Turn Your Education into Professional Success

Are you a sophomore or junior wondering how to transform your liberal arts studies into meaningful career opportunities? The Strommen Center’s new Internship Preparation Program provides the wraparound support you need to secure internships and thrive as a future professional.

Proven Results

Our approach delivers real outcomes. Through our established Travelers Edge Pipeline Program, 100% of eligible students secured internships last year, and two-thirds of graduating seniors already had full-time job offers in hand. Now we’re bringing this same intentional support to humanities students across all career paths.

Essential Skill Building

You’ll walk away with these skills and so much more:

• Discover your professional identity through assessments of your values, strengths, and career mission
• Master essential communication skills
• Apply these tools to secure your summer 2026 internship
• Develop your unique leadership style and critical thinking skills
• Build reflective practices that set you apart in the workplace
• Develop professionalism and teamwork abilities employers’ value most

Your Commitment

Your commitment includes attending three half-day workshops (Fall 2025: Sept. 27 and Nov. 1), Spring 2026: 1 date TBD), completing assigned activities outside of workshops, participating in your summer internship, and meeting with program staff when needed. Students who participate will receive a stipend.

Internships are Essential

Internships provide essential hands-on experience, skill-building, and professional connections that translate academic knowledge into workplace readiness. They boost employability, clarify career direction, and build professional confidence. While this program does not guarantee an internship, it will provide all the support needed to give you the best opportunity to secure an internship for summer 2026.

Your critical thinking and communication skills are exactly what employers need. Let us help you show the world what you can do.

Apply Now – Limited to 12 Students

Join our inaugural cohort and transform your humanities education into professional success. Applications due September 15^th for Fall 2025 start.

Apply for the Internship Prep Program.

Got Questions? Contact:

Keri Clifton, Program Director (Office of Seeing Things Whole)

Email: cliftonk@augsburg.edu

Phone: 612-330-1525

You can also schedule an appointment with Keri on her calendar.

Are you a leader facing a big challenge at your workplace? The STW Roundtable Dialogue offers a unique process designed to assist leaders and organizations in gaining valuable perspectives on critical decisions.

The Reell Office is currently offering Roundtable Dialogues at no cost. These gatherings provide leaders with a platform to connect and receive meaningful insights and connection as they navigate today’s leadership landscape.

Reach out to Keri to discuss this opportunity further!

The Reell Office of Seeing Things Whole is partnering with the Strommen Center for Meaningful Work to launch a new Internship Preparation Program to equip students with the skills and experiences necessary to succeed in the 21st-century workforce. The program focuses on students developing their NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers) career competencies: career and self-development, communication, critical thinking, equity and inclusion, leadership, professionalism, teamwork, and technology. By combining a skill-building approach with tangible, real-world internships they will learn to see the whole of themselves and their potential in the workforce.

We know that, “Close to two-thirds (64.8%) of employers reported that they use skills-based hiring practices for new entry-level hires,” highlighting a critical need for students to effectively communicate their capabilities. Yet many students struggle to translate their academic strengths—critical thinking, cultural insight, and creative problem-solving—into language that resonates with employers.

Rooted in the Seeing Things Whole Leadership philosophy, the new program directly addresses this challenge through intensive support focused on the eight NACE competencies, helping students bridge the gap between classroom learning and workplace application.

Starting with a pilot cohort in the 2025-2026 academic year, the program will scale over three years with the hopes to serve more than 60 students annually. The comprehensive approach includes:

• Self-Discovery and Career Exploration: Students examine their values, strengths, and interests, then apply this self-knowledge to concrete career development activities.
• Professional Communication: Targeted training helps students articulate their unique value proposition to potential employers.
• Leadership Development and Workplace Readiness: Practical skills preparation coupled with staff support in securing summer internships.
• Real-World Experience with Reflection: Summer internships combined with ongoing mentorship to maximize learning and professional growth.

The program goes beyond student preparation—staff will actively cultivate internship opportunities with businesses and organizations. While we won’t guarantee a placement, students can leverage these relationships to secure these learning experiences. We’ll focus on securing paid positions as these experiences typically lead to higher-paying first jobs after graduation.

