SUNY Oneonta Student Vivien Hall Completes Experiential Learning Project

SUNY Oneonta student Vivien Hall, of Newburgh, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "My Experience at House of Consignment."

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.

"My time over at HOC was my greatest experience here at college. I got to learn so much about retail and sustainability that will support me in my future endeavors, and I got to work with the best people," said Hall, who is majoring in Fashion and Textiles.

"My main internship tasks over at HOC were photographing for the store's website, dressing mannequins, quality control, making displays and creating social media content. I also learned how to pull orders, tag clothing, make creative signs, and put new clothes out on the store floor.

"My main takeaways were that working with clothing in retail is a lot more physical than I imagined. You are working a lot with your hands, especially when handling consigned clothes that customers bring in. I also learned that fashion, working with clothing, and interacting with customers is definitely something I enjoy and can excel more in. I am very much looking forward to doing this kind of work again in the future.

"I will be attending the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City starting in the fall of 2027, where I will continue my studies in Fashion and major in Advertising and Marketing Communications. My experience at SUNY Oneonta has prepared me for this moment, and I couldn't be more grateful for my professors, friends and family, and my amazing internship boss, Kirsty Roefs, for making my experience so amazing. I plan on utilizing the skills I learned from my classes and jobs to better prepare me for the future!"

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-Vivien-Hall-Completes-Experiential-Learning-Project/202830