Explore how the MBA program at RIT Saunders incorporates hands-on learning to prepare its graduates for the business world. Lindsay Connelly’s journey from MBA student to founding her digital marketing company showcases the power of combining theory and hands-on learning.
In the world of business and technology, learning is most effective when coupled with hands-on experience. At Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Saunders School of Business, they’re all about learning by doing. Experiential learning is the cornerstone of their Master of Business Administration program.
RIT Saunders students become active participants in their education through hands-on learning experiences, which makes their graduates stand out in the real world. That’s what attracted Lindsay Connelly to the program.
“I wanted to not just study, but to do. And RIT has a really deep history of creating doers,” she says. (00:41)
Lindsay credits the MBA program with helping her become the president of her own digital marketing firm, Linden Digital Marketing. The program’s experiential learning at RIT Saunders helped her gain a newfound sense of confidence.
“The biggest change I saw in myself prior to getting the MBA and then after was probably this boost of confidence,” Lindsay notes. (00:02)
Two examples of how students get practical experience are the co-op program and the Simone Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Let’s explore what these programs entail.
Lindsay gives RIT Saunders’ co-op (cooperative education) program as a prime example of their hands-on approach to learning. (00:48)
The co-op program pairs students with employers to gain practical experience. The employer benefits from the student’s unique skills and up-to-date subject matter knowledge. In return, the student gets the opportunity to do paid work relevant to their professional development.
The co-op program enriches students’ learning journeys, increases their professional connections, and improves their knowledge, skills, and experience. Additionally, it instills in them a newfound sense of confidence.
RIT Saunders supports students who want to work while completing their studies because they know they benefit. Lindsay could work while pursuing her MBA, doing a few classes at a time, which allowed her to start her own business while completing her studies.
These hands-on learning experiences reassure students that they can tackle real-world obstacles. This sense of self-trust will be crucial to overcoming future challenges in their professional journey.
Another key element of Lindsay’s professional growth journey was being continuously pushed out of her comfort zone at RIT Saunders. She especially appreciated the Simone Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which helps students with an entrepreneurial spirit fulfill their goals.
“RIT does a great job of pushing their students into working harder and entering situations that would normally make you feel uncomfortable,” Lindsay says. (01:45)
Students can join programs that simulate the high-pressure scenarios they face after graduation to prepare for real challenges in the professional world.
“I would be thrown into situations where you’d have to present to a bunch of CEOs about your business idea with 48 hours’ notice,” Lindsay recalls. “You’re just tossed into really difficult situations, and your professors and your mentors have full confidence that you’re going to be able to do it.” (01:29)
By exposing students to situations outside of their comfort zones, you cultivate highly resilient and agile problem solvers. These are the indispensable qualities of any successful entrepreneur in today’s fast-paced business environment.
Lindsay also appreciated the opportunities to network with her peers and professionals happy to share their experiences. Through her MBA, she realized the importance of authentic networking and how it can positively impact business endeavors.
“Something that I learned through the networking that RIT allowed is the importance of kindness and team building,” she says. (01:53).
During a networking event, she was particularly affected by the words of RIT alum and entrepreneur Austin McChord.
“He didn’t sell his company until he knew his team would be taken care of,” Lindsay says. “I’ve taken that to heart and learned that you can be a wildly successful billionaire and take care of people. That’s something that I infuse in my company.” (02:05)
This message about the importance of empathy and collaboration continues to resonate within Lindsay’s company culture long after she graduated.
She advises students to get out of their comfort zones and meet as many people as they can. Whether via LinkedIn or over a cup of coffee, those interpersonal connections helped her succeed in her business.
By championing hands-on learning, RIT Saunders’ MBA is a launchpad for graduates’ real-world success. It nurtures a proactive and entrepreneurial culture that empowers a new generation of business leaders prepared to make a tangible impact outside the classroom.
Lindsay earned more than just an MBA degree at RIT Saunders. She gained real-world experience, made invaluable connections that extended well beyond her student years, and gained the confidence to navigate future challenges.
Discover more about RIT Saunders School of Business or contact one of our ambassadors to learn more about doing an MBA program.
