Center for Experiential Learning | WashU Olin Business School

?? Welcome to our brand new LinkedIn page! ?? We’re the Center for Experiential Learning (CEL), an educational center located within Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis. ?? At the CEL, we're not just about textbooks and lectures; we're about real-world impact and transformative experiences. Our vision is to empower students with hands-on learning opportunities by equipping them with the skills and mindset to thrive in today's business landscape. ?? Through partnerships with nonprofits, startups, and corporations, our students tackle real challenges in accounting, finance, marketing, strategy, and management, making a difference in communities. ?? Follow us for program updates, small business and start-up funding opportunities, student and client testimonials, evidence of our impact, and so much more. ?? #ExperientialLearning #CEL #WashingtonUniversity #OlinBusinessSchool

Join us for the Nonprofit Symposium on April 1, 2025, from 4:00 - 6:00 PM at Knight Hall, Emerson Auditorium. Connect with professionals, gain insights into career opportunities, and hear from our inspiring guest speakers: Emma Lembke – Founder, LOG OFF Movement Charlyn Moss – Founder, Working Within Julia Clark – Specialist, Missouri Historical Society ? Don’t miss this opportunity to explore your future in the nonprofit space! Register now: https://lnkd.in/eDYH4aFW ? #CenterforExperentialLearning #CEL #WashUOlin #NonprofitSector

A few snapshots from last week's Women’s History Marketplace, where we had the chance to shop and connect with local vendors—including some of our past and present CEL clients. Great to see these women-owned businesses in action and support their work! Thanks to Washington University in St. Louis - Olin Business School and WashU Supplier Diversity for hosting! ?? Eyeseeme African American Children's Bookstore ?? Rasa Chai ?? Reimagine Resources ?? SendBack ?? The Social Goods Marketplace #CenterforExperientialLearning #CEL #WashUOlin #WomenOwned

?? Strategic Sprint Deadline Extended – Apply by 3/24! Join Tomorrow’s Info Session – 4PM in Simon 100?? Don’t miss your chance to participate in this fast-paced, two-week experience, where you’ll help reimagine how Eckert's Country Store and Farms can evolve into a year-round entertainment destination! The winning team will receive $1,500, and the runner-up team will receive $1,000. ALL participants will be designated as CRES Fellows (Center for Research in Economics and Strategy). The strategic sprint is open to all undergraduates. Teams should comprise 4 students, with at least one Junior or Senior Olin student per team. ??More info here: https://lnkd.in/gT4-EGEG ???Spots are limited! Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/gVzV7MFg #CenterforExperientialLearning #CEL #WashUOlin #StrategicSprint

Meet this month’s Scholar Spotlight Jamie Nicholson, a #SBI Scholar. Watch her Q&A to learn more about the book she’s writing, her goals for her last semester at WashU, and her favorite things about #CEL courses. #CenterforExperentialLearning #WashUOlin #ScholarSpotlight? https://lnkd.in/ettd-bia

Celebrate Women’s History Month by supporting women-owned businesses at the upcoming Women’s History Marketplace on Tuesday, March 18! Hosted by WashU Supplier Diversity and Washington University in St. Louis - Olin Business School, this event will showcase 50+ incredible vendors, including some of our very own past and current #CEL clients: ?? Eyeseeme African American Children's Bookstore ?? Rasa Chai ?? Reimagine Resources ?? SendBack ?? The Social Goods Marketplace Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gwpTuCSr We'll see you there! Happy shopping! #CenterforExperientialLearning #CEL #WashUOlin #SupplierDiversity #WomensHistoryMonth

Experiential learning at its best! We love this glimpse behind the scenes of former #MarketingMetrics clients Chiara Munzi and Izzy Gorton with ChiChi.

Recently, members of our CEL #Practicum team working with Nestlé Purina North America had the exciting opportunity to visit Walmart, Target, and PetSmart to gain firsthand insights into the dog treats category. This deep dive into the retail space allowed the team to explore how industry leaders like Purina strategically position their products, execute in-store marketing, and leverage consumer behavior to drive sales and channel strategy. These on-the-ground insights are helping the team shape data-driven recommendations to fuel innovation and growth for Purina treats. From product placements to promotional strategies, the team is actively translating retail observations into impactful strategies. Team members in attendance included Oyeyemi Jolaoye Sonubi, ACA, CBAP??, Isabel Vargas Jaros, Ekechi Kingsley, Refilwe M., & Kalyan Likith. A special thanks to Emma Smith and Roberto Garcia with Purina for joining the site visits and providing valuable insight and guidance along the way! #CenterforExperientialLearning #CEL #WashUOlin #Practicum

If you're looking for a fast-paced, hands-on business challenge, look no further than the Strategic Sprint, where you’ll help reimagine how Eckert's Country Store and Farms can evolve into a year-round entertainment destination! Over a two-week period, you’ll engage in research, strategy development, and client collaboration to deliver actionable recommendations to Eckert's leadership. This experience provides hands-on learning, enhances problem-solving skills, and simulates a professional consulting engagement in a short, intensive format. This strategic sprint is open to all students interested in business strategy, consulting, and experiential learning—no prior experience required. Each team must include at least one Olin junior or senior. ?? ALL participants will be designated as CRES Fellows (Center for Research in Economics and Strategy). The winning team will receive $1,500, while the runner-up team will receive $1,000. ?? Be sure to join us for an info session this Thursday, 3/6 at 4:00 in Simon Hall 100. ??More info here: https://lnkd.in/gT4-EGEG ??? Spots are limited! Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/gVzV7MFg #CenterforExperientialLearning #CEL #StrategicSprint #WashUOlin

On Monday, our #Practicum team leads wrapped up Leadership in the Trenches—a course designed to take their leadership skills to the next level through discussion, hands-on learning, teaching, and 1:1 coaching with an ICF Certified Leadership Coach. A huge thank you to Amy VanEssendelft at the Bauer Leadership Center for her support and to Erik Dane for his incredible teaching! #WashUOlin #CenterforExperientialLearning #Leadership