Olin brings the business world into the center of your applied learning experience by taking you outside of the classroom to provide you with integrative, hands-on experiences.
Size matters. We leverage Olin's small size to create a friendly, supportive and collaborative environment.
Our resources are boundaryless. You’ll tap into the experience and expertise of our corporate partners and alumni who share our values, offer counsel on our programs and curriculum, provide financial support – and hire you for internships and full-time positions.
“Research-driven thinking, applied” is a way of approaching business problems or issues with the same mind-set used to conduct research. It means learning how to ask the right questions and formulate them clearly and precisely; gather, assess and interpret data; reach sound conclusions and solutions; and communicate persuasively and effectively. Our faculty infuse their innovative, analytical thought process in the learning environment, giving you the critical-thinking skills needed to attack complex business problems and tackle new ideas.
Olin creates powerful connections between businesses and our students. You’ll find applied-learning opportunities in our classrooms, student clubs and extracurricular activities – allowing you to explore new career options and gain substantive on-the-job experience, valuable mentors and networking contacts.
It all starts in your first year.
The Olin Experience – This new BSBA program lays the foundation for students to build successful academic and professional careers. The once-per-week class is first presented through a required freshman course and features senior faculty members who lead discussions on current and cutting-edge business topics such as Olin’s critical-thinking model, case analysis, effective communication and ethical decision making. In addition, the freshman-year portion of the program focuses on resources and tools you’ll need to succeed in the workplace.
Applied learning continues in elective courses. Olin’s Center for Experiential Learning (CEL), for example, offers a variety of consulting programs that link you with Olin’s network of Fortune 500 corporations, nonprofit organizations and startup companies.
Practicum – In a team environment, students provide management expertise for local, national or international firms. An Olin faculty member serves as a mentor for each team. At the end of your project, your team makes a formal presentation that includes analyses, strategies and recommendations for change. Download The Practicum brochure to learn more.
Investment Praxis – The Praxis Fund manages over $1.5 million of Olin Business School's endowment. Learn the day-to-day responsibilities of professional investment portfolio managers by managing a portion of the school’s endowment fund. With the guidance of seasoned professionals, you have the authority to purchase or sell real assets and handle issues that range from compliance and account administration to ethical standards, potential conflicts of interest and confidentiality requirements. The Investment Praxis (FIN 528) is also a required course in the MS/Finance curriculum.
The Hatchery – Develop a business plan of your own or one brought to Olin by individuals interested in a group startup. You’ll work in partnership with entrepreneurs and investors. At the end of the course, teams present their analyses to a group of business startup and venture capital experts. Extracurricular entrepreneurship activities such as the Olin Cup business plan competition are offered by the Skandalaris Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, which promotes corporate innovation and the commercialization of new business ideas.