The Importance of Experiential Learning in the Education and Development of Responsible Leaders

Internships form an integral part of experiential learning and can play an important role in shaping future managers and leaders. This article looks at the practices of 25 international organizations across six different industries all located in Switzerland. It evaluates strengths, weaknesses and opportunities in making internships more relevant and powerful for organizations and students. In particular, it suggests an experiential learning model that has been tested and implemented in such an international organization, highlighting the need and opportunity for business schools to frame, accompany and administer structures that enable both students and organizations to maximize their benefits.