Experiential Learning
Experiential learning is at the core of the University of San Francisco Full-Time MBA Program.
We believe in the importance of academic work that can be put into practice outside the classroom, whether at a job interview, in a summer internship, or with a client-facing project.
USF has an ideal proximity to the biggest companies in the Bay Area. Students have unparalleled opportunities to gain hands-on experience in a new role, network with organizations across different industries, and build strong relationships with prospective employers.
We've designed our Full-Time MBA to emphasize experiential learning through a few key Program components.
Career Accelerator Platform (CAP) Project
As part of your CAP all full-time students will participate in a CAP project with an external client that you may choose—this could be any organization, from a tech startup, to a nonprofit, to a corporate finance firm. The CAP Project carries two credits.
Career Accelerator Platform Project Objectives
- Applying classroom learning to company cases
Your CAP project facilitates the application of coursework concepts to real-world scenarios within your chosen industry. - Become even more marketable as an experienced prospective hire
Your CAP project is a great opportunity to demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to creatively solve problems under a deadline. - Work constructively with a team
As is the case in most professional environments, you'll work with a team of others to find successful solutions to company challenges.
ABOUT CAREER ACCELERATOR PLATFORMS
Innovation Project
The Innovation Project is part of every MBA students' experience. As a full-time student, you'll conduct your Innovation Project during the fall of the second year, either independently or with a small cohort. Each student's project plan is submitted to and approved by the faculty board. The Innovation Project carries 2 credits and is a graded component of the program.
Innovation Project Objectives
- Choosing a project that carries relevance and value for your career plans
The Innovation Project will demonstrate the application of concepts learned in the MBA Program, as well as a clear connection between your work as a student and your professional field of interest. - Think strategically and work creatively
Whether electing to work alone or with a small group, your project should show creative applications of what you've learned in the classroom to come up with innovative solutions for your client. - Gain influential references from the company – and the people- with whom you work
Plan for post-graduation success with recommenders who worked with you and experienced for themselves how you contribute to a team. - Share your unique experience with other students
During USF's annual Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation Week (SEIW), students publicly present the outcomes and takeaways through a comprehensive report on their Innovation Project. The SEIW is held each spring.
Malloy Group for Organization Science Consulting
For students interested in consulting, the Malloy Group provides a valuable consulting experience by connecting students with the Bay Area’s most notable startups, from early to late-stage, on real-world projects.
Whether you're interested in application software, healthcare, SaaS, consumer products, or retail industries, the Malloy Group has a successful history of collaborating with the most innovative and cutting-edge companies.
And when it comes to preparing for success for after you graduate, the Malloy Group plays a key part in setting your resume apart from the rest, and in demonstrating you as an experienced professional who can make invaluable contributions to today's dynamic workplace.