UM-Flint's experiential learning opportunities help students prepare for meaningful careers

​No matter how skilled the instructor, how compelling the lecture or how engrossing the textbook may be, there is no substitute for learning by doing. Taking concepts learned in the classroom and applying them in the real world transforms a concept from the theoretical to the practical, solidifying that knowledge in a learner's mind and offering valuable insights into career plans and life trajectories.

The University of Michigan-Flint offers a multitude of experiential learning opportunities for students of all majors – and for good reason. According to a study conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, recent graduates who participated in experiential learning as an undergraduate experienced a variety of benefits, including:

• Faster than expected career progression.
• Higher rates of career satisfaction.
• Higher rates of having a mentor in the workplace.
• Higher rates of having a network to draw upon.
• An average of $15,000 more in their salaries.

With statistics like that, it's no mystery why UM-Flint prioritizes experiential learning opportunities for its students. Offering students real-world experiences is a priority for faculty and staff across the university, including Abby Parrill-Baker, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs.

"Experiential learning has had a tremendous impact on my career trajectory, and therefore, it's been a lifelong passion project for me. I wasn't really thinking about internships or anything like that in college, until one of my chemistry faculty members said there was a Dow Chemical recruiter on campus and that I should at least talk with him. That led to a two-year job while I was finishing college," Parrill-Baker said.

That experience was more than just a side gig for a college kid. It exposed Parrill-Baker to the day-to-day realities of working as a chemist at the bachelor's level, at a time when the young scientist was debating whether to enter the workforce or pursue an advanced degree. She found her passion in higher education and advocates for students to discover their own paths, as Melanie Purkis did by studying historic preservation.

Finding a second act in historic preservation

Purkis knew she wanted to study history when she was 15 years old, but life took her in a different direction.

"I started working in the tech industry, and my career took off, so I did that for the next 30 years," Purkis said. "I retired in 2023 and decided it was time to achieve my goal of getting a degree in history. I saw that UM-Flint had classes in historic preservation, and that intrigued me, so I chose that program."

During her time at UM-Flint, Purkis interned with Thomas Henthorn, professor of history, who engages in community-based work focused on the restoration and preservation of local cemeteries.

"Interning with Dr. Henthorn was instrumental because it gave me the chance to explore and learn things that have since formed the foundation of my second career," said Purkis. "A subject like history is so broad, and internships are a great way to begin to narrow down the field — I was lucky that UM-Flint had the historic preservation minor, because it wasn't even a field that I knew existed, and it has inspired a whole new career for me."

The 2024 graduate started her own business, Purkis Cemetery Preservation, while earning a graduate degree in cemetery preservation.

"I have a 16-year-old daughter and have told her, 'Start exploring, trying new things, tick off different boxes, choose classes you may not have considered — these are ways you'll find your passion."

Occupational therapy, engineering team up to help a Flint child

​Seven-year-old Flint native Kaden Stevenson lost both legs after an illness but keeps playing thanks to two occupational therapy students and five from the Innovators & Makers Club, who adapted a Spiderman Power Wheels car to his needs.

"This is what the field of occupational therapy is all about," said Elizabeth Mansfield, a 2024 OT graduate from Boyne Falls. "We gave Kaden a way to play independently and just be a kid again, despite everything he has been through. He can drive this car like any kid would. He just drives it with his hands instead of his feet. It shows how impactful the field can be."

"I am glad that we could make a difference for Kaden," said Matt Roome, a digital manufacturing major from Fenton. "Any breakthrough in technology requires different disciplines coming together. We want to use technology to improve people's lives."

Thiago Ferrara, assistant professor of information technology & informatics, explained how this project encapsulates CIT's hands-on learning philosophy.

"We are trying to create a culture of proposing real solutions for real-world problems," Ferreira said. "This project taught so many important skills, including communication and teamwork. If you don't know how to ask the right question, you can't solve a problem. The students also learned how to manage time, costs and resources."

