Experiential learning through students non-profit organizations: ESTIEM case study

Abstract

European Students of Industrial Engineering and Management (ESTIEM) is a non-profit organization of Industrial Engineering and Management (IEM) students that was founded in 1990 to support common activities and relations across Europe. Through it, students engage in activities that promote a combination of technological understanding with management skills. Belonging to this type of organization during their graduation time, gives students a plethora of competences that are learned beyond the classes, outside the university walls. These competences are acquired through experiential learning. The objective of this paper is to present ESTIEM creation, evolution and organization. Also, projects participation, events organization and meetings organized are presented as outcomes of ESTIEM students' engagement. This paper intends also to explore how the participation on this type of organization allows students to develop competences and contribute to the IEM student's education. Following the key competencies for lifelong learning recommended by the Council of European Union, some examples of key competences acquired from the experience of the authors are given. Results showed that being member of ESTIEM allows them to develop such competences and they felt better prepared for the labour market.