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Exploreships™

Try new things and test the outcome. That is what an Exploreship Journey is all about.

What are Exploreships?

Legends grab as many real-world, experiences as they can to learn.

You’ll do the same at Simpson. Exploreships put you in the center of many robust experiences to deepen your interests, define your career path and practice skills so you’re ready for anything.  

Experiencing the world is the best way to learn. Experience more. Experience often. Experience better.

  • Exploreships are tailored to every student. We have faculty and staff dedicated to guiding you on your own Exploreship Journey. 
  • Pick your own journey. Look at the tiles below and see what interests you and what supports your goals the best. Then, start a conversation with us. Let’s start planning! 
  • We have a lot of examples to share ... some close to home with roots tied to local civic engagement and some that are ambitious and take students across the globe. It’s up to you!

Simpson Gets You There

Studying abroad in Tahiti isn’t typical – but you can do it at Simpson! Erin, a triple major, signed up and had amazing experiences that changed her life. She interned for the U.S. Consulate, made lifelong friends, saw the world from a different perspective and identified a problem that needed solving. She went on to intern at Earthjustice (the largest nonprofit environmental law firm) and has a job offer before she graduates. Go Erin!

INTERNSHIP TIP 1: Positioning yourself as a hardworking, reliable worker puts you in good standing for full-time hiring consideration.

INTERNSHIP TIP 2: Be proactive in your work, pay attention to detail, listen and take criticism, and volunteer for special projects.

INTERNSHIP TIP 3: You’ll meet the first people in your professional network. Keep in touch with them.

EXPLORESHIP JOURNEYS

You are passionate about what you want to study for a reason. Let that drive you. Immerse yourself in as many real-world, hands-on learning experiences as possible. Try new things, push and practice your skills. 

Each Exploreship Journey is unique. 
Mix & match any of the following to create your own journey.

Internship

Career-shaping opportunities with companies large and small in Des Moines and beyond. Intern early and often to get ahead.

Field Experience

Work on and off campus to answer big-picture questions that matter in the real world.

Trying New Things

Test theory. Test models. Build leadership and essential power skills.

Advanced Career Practice

Already have a job and want to practice the skills you are learning in class with your current employer? Chair a committee, propose a study or provide a new theory to enhance operations for example. 

Undergraduate Assistantship

More than a work-study assignment. Embrace a leadership role as a valuable member of the campus community. Work side-by-side with faculty and mentor your peers.

Service Learning

Make a difference by connecting your talents with community needs. AmeriCorps, Habitat for Humanity or a Wesley Service Scholarship to name a few!

Study Abroad

Each year study abroad opportunities and locations change. There is always a new location or culture to explore.

Research

Collaborate. Make a difference. Ask big questions. Find real answers. Examples include: DNA Origami, Ethics of Healthcare, restoration of prairies or farmers to improve agricultural practices to name a few!

May Term Trip

Travel near or far to put your education to work. Previous trips have included Washington D.C., Denver, Dallas, New York, San Francisco, Chicago, London, Milan, China, Israel, Rwanda, Ecuador and Thailand. The destinations go on and on.

Explore & Grow

Study abroad to expand your understanding of the world, learn to appreciate other cultures, look at your own culture with a fresh perspective and gain a new sense of self-confidence. Led by professors and open to all students regardless of major. Go to Chile, Germany, Tahiti and beyond! 

 

LEADERSHIP SKILLS MATTER

During an Exploreship, you’ll learn firsthand there are different types of leadership skills needed for different purposes. Mentoring and guiding, team building and collaboration, directing to bring a vision to reality and being a role model ... experience them all at SC.

RESEARCH BENEFIT 1: Understanding the research process, how to work on problems, developing skills to interpret results and the ability to analyze data.

RESEARCH BENEFIT 2: Understanding that assertions require supporting evidence and understanding how knowledge is constructed.

RESEARCH BENEFIT 3: Learning to work independently, gaining self-confidence and building a tolerance for obstacles.

Alumni Agree

  • “Best decision I’ve ever made.”
  • “The best faculty and staff!”
  • “SC made me who I am today.”
  • “SC stretched me as an individual.”
  • “The most wonderful years of my life.”
  • “Professors cared about me.”
  • “The ultimate college experience.”
  • “I made lifelong friends, who I cherish.”
  • “My time abroad changed my whole world.”

SERVICE LEARNING HAS POSITIVE OUTCOMES FOR EVERYONE INVOLVED.

Students, faculty and community partners – it’s a win-win!

Students Win:

SERVICE LEARNING in and out of the classroom can benefit you academically, personally and professionally. For example:

  • Act on beliefs and values
  • Develop critical thinking  skills
  • Develop problem-solving skills
  • Grow understanding of diverse cultures
  • Learn about social issues and their causes
  • Connect with community members 
  • Test out your skills, interests and values in a potential career path

Faculty Win:

SERVICE LEARNING can benefit faculty by influencing how they construct their class and how they teach curriculum. For example:

  • Encourage interactive teaching methods
  • Add new insights to class discussions
  • Lead new avenues for research
  • Help develop students’ leadership skills
  • Provide networking opportunities
  • Provide firsthand knowledge of community issues

Communities Win:

SERVICE LEARNING can benefit communities and community members by adding additional human resources to achieve organizational goals. For example:

  • Increase public awareness of key issues
  • Connecting with youth 
  • Prepare today’s students to be future civic leaders
  • Add new energy, enthusiasm in support of organizational goals
  • Add new perspectives in support of organization goals