with your employer via email or phone. If you are available to intern remotely in a future semester, be sure to communicate your ongoing interest and availability.
You may also consider a virtual global internship through one of four programs with which our study abroad office has partnered. Internships through these providers mean you will have an in-depth exploration of your host country’s work culture, gain career coaching and develop a cohort of other students all working ‘in’ your same location. Enrollment dates, cost, and program type vary. Visit the study abroad website to learn more. Once an internship is secured, be sure to enroll in the BUS:3100 course to gain RISE credit.
Lastly, faculty and alumni have identified project-based work that would be classified as an internship. Interested students will be matched based on interests and available projects. Contact Nicholas Kavanaugh, Assistant Director, Experiential Learning at nicholas-kavanaugh@uiowa.edu to start the process. Students would gain RISE credit by enrolling in the BUS:3100 course.
Study abroad
The study abroad office and its partners are excited to offer the opportunity to bring the world to you by offering virtual international coursework. A wide range of coursework is available including Arabic language, art history, business, Chinese language, film, French language, literature, political science, sociology, Spanish language, and special topics. The professors for these courses are located around the world and they will give you a unique multicultural perspective in their chosen discipline.
See the study abroad website for more information on virtual international coursework from four providers. Scholarships and other funding resources could be available for these programs. Enrollment/session dates, cost, and program type vary, with some deadlines having already passed.
What are some benefits of a virtual global experience?
- Interactive courses led by instructors around the world
- Develop professional skills that have become increasingly important, including how to work remotely, collaborating in virtual teams, practicing intercultural communication strategies, and optimizing programs such as Zoom or Slack
- Network with global businesses through guest speakers and projects
- Available at a lower price point than a study abroad experience
- Programs are not contingent on travel restrictions related to COVID-19
- Virtual global experiences are eligible for many study abroad scholarships
Whether your plans to go abroad were affected by the Coronavirus and you are still looking for that international experience; you are considering studying abroad in the future and want to ease into being away from home; or you are looking to prepare for some of your own personal travel abroad, virtual study abroad could be just the option for you.
Experiential course
Experiential courses give you real-world experience while still having support and guidance from your classmates and instructor. These courses are still being offered during the pandemic. View a list of approved courses.
Experiential education guidance
The Office of General Council has provided guidance for participating in experiential education, including remote experiences. Resources for remote learning, along with guidelines for students considering internships, externships, field experiences, research activities, clinical programs, practicums, and other hands-on learning experiences can be found under the university's Learning Online website.