Making Connections through Fridays in the Field

Ask any Master of Science in Innovation and Leadership student about “Fridays in the Field,” and they’ll light up, sharing stories from recent visits to Michelin Innovation Lab, Swamp Rabbit Café and Grocery and Soteria At Work. They’ll describe pitching ideas to Michelin executives, meeting with Swamp Rabbit Café’s owners and touring Soteria’s woodworking shop where previously incarcerated individuals transform reclaimed wood into beautiful furniture. They may also speak to the connections they have built – linking theory to practice, strengthening relationships with one another and networking with local leaders and innovators. These connections are at the heart of the MSIL program, and they don’t happen by accident.

Furman University’s Master of Science in Innovation and Leadership program fosters meaningful connections through its unique course format, cohort-based learning model and focus on real-world application. “Fridays in the Field” are not an afterthought, but an integral part of a curriculum intentionally designed to help students connect theory with practice. Held twice each semester, these Friday gatherings are a required component of the three-course “innovation seminar” sequence that students complete alongside others in their cohort. A blend of on- and off-campus class meetings allows students to engage with both esteemed Furman faculty and local community leaders, creating a rich and dynamic learning experience.

“Fridays in the Field” provide opportunities for students to apply concepts from their coursework and see the impact of what they’re learning. When students pitch ideas at Michelin, they are not just engaging in a fun activity (though it is fun); they are applying what they have learned in their classes about design thinking, empathy and storytelling. When students visit Swamp Rabbit Café, they experience the transformative impact of human-centered leadership and creative problem solving, and at Soteria, they witness resilience and courage in action.

These Friday gatherings also create space for students to connect with peers and expand their professional networks. Through hands-on activities, group discussions and informal conversations, students begin to build relationships that extend beyond graduation. The connections built through the MSIL program have led to jobs, practicum experiences, professional collaborations and mentoring relationships. When students leave the program, they are equipped with more than knowledge and skills; they leave with meaningful connections and a deep sense of purpose that will sustain them as they tackle complex challenges in their teams, organizations and communities.