Fueling success by interning at HF Sinclair

Kaylynn Charchan, a 2025 graduate with a bachelor's degree in business, fell in love with Texas after vacationing there as a child. She liked the atmosphere and culture so much that she devised a strategy to create her future in the Lone Star State.

"I knew that the oil and gas industry dominates the market down there, and I wanted to be where the businesses are," said Charchan. "So, my goal became to land an oil-and-gas internship."

Charchan achieved that goal when HF Sinclair, a Texas-based oil and gas corporation, hired her as an information technology intern last May. In this role, she worked as a business partner embedded with the company's human resources department. Working to automate the company's onboarding process allowed Charchan to gain valuable real-world experience.

"I think UM-Flint does an amazing job of keeping the curriculum aligned with what is being used in the business and tech world today," said Charchan.

She was assisted in her internship by Dionne Minner, career development manager for the School of Management. Students can learn more about career services at UM-Flint by visiting the office's webpage.

Antonio Riggs, associate director of the Office of Student Career Advancement & Success, said that internships like Charchan's are crucial for students as they prepare to enter the workforce.

"Experiential learning is the bridge between academics and the real world, where students apply what they have learned in the classroom to gain meaningful, first-hand experience. At UM-Flint, experiential learning takes many forms, including cooperative education, externships, field placements, internships, clinicals, practicums, and student teaching. Each of these opportunities helps students develop the competencies and skills employers are seeking in today's workforce," Riggs said. "We have career professionals who will assist you with outlining your career plan, polishing your portfolio, and securing opportunities for experiential learning. All students have access to 'Handshake,' one of the top career platforms for finding internships and job opportunities."

Student-led program fights infant mortality in Flint

ely to arise during a baby's first few months. NurtureFirst is a student-led initiative that aims to support families throughout the crucial first year of a baby's life, a period critical to reducing infant mortality rates. The innovative idea — sending nursing students to educate new parents at hospital bedsides — has grown into a robust partnership with Hurley Medical Center.

Each week, two to five nursing students provide education to parents and caregivers, addressing key topics such as safe sleep practices, car seat safety and postpartum depression. Families receive both written instruction and printed materials, available in several languages, along with newborn supply kits aligned with best practices.

The program offers students a unique opportunity to focus solely on patient education, fostering skills that are not typically emphasized during traditional clinical training. Students learn how to communicate effectively with families and deliver educational content in a meaningful, inclusive manner.

"I felt I was able to empower these parents and educate them in a trusting manner on things they were concerned about as new parents," reflected Carrie McKissic, a 2025 nursing graduate. "It was very fulfilling teaching them about health conditions, newborn care, and taking care of themselves emotionally and physically. I felt like I bridged the gap for some new parents who were a bit apprehensive about what lies ahead for them and their new baby."

Experiential learning opportunities at a glance

As evidenced above, there are myriad opportunities to gain hands-on experience as a UM-Flint student. A selection of resources offering additional information is listed below; contact an academic advisor or career services for more information.  

• Career Services: A comprehensive resource that assists all students and alumni in achieving their career goals.
• Community Design Studio: This course offers students practical experience working with community non-profit organizations and/or on self-initiated projects, gaining firsthand knowledge of the impact of a human-centered collaborative design process.
• Education Abroad: The Center for Global Engagement offers resources for students interested in international experiences.
• Geographic Information Systems Center: The GIS center provides an outlet to collect, manage, assess, and visualize spatial phenomena.
• Graduate Student Research Assistantship Program: Provides financial support for the academically related research activities of active UM-Flint graduate students
• Handshake: An online job and internship board for students and alumni.
• HEART Clinic: HEART stands for Health Equity, Action, Research and Teaching, and is a student and faculty-run collaborative pro bono health clinic based in the College of Health Sciences at UM-Flint.
• The Michigan Times: UM-Flint's student-run news outlet.
• Student Clubs & Organizations: Many of these groups offer valuable opportunities to work on real initiatives.
• Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program: UROP allows students to conduct real-world research with faculty while being paid for their work.