Real Experience. Real Impact.
At Poole College, high-impact experiences aren’t just add-ons—they’re a trademark of our commitment to ’empower students for a lifetime of success and impact.’
Research shows that students who participate in high-impact experiences see stronger academic performance, clearer career direction, expanded professional networks and higher job satisfaction.
From study abroad programs to real-world consulting projects, our students gain practical skills that set them apart in the job market.
Our vision is clear: every Poole student should complete at least one high-impact experience before graduation.
We want our students to graduate with a diploma — and a resume.Frank Buckless
Stephen P. Zelnak Jr. Dean
What Makes an Experience High Impact?
High-impact experiences are immersive, hands-on learning opportunities that build skills through reflection, mentorship and collaboration. Key elements include:
Real-World Application
Put theory into practice through hands-on experiences that solve business challenges and build professional skills.
Guided Mentorship
Develop your potential through structured professional and faculty mentors who provide ongoing feedback and career development support.
Teamwork and Collaboration
Learn teamwork through experiences that foster open communication and cross-functional collaboration—driving better business outcomes.

Your Path: Unlimited
At Poole College, high-impact experiences are your pathway to professional growth and personal discovery. Select from experiences as unique as you are—spanning local to global, full-time to flexible—all aligned with your goals, schedule and interests. We offer diverse opportunities across four key engagement areas:
- Career Engagement: Build professional networks through internships, corporate mentorship programs and professional student organizations.
- Scholarly Engagement: Deepen academic knowledge via practicum projects, case studies, research and independent studies.
- Community Engagement: Connect with fellow students through living and learning villages and community-impact projects.
- Global Engagement: Broaden perspectives through study abroad programs, global internships and international exchange programs.
“Taking part in undergraduate research was without a doubt the most rewarding experience during my time at NC State… and allowed me to develop the skills I needed to jump straight into co-founding TSV Analytics after graduation.”
Aiden McCarthy
B.S. Business Administration, ’21
Real Stories, Real Impact: Poole Students in Action
More High-Impact Experience StoriesReady to learn more?
For questions, reach out to Tyler Wiersma, Director of High-Impact Experiences at Poole.
Investing in You
