Experiences in which students apply their intellectual interests through internships, other opportunities for working alongside professionals on site, or leadership in community life or professional settings.

Overview

Odyssey experiences that fall in this category may be distinctly professional or leadership-focused; some experiences may well fall into both categories simultaneously. Such experiences may be a stand-alone course (coded PL), may be integrated into a standing course, or may be entirely independent of academic coursework. Experiences that fulfill this category may be either financially compensated or not.

• Professional Development experiences focus on the development or refinement of the student's skills related to a professional field as well as an evaluation of the student’s values, interests, strengths, and abilities as they relate to that field. To achieve an Odyssey credit for one of these experiences, a minimum of 100 hours of engagement or a contractual commitment over a two-year period to a Professional Development endeavor must occur.
• Leadership Development experiences focus on the development of a student's unique leadership style as well as enhancing the student's awareness of group dynamics and the fulfillment of goals through engaging with a group. Odyssey credits for such experiences require a minimum of 100 hours of engagement in up to four Leadership Development commitments during the student’s time at the College.

In addition, the gaining of Odyssey credit in this category requires the incorporation of a reflective, analytical component, including written analyses. When the Professional and Leadership Development experience stands apart from a class, this reflection should be submitted to the Hendrix faculty member advising the student during his or her Odyssey experience.  

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