University at Buffalo (UB)
The State University
of New York
School of Management
Make a Gift  Give to the School of Management
Contact Us  Contact people and departments in the School of Management
Alumni  Office of Alumni and External Engagement
Apply  Apply to a School of Management degree program

Internship and Experiential Learning Snapshot

As the School of Management strives toward 100% student participation in experiential learning, a cross-functional team has embarked on a tracking process that captures current levels of engagement while providing data for future planning. Understanding where we are now is a great first step towards reaching this significant goal.

How We Define Experiential Learning

Experiential Learning (EL) is an action-oriented educational approach that empowers students to learn by doing, while applying classroom knowledge and critical reflection. EL connects theory and practice through hands-on experiences like internships, projects, research, global programs and leadership opportunities, leading to deeper understanding, self-awareness, critical thinking and skill development. These real-world experiences can be embedded in courses or may stand alone and are intended to enhance learning and professional development while preparing students for successful future endeavors.

Our EL opportunities include, but are not limited to:

  • Internships, credit-bearing and non-credit
  • Externships
  • Fellowships with EL components
  • Global study
  • Independent research
  • Leadership and community service
  • Project-based learning and courses
  • Student club engagement

Reported Internships Per Semester

The following numbers represent approved internships reported in BizLink by School of Management students across class levels.

Internship reports by semester and credit-bearing status. Of 318 total internships, 211 were credit-bearing and 107 were non-credit. This represents a 15 percent year-over-year increase.

Summer 2025

125 total

Fall 2025

68 total

Spring 2026

125 total

Total

318 total
One hundred percent of MBA students meet the internship requirement. Students may complete an approved internship, satisfy the requirement through an approved experiential alternative, or receive a waiver based on incoming management experience.

Of MBA students meet the internship requirement

Completed an Approved Internship

Students gain applied, real-world experience through a university-approved internship placement.

Fellowships, Global Study, Projects Clinic or Center Engagement

Students meet the requirement through approved experiential alternatives to a traditional internship.

Waived Based on Incoming Management Experience

Students who enter the program with existing management experience are granted a waiver.

Internships by Career Field

Pie chart titled “Internships by Career Field.” Finance accounts for the largest share at 23%, followed by marketing and sales at 20%, accounting at 15%, general management at 11%, operations and logistics at 7%, human resources at 6%, data analytics at 4%, MIS at 3%, consulting at 2%, and healthcare management at 2%.

Student Skills

Skills Our Students Demonstrate

Internship employers rate their student interns using NACE competencies. UB School of Management students are meeting or exceeding expectations as employers rate them favorably.

NACE Competency Students rated “very good” or “outstanding” 
Adaptability 95%
Teamwork 94%
Diversity and Global Mindset 94%
Critical Thinking 89%
Results Orientation 88%
Verbal and Interpersonal 86%
Written Communication 86%
Time Management 85%

Skills Most Requested by Employers

  1. Data analytics
  2. Communication
  3. Critical thinking

Technical Skills Requested

Number 1 top requested skill is Excel.

Excel remains the number one technical skill requested by employers, along with Chat GPT, Gemini, Google Workspace, Power BI, Python, Lotus Notes, Microsoft 365, SAP, SQL, Tableau.

How Students Found Their Internship

Pie chart showing how 318 University at Buffalo students reported finding their internships. Personal contacts such as family, friends, and peers were the most common source at 20%, followed by LinkedIn or other online networking at 19%, BizLink at 15%, CRC or UB campus events at 13%, faculty or professional referrals at 13%, company websites at 10%, BullsEye powered by Handshake at 8%, and other sources at 2%.

Internships Lead to Real Opportunities

58%
of employers retained
their interns for additional semesters
27%
of employers offered
full-time jobs
as a result of their internships.

Internships are more than temporary, they are a pathway to what’s next.

"I’m so proud of our intern and the incredible impact she’s made. She quickly became a valued member of our team, contributing to several key strategic initiatives that will continue to drive our business forward. Her positive attitude and natural ability to build strong cross-functional relationships have made a lasting impression."
Alejandra Alcaraz, Product Manager
Rich Products

"My experience with the CRC team and the program was excellent. Overall, the support, communication and structure of the internship experience have been very positive and helpful in allowing me to grow professionally."
 Olivia Pellicane, HR Undergraduate Student

Internship Partners

43 North Logo.
Deloitte logo.
M&T Bank logo.
Kaleida Health Logo.
Western New York Women's Foundation logo.
Buffalo Games and Puzzles Logo.
CTBK logo.
Buffalo-Toronto Public Media logo.
MOOG Logo.
Nissha Medical Technologies logo.
Edwards logo.
Techbuffalo logo.

Highlights from the 2025 Undergraduate Experiential Learning Survey

1,264 responses (second-year undergrads, junior and seniors)

Experiential Learning at the UB School of Management includes internships (credit and non-credit bearing), externships, project-based courses and learning, fellowships, global study, independent research, leadership and community service and active club engagement.

Students Hard at Work

Sixty-nine percent of all undergraduates work part-time jobs while in school. This includes 64 percent of sophomore respondents, 68 percent of junior respondents and 76 percent of senior respondents.

Undergraduates
worked part-time jobs

while in school

Second-year undergrads

Juniors

Seniors

Undergraduate Experiential Learning Participation Snapshot

Seventy-five percent of undergraduate students reported experiential learning activity excluding part-time work. Ninety-one percent reported experiential learning activity including part-time employment. Thirty-two percent of undergraduates participated in internships.

Undergraduate
students
reported EL activity

excluding part-time work

Undergraduate
students
reported EL activity

including part-time
employment

Undergraduates
reported an
internship