If you are new to UW-Stout, our Polytechnic Advantage comes down to a simple equation:
Applied Learning & Research + Career-Focused Experiences + Collaboration with Business & Industry = 99% of our graduates are employed or continuing education.
Hands-on, technology-driven, industry-inspired learning has been at the core of the UW-Stout experience for decades, but how does it impact our students’ education and success? We asked the 2023 graduating class what polytechnic means to them and how it prepared them for their dream careers.
Applied Learning & Research
Through a hands-on learning environment, students say their education connected them with the experiences and employers that will empower them to lead the future of their field. Students are taught by industry-experienced faculty and instructors in labs and studios that outnumber traditional classrooms by three to one.
Dylan LaFontaine
B.S. Information & Communication Technology; B.S. Digital Marketing Technology; Spanish Minor"Polytechnic, in my mind, means 'hands-on' and experiential learning. This means using labs unique to the Stout campus; examples include the Graphics/Printing lab, Photography Studios, and having three times as many labs as classrooms. The second part of 'polytechnic' is having that experiential learning. For me, I was fortunate to intern as a Web Developer with Colony Brands during Summer and Fall of 2022. I put my digital marketing and web development skills to the test, by updating client-facing websites with my web development colleagues. I was also exposed to other areas of my digital marketing department including web merchandising, credit risk, and data analytics. This was a very fulfilling and rewarding experience. In all, Stout's 'polytechnic' aspect means both using hands-on labs and state-of-the-art facilities, in addition to having industry experience before graduation. Both components were very fulfilling and enjoyable for me in my time here."
Luke Langefels
B.S. Applied Mathematics (Computer Science Concentration)"Polytechnic means hands-on experience with real-world scenarios with enterprise equipment. Instead of just learning the theory, the theory is taken and practiced in labs with a practical scenario. It had a very positive impact on my college experience as I was able to learn so much more by doing rather than just learning theory."
Noah Wingo
B.S. Technology Education"Polytechnic to me means that the school is advanced and inclusive for technology, especially vocational education courses. My major specifically was impacted majorly as most of the classes I took that were major-specific were hands-on courses like welding, woods, electric, plastics, etc..."
Career-Focused Experiences
Discovering your career path is an adventure, and UW-Stout students say they were provided with opportunities and resources to find and follow their passions. Students develop critical thinking, complex problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills in technology-driven environments that prepare them for success during and after their college careers.
Tyler Weiss
B.S. Computer Science"Polytechnic to me involves being able to learn multiple different technical topics as opposed to only focusing on one specific topic. This mindset has led me to be more self-motivated within my classes so that I may be able to intake as much knowledge as possible that pertains to my field of study."
Melanie Hennes
B.S. Special Education"Polytechnic means that there is a variety of options and career paths to take with the proper supports needed to be successful. I think that going to a polytechnic school was great because I was able to make friends with people of many different majors and backgrounds and I was also able to have many teaching experiences via internships and practicums."
Collaboration with Business & Industry
On day one students experience labs with state-of-the-art equipment that is used in their industry. UW-Stout students say they have set themselves apart by gaining practical, professional experience in real-world settings through an internship or co-op before graduation.
Anna Brooks
B.S. Applied Science (Biology Concentration)"Polytechnic means that the skills one achieves at Stout are easily transferable to real-life research and day-to-day operations. When I entered the college 3 years ago, I would never fathom dissecting and presenting cadavers to other like-minded curious students. I would have never imagined that in a biology laboratory, I would be conducting real genetic research and presenting it at competitive conferences. In both of the internships I have had so far, I have realized that the practical knowledge we acquire at Stout is inspired by the standards of the industry. Not only did the polytechnic education open a million doors for my future, but also expanded my view of the world as a system of many moving parts that work together in an astoundingly impressive way."
Nathan Campbell
B.S. Manufacturing Engineering"To me polytechnic means not only in-depth study and research but also hands on training focusing on technological skills. Not only do I have the knowledge to speak and advise on subjects I've been taught but also the self-confidence to physically perform the task or operation. In turn I understand more on the task since having to physically train for it."
