One of the unique elements of a Loyola education is that, as a prerequisite for graduation, all juniors and seniors participate in our Loyola Work Experience Program. Started in 2003, this program allows our students to spend one day per week in the offices of our program Partners where they gain practical, real-world work experience that helps them find success beyond their academic studies. Working in a business environment, Loyola students gain professional role models, refine a strong work ethic and better understand the expectations of future employers. At the same time, students build personal pride from assuming part of the financial responsibility for their own education.

Loyola currently has program Partners from many industries and companies such as Ford Motor Company, Beaumont Health System, IHS Markit and DTE Energy. Our Partners report many benefits to their company culture: An increased level of energy from having young people in the workplace, a solid contribution from value-added student work and a potential talent pipeline to strengthen diversity, equity and inclusion. Most importantly, Partners typically report “joy” in being part of a program that develops “Men for Others, Men for Detroit.”