Steven, All great points - you're right that sometimes a new perspective is helpful in business! Ideally, the leadership of a given company will listen to new ideas and learn from them... Dr. James Willis III

Amy, This is a great analysis! You bring up a great point: it's important to train tomorrow's leaders with the best of what we know today. This is an outstanding point! Dr. James Willis III

Ellie, This is very well stated! You are very right that the challenges of the actual practice (as opposed to theory in a classroom) are often the most "teachable moments." Great point! Dr. James Willis III

Angela, This is a great point; oftentimes in these situations, both teachers and students may learn from each other. For some, the supervisory experience is beneficial, while for others learning the skills in the workplace is most helpful. The good thing about internships is that everyone benefits! Dr. James Willis III

Sonja, You bring up a great point with the "why" comment. Oftentimes this is hard / impossible to explain in the classroom, whereas it becomes quite clear in the workplace. Putting learning into practice when it counts is a tremendous answer to the "why"! Dr. James Willis III

Tralanda, Great point! Experiential learning is a very important component of education, especially when the skills are needed outside of the classroom in a direct way. Great point! Dr. James Willis III

Francis, You bring up some great points here, especially from a direct point-of-view. You're very right to point out the value of mentoring because those types of relationships be the determination of success or failure for a student who is in the process of becoming a professional. Great point! Dr. James Willis III

Luis, This is a great point - you're right that employers are able to instill good or desirable traits in their interns and, hopefully, future employees! Dr. James Willis III

James, You make many excellent points here! I think one thing that resonates well is the bit about 'true colors.' Sometimes the pressures of the workplace bring out the best - and worst - in people. So, for employers it's good to get a "test run" of someone's demeanor and attitude, and it's good for students to learn how to cope with the demands expected of them. Dr. James Willis III

Paula, You're right to connect these ideas. I think all too often students have an attitude of "why do I need to learn this??" while we, as instructors, know exactly why they need to know it. Great point! Dr. James Willis III