The Last Word
The Edge of Experience
As the requirements for entry-level roles get steeper,
President Armstrong explores how Cal Poly is doubling down on practical experience.
Share this article:
Recent employer surveys from Deloitte, Workplace Intelligence and others highlight a growing experience gap among new workforce entrants. Many “entry-level” roles now demand two to five years of practical experience — a level most college graduates haven’t yet attained.
At Cal Poly, our Learn by Doing philosophy sets us apart. We combine rigorous academic training with hands-on learning, ensuring our graduates are truly ready on Day One. It’s a key reason why we see placement rates of over 86% for recent Cal Poly graduates and 88% for those from Cal Poly Maritime Academy.
These outcomes contribute to our high rankings in publications like Money, Forbes and U.S. News & World Report, which consistently recognize Cal Poly as one of the best returns on educational investment in the country.
While we’re proud of these results, we know we must do more.
As industries evolve, artificial intelligence becomes more prevalent and employer expectations rise, we must expand access to experiential learning opportunities. This means more internships, co-ops, research and study abroad programs — all high-impact practices that prepare students for the real world.
We are already taking bold steps. Starting in fall 2026, Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo will transition from a quarter system to semesters, in line with Cal Poly Maritime Academy and all other CSU campuses. This change will give students more time to build relationships with faculty, engage in research and participate in service learning. It also aligns our academic calendar with 95% of U.S. universities, making it easier for students to secure internships, co-ops and full-time roles — and simplifying the transfer process.
Learn by Doing is what makes Cal Poly unique. It ensures our graduates are prepared to lead from Day One.
In summer 2027, we will begin ramping up to year-round operations. Students in select high-demand programs will be able to attend any two of the three terms — fall, spring or summer — giving them flexibility to pursue hands-on experiences when it works best for them. Whether it’s a traditional summer break or time off in fall or spring, this model supports deeper engagement with internships, co-ops and global learning.
Surveys of prospective students and their families show strong interest in summer term options and more experiential learning. We’re inspired by the example set by Cal Poly Maritime Academy, where every cadet participates in the Summer at Sea program after their first and third years. They apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings — from the engine room to the helm of the Training Ship Golden Bear. It’s a model we can learn from and expand across Cal Poly.
We already see this spirit in action. Students like Nicole Lopez, who is gaining real-world experience as an ASI event coordinator while earning a degree in experience industry management, and Kiana Brumbaugh, who exemplifies the polytechnic ideal by blending passions for storytelling and conservation research, are leading the way.
Learn by Doing is what makes Cal Poly unique. It ensures our graduates are prepared to lead from Day One — just like alumni Ivan Cheng and Carson Chen, featured in this issue.
How can we do more? What new experiences can we offer our students? Let’s look to our proud alumni and supporters for ways to support Cal Poly students. Do you have a lead or an idea for a partnership or co-op? Let us know by sending an email to presidentsoffice@calpoly.edu. We’d love to hear from you.
Together, we can ensure the experience students earn at Cal Poly is the edge that opens doors to a meaningful career.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey D. Armstrong
President
Your Next Read
Air Force engineer Ivan Cheng’s time at Cal Poly prepared him for a career fueled by a love of flight and a passion for service.
Generations of alumni entrepreneurs returned to celebrate 20 years of Cal Poly’s Innovation Quest — a critical launchpad for budding ventures.
