Applied Experience

Before you can register for OLPD 4696: Applied Experience for BME and HRD, you need to complete some required courses, known as prerequisites. These courses equip you with the knowledge and tools to bridge your classroom learning and work experience.

If you are a BME or HRD major:

• You need to complete OLPD 3609: Profession and Practice and at least three out of the four core courses for your major. Core courses provide the foundational knowledge, key concepts, and theoretical frameworks of your major that you will build upon in the Applied Experience course. These courses are offered during the fall and spring semesters, with some available in May or summer sessions.

Note: A complete list of core courses by major can be found below.

If you are in the HRD certificate program:

• You need to complete OLPD 3601, OLPD 3621, and OLPD 3641. HRD certificate students do not need to take OLPD 3609 or OLPD 3202.

The Applied Experience is your opportunity to seek out positions that align with your personal and professional goals, as well as your areas of interest within the major. Students enter the BME and HRD majors with diverse career goals, so the experiences you pursue for your Applied Experience can vary widely.

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

• While enrolled in OLPD 4696, you are required to complete 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 people you know. Networking is one of the best ways to discover hidden 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. 

Note: If you or a potential employer have questions about the eligibility of a position for the Applied Experience, speak with your OLPD advisor. Potential employers may find the Applied Experience Guide for Employers and Site Supervisors helpful. 

Secure Your Position

Before enrolling in OLPD 4696, you must first secure a position involving activities related to BME or HRD.

Submit the Proposal Form

Once you’ve secured your role, complete the Applied Experience Proposal Form for your major (takes ~15–20 minutes). You’ll need to provide details about your site, supervisor, expected responsibilities, and upload documentation confirming your position (e.g., offer letter).

Plan Ahead

Submit the form one semester before you plan to take OLPD 4696. Registration is by permission only, and you’ll receive instructions once your proposal is approved. It is your responsibility to register for OLPD 4696 after receiving departmental approval.

Determine Your Credits

OLPD 4696 is a variable credit course, meaning you choose how many credits to register for (1-4 credits) based on how many hours you'll work during the semester:

• 1 credit = 40 hours

• 4 credits = 160 hours

Note: Most students complete the 4 credit requirement in one semester, but you may split credits across multiple terms if needed. You'll select your credit amount in the proposal form and again when registering for OLPD 4696.

You must be actively engaged in your work experience during the same semester you're registered for OLPD 4696. Experience completed before the course begins can't be counted. For example, you can't complete your experience over the summer and register for the course in the fall. 

OLPD 4696 is an online-only course delivered through Canvas. Although there are no set meeting times, you'll be responsible for completing course readings and assignments by set deadlines throughout the semester.

Although the majority of students satisfy their Applied Experience requirement by registering for OLPD 4696, there are alternate options available. 

• OLPD 4421: Practicum in Nonprofit Organizations (2 credits)

  • Can be taken a maximum of two times (for a total of 4 credits)

• Learning Abroad or National Student Exchange (while an active BME/HRD major)

  • Any credits earned abroad/on National Student Exchange can go toward the Applied Experience

Note: You can combine different options to earn the 4 credits needed for the Applied Experience. For instance, you might enroll in OLPD 4421 (2 credits) one semester, and enroll in OLPD 4696 (for 2 credits) in another semester.