Experiential Educator Feature
Drian Glyde
What does experiential learning mean to you?
It means helping students connect their education to the real world. By integrating classroom knowledge with real-world practice, students are able to see firsthand how their academic journey applies in business environments. This connection is essential for making education practical and applicable.
Why is experiential learning a priority for you?
Experiential learning is a priority because the link between education and practice is not always clear to students. My background as a practitioner has shown me that learning only reaches its full potential when students can apply what they’ve learned in real situations. It bridges the gap between theory and practice, making their education more valuable and preparing them for the workforce.
Can you give us an example of a successful experiential learning engagement that you've coordinated/delivered?
One example is a 15-week consulting project I coordinated for MBA students. We partnered with a small floral design business in Pittsburgh. The project started with students following typical consulting steps: defining the scope, building a project charter, signing confidentiality agreements, and meeting with the client. The students realized that the client’s business was more artsy and less data-driven than they expected. They adapted the project to meet the client’s actual needs, focusing on inventory systems and social media management. One student was even hired by the business after the project. They also hosted a two-session workshop for the client to help her plan for future growth.
Why do you use experiential learning?
I use experiential learning because it brings the concepts I teach to life. As a practitioner, I believe learning only happens when students can apply what they know. This approach allows students to engage with real-world problems, giving them the tools to succeed after they graduate. It also allows them to see how their learned skills can be applied to practical challenges, making their education more meaningful.
What's the most challenging part of being an #ExperientialEducator? (coordinating/delivering an experiential learning curriculum to students)
One of the biggest challenges is finding the right resources and partners to support experiential learning projects. Flexibility is also key. Each project is unique, and it’s important to adapt and let the experience unfold naturally rather than over-planning. Faculty need to be open to modifying the journey and letting the students’ experience shape the outcomes.
How do your students benefit from experiential learning?
Students benefit in multiple ways. They build soft skills, like trust and communication, alongside technical skills. For example, during a consulting project, a student learned how to navigate social media management issues by building trust with the business owner to gain access to critical data. These experiences prepare students for the workforce, equipping them with tools like Excel, Tableau, and financial statements. They also learn teamwork, leadership, and how to work asynchronously across geographic distances. Additionally, many students secure job offers from the companies they collaborate with during their projects.
What skills do your students use when engaged in experiential learning?
Students use a combination of soft and hard skills, including leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and collaboration across different time zones and geographic regions. They also gain exposure to industry-standard tools like Excel, Tableau, and social media platforms. These skills are directly transferable to their future careers, helping them enter the workforce more prepared.
What advice do you have for faculty and institutions considering experiential learning?
Be flexible and don’t over-plan. Experiential learning is human and dynamic, and it’s important to allow the experience to evolve. Faculty need to approach it with an open mind, ready to adapt as the project progresses. Having a loose framework is helpful, but the key is to let students fully engage in the process. This approach encourages creativity and helps students make deeper connections between their academic work and real-world applications.
