Discovery Semester (ILEA 4400) | Career and Professional Development

Previously referred to as the away semester experience within The Arch, this course represents the required experiential learning component of The RPI Experience. All students must register for and complete ILEA 4400 with a grade of Satisfactory (S) to graduate from RPI.

Delivered through an online learning platform, the course guides students in developing key professional skills and career competencies aligned with NACE standards, including: Career and Self-Development, Communication, Critical Thinking, Equity and Inclusion, Leadership, Professionalism, Teamwork, and Technology.

Students fulfill the Discovery Semester (ILEA 4400) through one of the following experiential learning options (each requiring a minimum of 260 hours per term, unless otherwise noted):

Internship: One-semester paid position (minimum 260 hours).
Co-op: Multi-semester, full-time paid work experience (approximately 40 hours per week).
RPI Research: One-semester research experience with RPI faculty or staff; may be for credit, paid, or volunteer (minimum 260 hours).
Civic Engagement: One-semester experience with a nonprofit or government agency (minimum 260 hours).
Self-Design: One-semester customized experience aligned with personal career goals; must demonstrate development in at least six of the eight NACE competencies (minimum 260 hours).
Study Abroad: One-semester academic experience through an affiliated or non-affiliated international program, coordinated with RPI’s Office of International Programs.

Students are expected to login and review all requirements for their Discover Semester. Engagement and completion is imperative. Failure to login and complete all assignments will result in a Unsatisfactory (U) for the course and a possible HOLD preventing future registration.

Note:

Successful completion of a Co-op course may also satisfy the ILEA 4400 requirement.
If you need to change your selected Discovery Semester, email thearch@rpi.edu with your name, RIN, current semester assigned, and rationale/documentation for the change.