Hands-On Experience
Learn, grow, reflect.
Not every business situation can be replicated in the classroom. The Office of Student Engagement fosters a sense of community by connecting students and serving as a resource for support and academic advisement.
Our hands-on, experiential learning opportunities help you gain new perspectives and real-world experience that are about more than just sharpening your skills—they’ll enable you to reflect, internalize, and grow in your abilities and confidence.
International Immersions
From Johannesburg to São Paulo, Simon Immersions offer firsthand experience in the global economy and a look inside both established and emerging ventures.
Through coursework, conversations with government and business leaders, and hands-on activities, you'll access people and spaces you can only unlock as part of the Simon community —gaining life-changing insight and expanding your understanding of what it means to do business globally. Learn more about international learning.
Project-Based Courses
Make an impact while at Simon. You can help a local nonprofit, work with a small startup to attract a new market segment, or help a larger company look at their core business differently. Simon gives you the opportunity to truly make a difference.
Client-based projects provide immense value for both Simon students and the organizations they serve. If your organization is interested in learning more about sponsoring a Simon Business School project, please visit this link for more information.
Case Competitions
Case competitions are more than contests—they’re immersive learning experiences where students tackle real business challenges. Compete alongside your peers and build on Simon’s winning tradition as you analyze complex problems, craft strategic solutions, and present to expert panels.
Open to all club members, these competitions sharpen skills in collaboration, critical thinking, and agile problem solving—preparing you to make an impact from day one.
Vision Consulting
Simon Vision Consulting connects Simon graduate students with Rochester-area professionals through short-term, high-impact consulting projects.
Students apply their coursework and prior experience to help businesses tackle real challenges, offering fresh perspectives and actionable insights. Vision teams draw on diverse backgrounds and Simon’s analytical strength to deliver everything from financial plans to go-to-market strategies.
Meliora Fund
Managed by a team of MBA and MS students and members of the Simon Finance and Investment Club, the Simon Meliora Fund is invested in various sectors from healthcare and finance to energy and Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (TMT).
The Fund's mission is to provide a forum for students to gain insight into investment selection and portfolio management through hands-on learning. It also provides funds for the current and future support of Simon Business School.
AIN Center
Simon offers an Entrepreneurship concentration within the MBA program for students interested in launching startups or managing small businesses. As interest in entrepreneurship grows, so does our commitment to supporting future business owners.
Students gain hands-on skills in areas like business planning, financing, and intellectual property. Through the Ain Center for Entrepreneurship and local partnerships, Simon connects students to real-world experiences in entrepreneurial settings.
Simon School Venture Fund
Simon School Venture Fund (SSVF) is an early-stage seed fund managed by MBA and MS students. Supported by alumni donations, this evergreen fund provides students with hands-on experience in venture capital, private equity, and entrepreneurship. Guided by an advisory board of VCs, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals, students gain real-world insights by participating in pitch presentations, investment decisions, and portfolio monitoring. Learn more.
Real-World Learning
Simon curriculum goes beyond the classroom. Through hands-on learning experiences, students tackle real-world business challenges and strengthen the skills employers value most. You’ll apply your analytical training in immersive settings, broaden your global perspective, and sharpen your leadership through project work, consulting engagements, and internships—all designed to prepare you for a fast-changing business environment.
Simon Treks
Simon Treks connect students with top companies and industry leaders. Trips like the Silicon Valley Tech Trek and New York City Treks give students access to alumni, recruiters, and real-world settings in finance, tech, and marketing. In a typical year, more than 200 alumni and recruiters participate in Treks and corporate tours across the country. In recent years, students have visited the offices of leading companies such as Microsoft, Condé Nast, PayPal, Adobe, Salesforce, and many more.