Performance Learning

While most top business schools offer internships and other applied learning experiences, we stretch and deepen such opportunities. We call our approach "performance learning" because it requires students to perform (deliver results) in a real business setting even as they are learning by doing. What distinguishes our approach from many others is its integrated three-part structure. Students (1) learn theoretical frameworks, and they (2) apply these in real-world situations that demand results. Throughout the process, (3) experts provide them with continuous feedback, which they integrate into their understanding of the framework and its application.

We offer abundant performance-learning opportunities. The longest are generally internships. One significant difference at the Johnson School is the way that our students prepare for these; most undertake immersions (or equivalent individually-developed concentrations) during the second semester of the first year. Thus, they enter their internships exceptionally well prepared.

Other performance-learning opportunities include consulting projects and leadership of "clubs" (our low-profile name for an astonishing range of activities) and projects. Of particular note, student managers of the Cayuga MBA Fund are responsible for managing this hedge fund; BR Ventures managers fund new growth businesses, BR Incubator consultants provide critical advice to start-ups, BR Legal ensures delivery of legal advice to entrepreneurs through Cornell Law, and students manage several speakers series, and major events like the Business Idea Competition and Stock Pitch Event. Park Fellows "repay" the school for their tuition and living stipends by independently undertaking extensive projects to benefit the school and/or the community. The list goes on and on?!