What is the S.A.V. Program?
Student
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Apprentice
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Vocation
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Student • Apprentice • Vocation •
As a marketing professor with 15 years’ experience, I witness many students nearing graduation say they feel ill-equipped for the real world. They wish they’d have gotten more “hands on” experience.
This program better prepares students to enter the workforce by applying academic theory learned in the classroom, to real-time business challenges.
We believe a program focused around vocational, practical, and interactive engagement with local businesses will make a positive impact on students, the university, and the community .
Who benefits?
Employers benefit because of the shortened learning curve that results in enhanced productivity.
University benefits by graduating skilled workers who can serve the communities’ business needs, consequently building university brand equity and thereby increasing enrollment.
Community businesses benefit by hiring well-prepared, confident graduates that add value to their organization’s mission and bottom line. They receive the same high-level marketing expertise they would at a full-service agency, but at a discounted price.
Donors benefit through self-actualization and watching students develop.
Faculty benefits because these businesses will need other business services such as accounting and financial services which they may provide.
Students benefit because they are performing practical/vocational tasks. Performing these tasks increases knowledge and self-confidence, thus increasing their value to themselves and the firm.
Why S.A.V.?
The obligation of academic institutions to better prepare students for business is an ongoing responsibility. Preparing students for success is what they do. Part of the university’s mission is to prepare students to enter the real world with practical experience in their chosen field/major.
Though businesses train the graduate’s once hired, a better-prepared and competent graduate shortens the learning curve. This abridged learning curve lowers employer costs, improves employer productivity, and harvests competent employees. The classic win-win!
Student Quote
“Real-life experience has made me more marketable”
Student Quote
“Interning brought me multiple connections and opportunities”
Are you an interested donor?
Do you have a heart for students?
We all know that rarely if ever, does money donated to the school ever trickle down to improve the lives of faculty or students. Perhaps the one exception is scholarships.
This is an internship on steroids because students (only the most ambitious and talented) would be engaging in many of the activities firms need to create demand for their products. It would require creativity.
We are happy to share with you how the process works from onboarding a student, to how the internship requirement is fulfilled and how the student is paid.