Students in Associate Professor of Management Dr. Gökhan Eğilmez’s Business Analytics class worked with the Women’s Foundation of Greater St. Louis in a service-learning project with real-world applications.

Every year, WFSTL surveys partner organizations to evaluate workplace conditions. For their service-learning project, Lindenwood students were tasked with pulling data from the past six surveys and determining conclusions. The students then presented their findings which were sent for WFSTL’s use.

This project was the first-time studying data collected outside of the classroom and presenting with a practical use for William Talbot, a junior with a double major in finance and sport management. Talbot said, “this project allowed me to see data from a real company and then interpret it on my own instead of just being given to me in the book. We got research and looked at the data to make our own conclusions.” Talbot found a new challenge in being given a blank slate for his group to draw their own conclusions. Talbot added, “we ended up enjoying the work that we did. We started from scratch, and we ended up with a really good presentation in my opinion. We all learned a lot.”

For Eğilmez, Talbot’s experience was exactly what the project was intended to provide. “Service-learning projects enrich student experiences by integrating academic knowledge with real-world applications, fostering the development of adaptable problem solvers and analytical thinkers. These projects enhance critical thinking and collaboration, making students effective communicators and ethical decision makers when they are challenged by formulating solutions to such community issues” Eğilmez said.

The opportunity to work with WFSTL was also eye-opening to Nina Fay, a marketing major who recently began her first corporate marketing job. Fay said, “I have always grown up wanting to be the best and I can become, a chairwoman somewhere or just working my way up the corporate ladder in getting to where I want to be. Working with the Women's Foundation of St. Louis really opens your eyes to all the things that are possible for women.“

Describing how this connection to the community demonstrates the attributes of a successful Lindenwood graduate, Eğilmez said, "by engaging with diverse communities, students become global advocates and responsible citizens, promoting civic responsibility and social awareness. The hands-on experience gained through these projects boosts career readiness and motivation, encouraging students to be lifelong learners.”

Eğilmez believes the real experience of service-learning is an effective way to immerse Lindenwood students in their coursework. “Tackling real-world challenges helps them build resilience, adaptability, and a stronger connection between coursework and meaningful impact, making their education more engaging and fulfilling,” he shared.