Why have learning outcomes? 

Learning outcomes are helpful tools that allow us to think critically about our experiences to harness the most growth and development from them. Learning outcomes ask us to be active in our work, not passive, and to consider how the skills we gain will benefit our future selves. By working in tandem with CAS' Core Competencies, these learning outcomes aim to connect the impact between experiential learning and academic, personal, and professional growth. 

The Learning Outcomes for CAS’ Internship & Experiential Learning Programs are divided into two categories: professional development/socialization, and the application of liberal arts competencies in professional environments. Understanding how to function in a variety of professional contexts and the ability to apply the critical thinking, writing, and reasoning skills gained from a liberal arts education are vital to the success of CAS students later in life.

Professional Skills & Self Development:

Students will…

  • … be accountable for individual and team responsibilities and deliverables.
  • … exercise the ability to compromise and problem solve with involved parties.
  • … understand the various tools of communication (i.e., meeting vs. email, paragraph vs. bullet points, etc.) and how to utilize these appropriately in the workplace.
  • … show an awareness of their own strengths and areas for development, as well as the many careers available to them as students educated in the liberal arts tradition.
  • … be able to articulate the strengths of a liberal arts education (as well as their specific major) on resumes and applications.

Application of Liberal Arts Core Competencies in Professional Environments:

Students will…

  • … gather information from diverse and reliable sources and accurately summarize and interpret data while applying critical thinking skills (Analytical & Critical Thinking).
  • … apply previous or current academic knowledge/skills into their work; and, when applicable, apply skills learned in the workplace to their academic life (Information & Digital Literacy).
  • … be able to assess and articulate how their own identities intersect with their career interest area(s) and future professional goals (Intercultural/Global Fluency).
  • … be able to acknowledge and account for diversity in the workplace, and advocate for equitable practices, justice, and the full inclusion of historically marginalized communities (Ethical Reasoning & Decision Making).
  • … build an awareness of how communities impact individuals, and how, in turn, individuals impact, serve, and shape those communities (Active Citizenship & Community Engagement).

Learn more about CAS' Core Competencies

Questions? Get in touch with the CAS Internship team.