Fellows present final reflections on experience assisting businesses in Berks County
as members of ÃÄÄïÖ±²¥'s Class of 2024 and presented their final reflections regarding the experiential learning opportunities and professional development gleaned from the O'Pake Fellows Program. The O'Pake Fellows Program provides undergraduate and graduate students with hands-on distinctive experiential learning opportunities. Students of high academic standing from diverse majors and backgrounds work directly with regional entrepreneurs, small business owners, faculty researchers, and industry leaders.
In alignment with ÃÄÄïÖ±²¥'s core value of contemplation, O'Pake Graduate Assistant of Student Services Brianna Schnieder took the lead on facilitating the final reflection project with the guidance of Executive Director of Student & Client Services Michelle Conway, MBA, and Student Experiential Learning Specialist Max Horn, MBA.
"We often describe the fellow experience as a metamorphosis; this project aims to bring their experience full circle as fellows transition from one stage to the next," said Schneider. "We hope they can recognize their impact on the community around them while also celebrating their own achievements such as the skills and knowledge they leave the program with. Moving forward, this comprehensive project will help fellows track their impact on the businesses they work with since they might work with up to 40 businesses if they start as first-year students in the program."
Graduating Fellows were able to present highlights and deliverables from their experience, including work they have done for local business owners in and beyond Berks and Schuylkill counties, the training they have engaged in, connections they have made through networking and skills they have built along the way for the resume.
