SUNY Oneonta Student Emma Hart Completes Experiential Learning Project

SUNY Oneonta student Emma Hart, of Sound Beach, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Stoneonta Fashion Internship."

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.

"During my hybrid internship under SUNY Oneonta Alumni Tyler Walsh at a local business called Stoneonta, I was allowed the opportunity to learn the inner workings of the screen printing process in a small retail business setting. I gained experience planning and executing photoshoots, managing the sales floor, and assisting in the creative process of designing new merchandise while working both remotely from home and in-store," said Hart, who is majoring in Fashion and Textiles.

"My tasks while working in-store often included assisting customers, managing merchandise on the sales floor, and creating visual merchandising displays. I also learned the screen-printing process and often managed the store alone. Working remotely, I assisted in creating new designs, researching merchandise and social media trends, planning photoshoots, and creating social media content for the brand.

"Throughout my time interning at Stoneonta, I developed an understanding of how a small retail business operates both online and in-store, managing a physical retail space and online orders. I learned the processes of screen printing and how products are actually made. Additionally, I learned how to cater to a specific target market in both the design and promotion of merchandise. Overall, this experience strengthened both my creative and organizational skills and gave me a better understanding of the day-to-day processes of a small business.

"Since completing this experience, I plan to build on these skills by completing additional internships and adding to my experience in the industry. I also plan on taking my next year of school at the Fashion Institute of Technology, completing an associate's degree in Advertising and Marketing Communications. I will graduate in May of 2027 with a Bachelor's degree from SUNY Oneonta and an Associate's degree from FIT. After my graduation, I plan to enter the industry as a buyer and begin my professional career."

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-Emma-Hart-Completes-Experiential-Learning-Project/202834