Employer Resources

for Outdoor Products students

Welcome, employers!

Thank you for being a vital part of the Outdoor Products students’ journey at ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½-Cascades! Your time, energy, and mentorship help shape inclusive and impactful experiences that empower students, and the communities they’ll serve, for years to come!

What is experiential learning?

Experiential learning through internships or jobs provide students with hands-on, real-world experience that complements their academic studies and prepares them for professional success.

By hosting interns, employers gain fresh perspectives, contribute to workforce development, and build meaningful connections with emerging talent.

Internships for Outdoor Products students are generally 120 hours over a term.

10 steps to hosting a student for experiential learning

1. Hosting a student

 

Site initiated

Create a job or intern position description and post the position on Handshake.

Student initiated

If a student contacts your organization about experiential learning, follow the steps below.

2. Double check your organization's requirements

 

Employers interested in hosting ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½-Cascades' interns should review the guidelines, responsibilities, and legal considerations outlined by the Career Development Center. Internships must comply with ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½â€™s employer policies and meet academic standards. ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½-Cascades' Internship Guidelines details expectations for site supervisors and provides contact information for further support.

Learning Agreements

Completed before the internship, in the student approval process via Handshake. 

3. Identify an supervisor for the intern

 

The site should designate at least one supervisor for the student during the internship process that is available to sign paperwork, meet with the student, provide mentorship and feedback on work projects, orientations, and onboarding procedures.

4. Provide relevant projects

 

When hosting an Outdoor Products intern from ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½â€“Cascades, it’s important to align internship activities with both the discipline and the student’s specific interests—such as product design, sustainable manufacturing, supply chain management, or brand strategy. This alignment allows students to apply their academic knowledge in meaningful, real-world contexts while contributing to your organization’s goals. Providing relevant, hands-on experiences supports the development of industry-specific skills and prepares students to become innovative, thoughtful professionals in the outdoor products sector.

5. Provide a workspace

 

It is the responsibility of the site to provide the student with workspace, expectations of work schedule, and office policies of the site.

6. Provide 120 hours within a ten week academic term

 

Outdoor Products students at ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½â€“Cascades complete a minimum of 120 hours of experiential learning, earning 4 academic credits.
These hours can be completed in one term or spread across multiple terms, depending on the internship structure and student availability.

Internship activities should reflect the student’s focus—such as product design, sustainable materials, supply chain logistics, marketing, or brand development. Activities may include attending team meetings, assisting with product development or testing, conducting market research, supporting sustainability initiatives, shadowing professionals, or contributing to design and production processes. These experiences help students apply their academic learning in real-world settings while building essential skills for careers in the outdoor products industry.

7. Meet regularly with the student

 

The supervisor should schedule regular meeting times to meet with the student to check in, provide feedback, discuss activities, and share evaluations. 

8. Provide feedback to the student

 

Most students will be seeking employment after their internship. It is vital that they receive ongoing feedback regarding their performance, skills, and projects.

It is the expectation that students come ready to learn, be flexible, honest, and show integrity.

It is important to show the student what it is like in the day of the job with appropriate supervision.

9. Documentation for the student

 

Students are enrolled in an internship course and must complete assignments, reflections, and a final project that connect their experience to academic goals. These components are required to pass the course and are completed alongside their on-site responsibilities. Supervisors are not responsible for grading but may support the student’s learning by providing context and feedback.

  • Review Student Goals
    Please take time to review the student’s internship learning goals and career aspirations. This helps ensure the experience is aligned with their academic and professional development.

  • Midterm Evaluation
    Complete a brief evaluation midway through the internship to assess the student’s progress, engagement, and areas for growth. This feedback is essential for helping students stay on track and make adjustments if needed.

  • Final Evaluation
    Provide a comprehensive evaluation at the end of the internship that reflects the student’s overall performance, contributions, and professionalism. This final assessment is a key component of the student’s course grade.

  • Approve Student Hours Log
    Please review and verify the student’s internship hours by signing off on their log regularly. This confirmation ensures accurate tracking of time and is required for the student to receive credit for their internship experience.

10. Contact us

 

Contact the Outdoor Products Internship Faculty Advisor, Naomi Morrison, during the internship. 

Contact the Cascades Career Development Center for support in posting a job position or more information about hosting a student intern.