Applied Experience in BME and HRD

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Students are encouraged to begin planning for their Applied Experience 2-3 semesters prior to graduation. Although students are responsible for meeting eligibility and securing a position, OLPD advisors are available to help guide students through this process.

Step 1: Ensure you've met course prerequisites.

Step 2: Secure a professional experience (job, internship, volunteer opportunity) involving activities related to BME or HRD.

Step 3: Complete the Applied Experience Proposal Form to receive permission to register for OLPD 4696.

General Criteria

As you begin the search process, keep the following in mind:

• Activities must be related to your major

• Work experience can be paid or unpaid

• Can be a full time or part time job, internship, or volunteer experience

• Positions must be a minimum of 6 weeks

• Position can be in-person, remote, or hybrid

• Positions must have a supervisor, and the supervisor cannot be a family member or student

• Students must accrue a certain number of hours while enrolled in OLPD 4696 (40 hours of work per credit)

Recommendations for Securing a Position

• Utilize job sites such as Handshake, Linkedin, and the UMN student employment site.

• Create a list of organizations you would like to intern with and contact them directly. Many internship positions are not advertised.

• Share your career interests with who you know and see who they can also connect you with. This is the best way to learn about unadvertised opportunities.

• Create your own internship with an organization that does not have a current internship program.

• There is also potential to use an existing role as long as new activities or projects are involved. If you have questions about the eligibility of a position for the Applied Experience, speak with your OLPD advisor. 

OLPD 4696: Applied Experience Registration

Registration in OLPD 4696 is by permission only. Once you have secured a role for your Applied Experience, please complete the Applied Experience Proposal Form for your major. Students should aim to secure a position and submit the proposal form one semester prior to when they hope to enroll in OLPD 4696. 

Determining Credits

Students can register for 1-4 credits each semester. The number of credit hours is determined by the number or working hours that a student expects to accrue over the duration of the semester (1 credit = 40 hours, 4 credits = 160 hours). While the majority of students satisfy their Applied Experience requirement in one semester, students also have the option to complete credits for their Applied Experience across multiple semesters. 

Applied Experience Proposal Form

Once prerequisites have been met and you've secured an eligible role, request permission to register for the OLPD 4696 Applied Experience course using the applicable proposal form linked below. 

This form takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete and will require you to input details including the Applied Experience site and supervisor information, as well as information on expected responsibilities. At the time of submission, you are also required to submit a document of proof that they have secured a position (offer letter, letter from supervisor, etc.)

OLPD 4696: Applied Experience Course Information

Students must be actively engaged in their work experience while concurrently registered for OLPD 4696 for their position to count. Positions and hours cannot be applied retroactively. (For example, a student cannot be engaged with their work experience during a summer and then register for the OLPD 4696 course in fall.) 

OLPD 4696 is an online-only course delivered through Canvas. Although there are no set meeting times, students enrolled in OLPD 4696 will be required to complete course readings and assignments with set due dates throughout the semester.