Gain real-world problem-solving experience and make your resume stand out with a hands-on continuous improvement project. This immersion is offered in collaboration with Target's regional distribution center, and is designed to deepen your structured problem-solving skillset, build your portfolio, and make your resume stand out.

Please ensure you complete all parts of the application by December 1 to be considered. Applications will be reviewed by the coordinating team, and you will be notified if you are selected for the cohort by December 13.

Apply by Sunday, December 1

About Professional Edge Immersions

Immersions are cohort-based programs offered through our Professional Edge program aimed at helping students gain applied experience with in-demand skillsets through a work-aligned project.

Benefits of Participating

• Get real-world, industry-aligned experience: Apply problem-solving frameworks in a continuous improvement project that illuminates the complexities and challenges of distribution center operations.
   
• Stand out from other applicants: Develop resume-worthy experience and talking points for showcasing to future employers.
   
• Earn a microcredential in applied continuous improvement: Issued by the Lundquist College of Business, the applied continuous improvement microcredential is a validated digital record of the skills you've developed and demonstrated throughout the project. Microcredentials can be highlighted on LinkedIn or in a digital resume.

Required Program Activities

This seven-week program will run from weeks 1–8 of winter term. You can expect to dedicate 6–8 hours per week contributing to the project. Additionally, the following program activities are required for participants:

• Friday, January 10, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. - Target distribution center site visit
• Friday, January 17, noon–1:00 p.m. - Project kick-off meeting
• Friday, February 7, 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. - Mid-project site visit
• Friday, February 21, noon–1:00 p.m. - Presentation preparation session
• Friday, February 28, 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. - Final presentations at Target distribution center
• Office hours - 30-minute meeting to be scheduled at a mutually agreeable time
• Complete and submit individual and group components according to the project plan by the due dates

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply?

The program is open to current University of Oregon undergraduate students from any major who are looking to enhance their practical experience in operations, logistics, continuous improvement, or a related field.

Do I need any technical skills or prior experience to participate?

No prior technical skills or experience is required to apply for this immersion. At the outset of the program, you will receive comprehensive training on problem solving frameworks and a thorough overview of the challenge to ensure you are well-prepared to tackle the project at hand.

Is there any cost to participate?

This immersion is completely free to students.

What qualities are you looking for in program participants?

We are looking for participants who are considering future careers in operations, logistics, continuous improvement, or similar job types with a strong motivation to learn and apply new skills in a real-world context. If you're dependable, eager to learn, willing to embrace challenges, and ready to contribute to a team, this program is the perfect opportunity for you to grow professionally!

What is the time commitment and how challenging will this project be?

The program runs from weeks 1–8 of the term. The cohort will participate in three site visits to the Target distribution center in Albany, Oregon—a full-day site visit and training to kick off the program, followed by two half day visits at the middle and end of the project. You can expect to spend 6–8 hours each week working with your group to complete the project. Through the project, you will apply problem-solving frameworks to analyze a complex optimization problem and propose solutions, reflecting the kind of work done by professionals in the field. While the project is designed to stimulate and stretch your abilities, we will be there to support you the whole way through. You will be part of a collaborative cohort and receive mentorship to ensure you have the knowledge and support needed to navigate these challenges successfully.

Will I receive academic credit for participating?

No. While this program aims to give you an opportunity to apply things you've learned in the classroom, participants are not eligible to receive academic credit for participating.

What can I expect to learn from the program?

Guided by industry experts at the Target distribution center, participants will gain hands-on experience with problem solving frameworks, develop insights into operations management and continuous improvement, and produce strategic recommendations. You can expect to enhance your skillset in problem-solving, data analysis, process improvement, collaboration and teamwork, public speaking, and persuasive communication.

Questions?

Contact Trish Dorman at trishd@uoregon.edu.