Experiential Learning
At Gies College of Business, experiential learning isn’t a single program or course, it’s at the heart of everything we do. From your first semester to graduation, you’ll engage in action-based learning that mirrors the real business world.
Whether you’re analyzing markets in a finance course, developing a startup through the Origin Ventures Office of Entrepreneurship, or presenting strategy recommendations to real clients with the Disruption Lab, you’ll connect theory to practice in every stage of your Gies Business education.
Experiential learning at every stage
At Gies College of Business, experiential learning is woven into every degree program and every year of study. Undergraduate and graduate students engage in real, client-based projects that grow in depth and complexity over time–connecting classroom learning to real business challenges.
Undergraduate cohort sequence
Every undergraduate student participates in the “01” sequence: a four-year, hands-on learning experience that connects purpose, professionalism, and practical business application that reinforces real-world learning.
Graduate consulting projects
Graduate students engage in client-based consulting projects that apply advanced business knowledge to real organizational challenges. These hands-on experiences deepen expertise and build professional confidence.
Experiential learning spaces
Experiential learning comes to life in dedicated spaces designed for teamwork, collaboration, and client engagement. Intentionally built project spaces give students a professional environment to work with teams.
Explore all our experiential learning opportunities
From global programs to hands-on academies, explore experiential learning opportunities that allow you to apply what you learn and build skills that matter.
Illinois Business Consulting
Illinois Business Consulting (IBC) is the largest student-run, professionally managed consulting organization in the US with more than 260 members. With IBC, students gain real-world, project-based consulting experience and clients get access to an experienced, interdisciplinary team of students who can deliver maximum results for their business.
EntreCorps
Part of the Origin Ventures Office of Entrepreneurship, EntreCorps is a student-based pro-bono growth and innovation consulting firm that provides startups with innovative, strategic, research-backed business decisions. Cross-campus expertise is brought together to create entrepreneurial solutions for clients, ranging from early-stage ventures to innovation-driving groups within Fortune 500 companies.
Disruption Lab
The Disruption Lab prepares students to lead through rapid change by tackling real-world business disruption alongside faculty and industry partners. Powered by innovative thinking, emerging technologies, and a partnership with EY US, the Lab equips future leaders to challenge the status quo and build what’s next.
Global Opportunities
At Gies Business, classrooms extend beyond their four walls. We offer short-term and semester-long programs at top universities around the world, as well as international internships that immerse students in real-world experiences and prepare them to compete and lead in a global business environment.
Academies
Gies Academies offer immersive, experiential learning opportunities that allow students to explore specialized areas of business in depth. Guided by faculty and industry leaders, students gain advanced knowledge and apply it to real-world challenges – building practical skills, professional insight, and career readiness along the way.
The Magelli Office of Experiential Learning
The Magelli Office of Experiential Learning underscores Gies’ commitment to hands-on education by embedding real-world, client-based projects throughout the curriculum. Working closely with faculty and industry partners, the office ensures students gain meaningful experience that prepares them to add value from day one.
Who is the office named after?
The Magelli Office of Experiential Learning honors Paul J. Magelli, a respected faculty member, mentor, and advocate for hands-on education at the University of Illinois, synonymous with applied and real-world learning. Paul earned three degrees in economics from Illinois - a bachelor’s in 1959, a master’s in 1960, and a PhD in 1965. In 1995, he founded the Office for the Study of Business Issues, which evolved into Illinois Business Consulting (IBC). Later, he helped establish what is now the Origin Ventures Academy for Entrepreneurial Leadership, continuing his mission to provide transformative, real-world learning opportunities for students. Paul’s legacy continues to shape the Gies Business experience, inspiring students to become innovative, ethical, and purpose-driven leaders.
How do companies get involved with experiential learning projects?
Companies can partner with the Magelli Office of Experiential Learning to gain actionable insights in areas such as market analysis, financial modeling, strategy, and technology application – while helping shape the next generation of business leaders.
To get started, visit our Student Consulting Projects page to schedule a consultation or explore examples of past projects.
What do students say about experiential learning at Gies?
Students consistently point to experiential learning as a defining part of the Gies experience. 93% say they apply course content in real-world contexts, 94% report stronger problem-solving, teamwork, and storytelling skills, and 95% say these experiences give them a better story to tell recruiters.