I took a LEAP...will you?

At the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, faculty and staff members strive to improve learning and teaching—aligned with the Liberal Education and America’s Promise program. LEAP aims to provide an education that emphasizes skills in critical thinking, writing, speaking and understanding the world at large.


As a first-generation student, I didn’t know what to expect when I was accepted to UW-Whitewater. Throughout my four years as a student on campus, I have received a well-rounded education and participated in internships that have prepared me for the real world.

Preparation for work after graduation began during my first university-sponsored internship experience with UW-W Dining Services. This internship laid out the framework for an educational experience, including expectations, goal-setting and evaluation.

My supervisor developed elevated expectations for me, similar to those of hiring managers in the job market I wanted to pursue—she went above and beyond to make sure I achieved what I had set out to accomplish. She got to know me on a personal level. My supervisor learned my skills and background to better provide and guide the learning experience. Near graduation, she also provided possible career path options, tailored to my interests.

UW-W Dining Services focused on my academic plan, and provided me with an opportunity and the tools needed to be successful. I was encouraged to explore new ideas, share my vision and implement strategies. At UW-W Dining Services, I shared a purpose of continuous improvement with the company in a professional development environment.

Responsibility was one of the main skills I learned during my internship with UW-W Dining Services. My supervisor was there to guide me through diverse learning situations, but I was responsible for getting the most out of the internship experience. In addition, UW-W Dining Services helped me understand the role I play within the organization. I may not have the highest-ranking official title in the organization, but I know how my influence has grown since the start. I have developed a voice, and am heard throughout the organization.

As I near graduation, another student will fill my position for the upcoming semester. I will be given the opportunity to mentor this student, by providing support and transition assistance for them. In this leadership/mentor role, I will be able to share the knowledge that I learned through the same experience that they are about to take on.

To finish, there are numerous reasons why I would recommend an experience like mine to students. In particular, UW-W Dining Services was able to take what I had learned in the classroom, and transform that into real-world job experience. I developed those communication, problem-solving and critical thinking skills that future employers are looking for—that alone makes this experience invaluable.

--Rachel Appner

We want to hear from you! For those students that work with UW-W Dining Services, how have we helped you further pursue your career goals? Contact Ann Wick at wicka@uww.edu if you would like to share how you took a LEAP with UW-W Dining Services!