Last week, three Digital Corps students attended the IU Assessment Institute and presented on the opportunities within the Corps.  

Through the voices of Saige Chandler, Hailey Vrolyk, and Laura Latham, it was clear that the Corps is not just a workplace, but a hub for learning, professional development, and impactful projects. 

As Saige shared, “We highlighted the uniqueness of the Digital Corps and how it offers immersive experiences beyond the classroom for students.” This sentiment resonated with attendees, who expressed excitement to hear from Corps students.

Each student emphasized the immersive nature of the Corps, from soft skills training to real-world collaboration on complex projects. 

Hailey explained the structure and professional development focus. “We highlighted our discipline-specific training for the first semester and the interdisciplinary collaboration that follows once we are on projects.” Her experience emphasized the value of learning to communicate across disciplines, a skill that prepares Corps members for success post-graduation. 

The presentation not only showcased these aspects but left a lasting impression on faculty and educators, with one attendee stating it was “the best session of the day,” making the students feel valued and accomplished.

For Laura, the experience highlighted how student voices are shaping educational perspectives. She discussed the hiring and training processes within the Corps, reflecting on how it nurtures professional growth through mentoring and certification opportunities. “Speaking at a conference about something that I am really passionate about was so amazing,” Laura explained. Her reflections captured the impact of student involvement, revealing how much educators value the perspectives of those who are actively benefiting from the programs they build. 

Across the presentations, students saw how unique the Digital Corps is compared to similar programs nationwide. 

“This experience really showed not only the uniqueness of the Corps but also how advanced we have become in comparison to schools across the country,” Hailey shared. “The chance to engage with professionals opened my eyes to the admiration others had for the Corps’ structure, with attendees even reaching out to the Digital Corps’ director to express their appreciation.”

This conference experience exemplified how their work at the Digital Corps is not only shaping their futures but also influencing the future of higher education. As Saige, Hailey, and Laura each expressed, they left the conference not only proud of their accomplishments but also motivated to continue making an impact. For them, the Corps is an invaluable part of their academic journey, allowing them to bridge the gap between the classroom and professional readiness in ways that can prepare them for success!