CLD 497 Professional Practicum
This capstone course is a cooperative educational program between Community and Leadership Development majors and approved community sponsors who furnish facilities and instruction that help students acquire the skills and knowledge required in their chosen field. The primary purpose of this practicum course is to place each CLD senior in a professional setting where they can integrate their knowledge gained in the classroom with professional experience.
Students complete 150 hours over the course of 15 weeks. By working on a project under supervision by a professional, students are expected to gain valuable skills to succeed in their chosen career. Ultimately, this is a dually beneficial relationship; community relations are strengthened, while students have an opportunity to build relationships and networks that could encourage future career development.
Every effort is made to find a placement that is a good fit for both the student and community sponsor. Both are asked to communicate their expectations for the experience, and pairings are made based on skills desired by sponsors and knowledge to be gained by students. Community sponsors represent a varied group of industries from around the area in both the public and private sector.
This course is offered only in the spring semester. Students who plan to graduate in May, August or December must complete this course in spring.
Prerequisite: Major standing in CLD; senior standing.
