When SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. visited Alfred University's New York State College of Ceramics this summer, the focus wasn't on classrooms, grades, or test scores. Instead, the conversation centered on something that often has the greatest impact on students' futures: experience. From paid internships in ceramic art studios to faculty-mentored engineering research projects, King's visit highlighted the opportunities Alfred students have to apply what they're learning long before graduation. And for many students, those experiences are helping shape career goals, build professional skills, and uncover new passions.
SUNY has established a goal that every undergraduate student participates in a high-quality internship, research project, or other experiential learning opportunity before graduating. At Alfred's New York State College of Ceramics, students have multiple ways to do exactly that through programs such as the Summer Ceramic Internship Program and the Engineering Summer Research Program.
During his visit, King met with students spending their summer gaining hands-on experience rather than heading home after the semester ended. He emphasized the value these opportunities provide for career preparation and professional growth.
"Internship opportunities are drivers of upward mobility that give our students the opportunity to gain hands-on job training that will prepare them for future careers," King said during the visit.
