At Poole College of Management, practicum courses give students the opportunity to put classroom concepts into action. Students have the opportunity to work directly with real clients, solving real business challenges, and gaining valuable professional experience along the way. These hands-on courses help students build confidence, sharpen their skills and discover the impact they can make in their future careers.

Hear from Poole students and faculty about how these experiences are shaping learning beyond the classroom and why taking a practicum course might be one of the most rewarding steps in your academic journey.

“In the Digital Marketing Practice, students design and manage real campaigns in social media, paid search and email,” shared Patrice Nelson, professor of practice in marketing. “Each team runs a three or four-week campaign and concludes the semester with a post-campaign presentation to their client. Clients are thrilled with the creativity and professionalism our students bring, and students leave with the confidence and measurable skills that set them apart in the job market.”

“This program truly differentiates our students,” shares Haley Huie, director of the NC State Entrepreneurship Clinic. “It gives them a head start in their careers and, in many cases, leads to multiple competing offers for their dream jobs. Watching them take what they’ve learned in the classroom and turn it into real-world impact is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.”

Gianna Ciardullo
Business Administration, Marketing Concentration
BUS 463: Sales and Marketing Practicum

Ciardullo enrolled in the Sales and Marketing Practicum to apply classroom learning in a real world business setting and was inspired by Tom Byrnes‘ hands-on approach. Working with an open-minded client allowed her team to take creative risks and see their ideas make an impact.

“This experience gave me lasting confidence in my skills and reminded me that growth happens when you step outside of your comfort zone,” said Ciardullo. Her advice to others considering a practicum course: “Take the practicum. It’s one of the most transformative experiences at Poole.”

Hunter Carlson
Accounting
ACC 452: Accounting Practicum

Carlson hadn’t initially planned to take a practicum course, but after a professor’s recommendation, he decided to give it a try and found it to be one of his most rewarding experiences.

“My biggest takeaway was the real-world experience,” he shared. “I learned how to manage deadlines, work with clients and collaborate on a team of accountants while reporting to a supervisor. It gave me a true sense of what it’s like to work in the field.”

Carlson encourages other students to go for it. “Do it for the experience,” he said. “It was amazing to be part of a team and to experience a class that took me outside of Nelson.”

The following practicum courses are being offered during the spring 2026 semester and require an application prior to an enrollment decision:

• ACC 452: Accounting Practicum
• BUS 449: Information Technology Capstone
• BUS 463: Sale and Marketing Practicum
• BUS 469: Digital Marketing Practicum
• BUS 479: Supply Chain Management Practicum
• MIE 418: Social Entrepreneurship Practicum
• MIE 419: Entrepreneurship Practicum
• MIE 439: Management Practicum (Human Resources)