
Empowering Students through Self-Sourced Experiential Learning Projects: A Fordham University Success Story
Experiential learning in college thrives on real-world challenges. It is when students engage in projects to solve real business challenges.
Traditionally, instructors or third parties like us at CapSource.io reach out and select organizations for students to work on. However, when students take charge of sourcing their own industry projects, the learning experience becomes even more transformative.
For over 7 years we have been supporting experiential learning at Fordham University. This year, students in Julita Haber’s undergraduate courses showcased their ability to find, pitch, and execute industry-integrated projects during their fall semester, resulting in outcomes that were both enriching and impactful.
In this article, we’ll explore:
- The benefits of encouraging students to source their own projects
- Where students discovered most of their opportunities
- Why leveraging CapSource throughout that process ensures high-impact, scalable learning experiences
The Benefits of Student-Sourced Projects
When students identify and secure their own industry projects, they engage in a process that mirrors the real-world job market. Here’s why this approach is invaluable:
- Building Confidence in Pitching and Networking
Students learn to pitch themselves and their teams effectively, demonstrating their understanding of an organization’s needs and inspiring trust in their ability to deliver results. As one student reflected, “I reached out to a former employer, explained our goals, and convinced them we could help solve their operational challenges.” - Developing Real-World Communication Skills
Successful project sourcing requires clear communication with industry professionals. Students must articulate their ideas, scope deliverables, and set expectations—skills critical for any career. - Enhancing Problem-Solving and Adaptability
From brainstorming innovative solutions to navigating unforeseen challenges, students refine their ability to think critically and adapt in dynamic environments. A student working with a botanical garden shared, “We presented fresh ideas like a Run Club, something our mentor hadn’t considered but immediately saw the value in.” - Creating Lasting Professional Relationships
By engaging with mentors and industry leaders, students expand their networks, often creating connections that lead to future job or networking opportunities. As one participant noted, “This experience allowed me to showcase my work to an industry mentor, strengthening a relationship that could benefit my career.”
Where Students Found Their Projects
The variety of projects sourced by Fordham students highlights the power of leveraging personal and professional networks. Here’s where most students found their opportunities:
- Previous Jobs: Many students reconnected with former employers to explore opportunities for collaboration.
- Personal Networks: Friends, family, and acquaintances played a pivotal role in introducing students to potential projects.
- University Connections: Faculty members and on-campus departments also provided valuable leads, offering students access to institutional resources.
- Passion Projects: Some students pursued causes they were passionate about, such as improving nonprofit operations or enhancing community engagement through local organizations.
Ensuring High-Impact Learning with CapSource
While self-sourcing projects empowers students, integrating these experiences through CapSource takes their impact to the next level. Here’s how CapSource enhances experiential learning:
- Consistent, Scalable Environments
CapSource provides a structured platform for students and industry partners, ensuring seamless onboarding, clear scopes, and alignment of expectations. - Comprehensive Collaboration Tools
Students and mentors can utilize resource-sharing features, discussion boards, and dynamic project management tools, fostering communication and productivity throughout the engagement. - Outcome-Focused Evaluations
Integrated evaluation tools enable the tracking of progress, learning outcomes, and reflections, ensuring that both students and industry partners benefit from the collaboration. - Enhanced Learning Outcomes
By providing guidance and support to both students and mentors, CapSource ensures projects are impactful and aligned with course objectives, preparing students for future career challenges.
In Conclusion, Let’s
If you’re not yet convinced, check out these final Fordham student insights about just how powerful their experiences have been working on projects they’ve sourced themselves, underscoring the value of both experiential learning and student-centered learning:
“Our industry mentor appreciated our fresh perspective. We identified trends they hadn’t considered, which helped them attract a younger demographic.”
“Convincing my former employer to let us lead a project taught me more about professional communication and negotiation than any classroom exercise.”
“Working with a nonprofit allowed us to combine creative skills with project management, all while contributing to a meaningful cause.”
The Future of Industry Collaboration
By encouraging students to source their own projects and integrating these experiences into undergraduate and graduate programs through CapSource, educators can create dynamic learning environments that prepare students for the complexities of the modern workforce. Combining the autonomy of self-sourcing with the structure and resources of a proven platform ensures scalable, high-impact educational outcomes.
To learn more about how CapSource supports experiential learning, visit CapSource.io or Schedule Time for a Demo.