SUNY Oneonta Student Alina Cepeda Completes Experiential Learning Project

SUNY Oneonta student Alina Cepeda, of Middletown, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Interning at Gotham City Outpost."

Throughout the calendar year, SUNY Oneonta students put their classroom knowledge into action as they complete a wide range of experiential learning projects across every academic discipline. Whether studying fashion trends, conducting biological research, analyzing historical archives, working in professional accounting settings or participating in community-based fieldwork, students are gaining real-world experience that prepares them for career success.

These opportunities are supported through the university's Experiential Learning Center, located on the main floor of the Hunt Union. The center connects students with internships, research opportunities, global education experiences, volunteer programs and sustainability initiatives. By emphasizing hands-on engagement and practical skill development, the center ensures that experiential learning is woven into every major at SUNY Oneonta.

"As an intern at Gotham City Outpost, I helped both owners, NJ and Seven, with various tasks that help keep a start-up lifestyle boutique running smoothly," said Cepeda, who is majoring in Fashion and Textiles.

"This included sourcing new products the owners were looking for, specifically New York-based sourced items. I aided as a communications and event coordinator, sending out emails and calling different facilities in order to organize and promote different events. I also assisted in promotion that includes participating in advertising and creating flyers, modeling the spring clothing collection, and being the spokesperson for their Instagram video advertisement on various genres of product in the store. We also used Google Sheets to create and catalog a product category spreadsheet to understand what we have and what is needed in the store for merchandising. I assisted in visual merchandising, dressed mannequins and changed product displays around.

"I learned the very important tasks that must be completed and categorized in your daily life as a small business owner.

"I will look for and complete an internship as a stylist's assistant intern, hopefully for the summertime."

Students benefit from a robust network of campus offices housed within the Experiential Learning Center. The Career Planning and Networking Center helps students secure internships in locations such as New York City, Washington, D.C., Albany and Los Angeles, as well as with local businesses and nonprofits. The Office of Global Education offers programs ranging from 10-day faculty-led trips to full-year study abroad experiences, while the Office of Student Research and Creative Activity supports student research through grants and opportunities to present at the annual Student Research and Creative Activity Showcase.

SUNY Oneonta invests heavily in helping students access these opportunities. Each year, the university awards more than $120,000 in grants to support student research, internships and travel to professional conferences. In addition, 23 study abroad and experiential scholarships help students participate in faculty-led programs, national competitions and industry events. Since the beginning of the 2025-26 academic year, the Career Planning and Networking Center has distributed over $319,500 in internship stipends to more than 400 students

To view these students click here: https://oneonta.meritpages.com/achievements/SUNY-Oneonta-Student-Alina-Cepeda-Completes-Experiential-Learning-Project/202796