The Alma Venture

Dream it, learn it, do it.

The Alma Venture program means that you — and every single one of your peers — will have the opportunity to design a unique, hands-on learning experience at home or abroad.

At Alma College, we believe in the power of extraordinary experiences. That’s why we created the Alma Venture. Our unique program provides you with up to $2,500 to pursue an original research project, internship or off-campus study experience designed to meet your personal and professional development goals.

Conduct archival research in Washington, D.C., study filmmaking in Croatia or land your dream internship in Chicago. It’s your choice. Because with the Alma Venture, your journey is designed by – and for – you.

$2.5 million

Venture funding awarded to students since 2015.

100%

Students eligible for up to $2,500 in grant funding to support research, an internship or off-campus study

14

Countries host Alma-approved study abroad experiences

Where Will You Venture?

Your academic and personal journey is unique. Your venture will be, too. It could take place here on campus or on the other side of the world. It could be credit-bearing—or not. You could spend a semester studying abroad, immerse yourself in clinical experience, build your resume in your dream internship or design your own research project. The opportunities are endless! Need some inspiration? Explore the different ways our students have put learning into action, and start designing your venture today.

How to Apply

Ready to begin? If you’ve risen to junior standing with a completion of 56 credits at Alma College, you can apply for the Alma Venture Junior Year Experience Award at any time during the year. Or, we accept applications for our Serve Generously, Lead Purposefully, Live Responsibly Awards once a semester. Regardless of the path you choose, we’re here to help you navigate the process.

Posey Global Leadership Fellows Program (P-Global)

Do you have a passion — or a burning question? The Posey-Global Leadership Fellows Program allows you to translate your ideas into hands-on learning experiences in locations throughout the world.

What is the first step toward your Alma Venture?

Begin by considering what type of Venture experience will help you answer the big questions about your life’s work and prepare you to move confidently toward the life that you want. What experience will be the best fit for you, helping you take your Alma experience to the next level?

Remember – you don’t have to figure this all out on your own! Engage early and often in conversations about your Venture planning – from your first semester on campus. Key members of your planning team include: your academic advisor, the Career and Personal Development team, your favorite professors, family and friends who know you well.

Log into Handshake to schedule an appointment with Carla Jensen, or another member of the Career and Personal Development team to discuss your Alma Venture planning.

Clinical experience

Students who have had the type of experience you are interested in will be a great resource. Ask them how they identified their clinical experiences and what the experiences were like.
Talk to your professors and your academic advisor. Let them know that you are interested in clinical experiences.
What are your academic and career goals? What type of clinical experience will help you connect the two?
Polish your resume and know how to write a great cover letter. Make an appointment with a Career Peer by scheduling an appointment through Handshake for a one-one-one resume development or review session. For your cover letter, see the Writing Center in the Learning Commons for cover letter review.
Consider obtaining your Certified Nursing Assistant Certification or other certification to allow you more hands-on patient contact.

Your dream internship

Polish your resume and know how to write a great cover letter. Make an appointment with a Career Peer for a one-one-one resume development or review session. For your cover letter, see the Writing Center in the Learning Commons for cover letter review.
Know yourself — and your search criteria. For example, what type of internship will help you connect your academic and career goals? What is the geographic scope of your internship search? Will you seek academic credit for your internship?
Develop an internship search strategy. This may include: meeting with career and personal development staff in the lower level of the learning commons; networking; searching for opportunities on Handshake, the Alma College online job posting site; and attending Career EXPLO, and other career events.
Put in the time — searching for a job (or internship) can be a job itself! Make it a priority to network, reach out to employers, submit applications and follow up. You may need to submit lots of applications before you find the right internship—don’t get discouraged!
Interview with ease—because you are prepared and practiced. Do your research online before an interview. What do you know about the potential employer? Can you find the interviewer on LinkedIn? Schedule a mock interview with a Career Peer in learning commons.

Off-Campus Study and Spring Term

Consult with off-campus study staff and resources in the Center for Student Opportunity
Know your goals and priorities:
- Consider your goals, priorities and budget for off-campus study
- Talk to your academic advisor—make sure the program(s) you are considering won’t delay graduation
- See the faculty advisor for the off-campus program(s) of interest
- Talk to your family, friends and Alma students who have participated in the program(s) of interest
Start the Off-Campus Study Registration and Application process — start the process about a year before you want to go.

Research experience

Talk to other students who have had research experiences. Ask them how they identified their research opportunities and what the experience was like
Talk to your professors and your academic advisor. Let them know that you are interested in research opportunities.
Make sure you are making a good impression with your professors in class—their recommendations will matter!
Polish your resume and know how to write a great cover letter. Make an appointment with a Career Peer for a one-one-one resume development or review session. For your cover letter, see the Writing Center in the Learning Commons for cover letter review.
Use the web to explore research opportunities at Alma College and beyond and apply for opportunities of interest (e.g. consider applying to the National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates)

Posey Global Leadership Fellow

Join the next generation of global leaders. Through the Posey Global Leadership Fellows Program (P-Global), you can travel anywhere in the world to pursue an internship, volunteer opportunity or research experience based on your passions.

Learn More

Questions about the Alma Venture?

Get in touch with us at cso-venture@alma.edu

Make an Appointment