ExpLearn: Career and Professional Experience

Examples of Career & Professional Experiences

• Real World Policy Class [INR 3102]

  Offered through the College of Arts and Sciences, INR 3102 is designed to provide an in-depth study of today’s foreign policy challenges and the American policy-making process. The course covers how the U.S. government works, with a focus on the National Security Council; an overview of today’s foreign policy debate; how to analyze U.S. policy and write a memorandum to the president; and how to write an op-ed. Mid-semester, the class will decide on a specific issue on which to push for a U.S. policy change. The class then develops an in-depth paper on that issue to present to officials in Washington, D.C., such as the White House National Security Council, State and Defense Departments, Congress, embassies, and nonprofit organization officials. Following the trip, the class writes a joint op-ed for submission to the local paper, the Florida Times Union.

  The course averages 12 students since the COVID-19 pandemic, with 13 students enrolled during the Spring 2024 term. The class also meets with UNF and Real World Policy class alumni who work in great careers in the Nation’s Capital. The trip dramatically changes students' career ambitions and helps address "impostor syndrome": the belief that they do not belong on a powerful career track in public policy. Since 2007, the Real World Policy class has helped launch over 100 students in careers in public policy, many of whom now are mentoring current students and donating back to the program.

• Foundations of Business [GEB 1011]

  Foundations of Business (GEB 1011) is a foundational course offered at the Coggin College of Business for first-year students. It is designed not just as an introductory class to business principles but also as a comprehensive immersion into the business world. The course structure extends beyond conventional lectures by incorporating significant engagement and networking opportunities, deepening students' grasp of business concepts, and developing a habit of engagement. In the Fall of 2023, the course featured six special evening events:

  • Evening With Business Leaders
  • Coggin Study Abroad Student Panel Discussion and Advising
  • Coggin Networking Night
  • Evening with Entrepreneurship Experts
  • Evening with Coggin Scholarships and Graduate Program Alumni
  • Evening with Transportation and Logistics Leaders

  These events offered students firsthand interaction with sixteen business leaders, providing insights into the real-world challenges and opportunities in various industries. The leaders shared personal stories of success, challenges, and advice, bridging the gap between classroom learning and professional application. Additionally, students had the chance to connect with over 30 local employers, learning about internships and career opportunities.

  These gatherings also facilitated networking among business major students, particularly valuable for first-year students as they navigate general education courses. They offered a unique chance to connect with peers with similar academic interests, fostering a sense of community and belonging crucial for a positive college experience.

  The impact of these events was significant: on average, 208 students attended each event, and about 80% of the students then enrolled in GEB 1011 were part of the Fall 2023 full-time first-time-in-college (Fall 23 FT FTIC) cohort. Notably, 61% of Coggin's FY23 FT FTIC students experienced this innovative, experiential learning opportunity in their first semester at UNF.