The Roots of Experiential Education

Experiential Learning Theory (ELT) posits that learning is a continuous cycle of action, reflection, and abstraction. Experiential education is, therefore, unlike traditional one-directional methods. Instead, it is an interactive process that empowers students to take charge of their learning experience. Experiential education promotes a collaborative environment where active participation flourishes. 

In MBA programs, experiential education can enhance comprehension and retention and improve skill development by bridging theory with practical application. The experience advances students academically and professionally. 

An example of this approach in action is at Rotterdam School of Management (RSM), where the MBA program is tailored to accommodate various learning preferences through experiential learning techniques.

RSM’s MBA program has a dynamic approach designed to give students experiential education and help them achieve their career goals. Jochem Kroezen, Academic Director of the RSM Full-Time MBA, says there are five ways in which learning by doing is embedded into the program. (00:10)

RSM Emphasis on Hands-on Leadership Development

The Personal Leadership Development track is one of the five methods RSM students receive an experiential education. It is a profoundly personal program of leadership classes and assignments rooted in real-world scenarios. Throughout the program, students are challenged to hone their leadership and management capabilities. 

The second implementation of experiential education is the Craft of Management course. This course starts at the beginning of the MBA program and lasts for the entire duration. This course extends beyond personal and organizational management, delving into broader societal roles and responsibilities.

As Jochem explains, while “the Personal Leadership Development track is really about the individual, this is more about understanding your role in society as a leader.” (00:41)

Project-Based Learning and Real-World Impact

Furthering the MBA program’s focus on hands-on learning, RSM introduces a pivotal third experiential element in the form of real-world projects, such as the Living Management Project. The four-week Living Management Project has students navigate real challenges from Netherlands-based companies. Student teams engage with managerial issues and propose solutions through a consultancy-style approach.

Many MBA students seek to expand their circle of impact. RSM caters to this need by offering a tangible impact entrepreneurship opportunity as a fourth element. The Impact Experience Course is a remarkable part of RSM’s curriculum. This course allows students to make tangible contributions to the city of Rotterdam. 

It emphasizes purpose-driven leadership and challenges students to ideate ways to give back to the community. Jochem says, “We love to be in a position to actually give something back to the city that provides us with a lot.” (01:38) 

Additionally, students looking to propel their Impact Experience projects into operational ventures have access to RSM’s Impact Entrepreneurship course to help them do that.

Expanding Horizons Through International Study Tours

Embracing a global perspective is a fundamental skill leaders should have. At RSM, students embark on international study tours as a fifth element of experiential education. Learning themes guide the design of study tours, and the selection of locations enhances the embodiment of these themes. For example, the Social Impact Through Innovation tour goes to Lisbon, Portugal, the Energy Transition tour goes to Dubai, UAE, and the Business and Politics tour heads to Washington, US.  

As Jochem says, “Experiential learning at RSM is not just case studies in the classroom. It is really the backbone of our program. By pushing you to go out there in the real world and experience what is needed from a future change-maker that wants to be a force for positive change.” (02:49)

Strategically pairing topics with study destinations enhances the learning experience for students. They get a deeper understanding of the practical aspects, complexities, and subtle details of international business strategies.

Experiential Learning Boosts Career Prospects

Marrying academic insights with tangible field experiences, RSM readies students to master the nuances of business leadership. Of the 2022 class, 93% secured jobs within three months post-graduation. And 73% were employed in the Netherlands despite  99% of the cohort being international.  

“The real magic of the RSM MBA is in the context that we create for the transformational learning journey that our students are looking for,” Jochem says. (00:00)

Are you looking to be part of a dynamic experiential learning experience to become a business leader? RSM might be the school for you. Reach out to an RSM ambassador for a first-hand account of the experience.