This program represents more than career preparation—it’s an investment in educational equity. By providing structured support and internship access, the initiative aims to prevent the “permanent detour” of underemployment that too often derails promising careers.

As the job market evolves and needs the interdisciplinary thinking Augsburg students are trained for, the Internship Preparation Program represents a strategic response to the evolving needs of both students and employers, creating pathways for meaningful careers that fully leverage students’ education and unique talents.

This fall, the Reell Office of Seeing Things Whole will offer several professional development opportunities to expand your knowledge about leadership and the ways Seeing Things Whole can integrate into your daily routines. Join us!

Communication Planning for Maximum Engagement

When: November 12^th at noon via Zoom

Cost: $40

What: Effective communication is the cornerstone of successful leadership and organizational performance. This session focuses on strategic communication planning that prioritizes engagement and clarity to ensure your message resonates with your intended audience.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Define effective communication
• Recognize the importance of seeking clarity
• Have the tools to develop an engagement plan

Register Here: https://bit.ly/4fSIA49

Questions: Contact Us!

This fall, the Reell Office of Seeing Things Whole will offer several professional development opportunities to expand your knowledge about leadership and the ways Seeing Things Whole can integrate into your daily routines. Join us!

Foundations for Whole Leadership

When: October 9^th at noon via Zoom

Cost: $40

What: Seeing Things Whole is a leadership framework that cultivates whole leaders and thriving organizations to positively impact the common good. During this presentation, we will introduce the framework for thinking about our work built on three interconnected dimensions. We will walk through an interactive dialogue to consider your current organizational challenges and how this leadership model can create organizational success across multiple bottom lines.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Define and articulate the core principles of the Seeing Things Whole
• Consider strategies for implementing elements of Seeing Things Whole in alignment with your organizational values

Register Here: https://bit.ly/3JfR6O5

Questions: Contact Us!

by Davide Guidetti, guest writer

Simon Sinek’s TEDx talk, ‘Start with Why’, shares a strong message that goes beyond leadership. It tries to explain what actually matters to people and how groups can work better together.

This resonates with the ideas behind Seeing Things Whole, which seeks to help people and organizations think in a complete and ‘whole’ way.

The Golden Circle and Wholeness

Sinek talks about the “Golden Circle” or “Why, How, and What.” He says great leaders begin with the question Why do they do what they do. Looking at Seeing Things Whole’s framework, which focuses on Purpose, Process, and People, the idea is similar. Both say that knowing your true purpose is the most important part, and only by knowing this will you be able to thrive. When you start with your purpose, your actions and decisions become clearer and more meaningful.

A New Look at Leadership

According to Sinek, being a leader is not only about being in charge. It’s about inspiring others. He uses examples like the Wright brothers and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr; these leaders didn’t just talk about what needed to be done; they shared what they really believed in. Seeing Things Whole asks that leaders connect people to a bigger purpose for themselves and for their organizations.

Belief Over Products

Sinek says people follow beliefs, not just products. People aren’t just workers or customers; they have values and want to be part of something bigger and more impactful. When an organization shares its mission and vision clearly, people are more likely to trust and support it.

I am very passionate about fashion, and the first example that comes to mind is Patagonia and their mission, ‘We are in business to save our home planet.’ This is not just marketing; it is what guides their decision, and this is essential in order to build trust, loyalty, and attract more customers who want to be part of this environmental movement. Since 1985, they have also donated 1% of their sales to environmental causes and, in 2022, they decided to transfer the ownership of the company to a trust that makes sure that all the profits, estimated more than $100 million a year, will be used to protect nature and to fight climate change. This financial commitment underscores their dedication to preserving the environment and greatly amplifies their impact.

When leaders only talk about what they do or how they do it, they often don’t inspire others. This leads to confusion and a lack of connection, also between employees. Seeing Things Whole helps people avoid this by teaching and reminding them to keep their purpose, people, and processes in balance. It’s about making sure everything fits together.

Leading with Purpose in a Group

One powerful example Sinek gives is the 250,000 people who showed up to listen to Dr. King speak without being invited. They came because they shared his beliefs.

Seeing Things Whole is that strong communities are built on a shared purpose.

People don’t follow just because someone tells them to, they follow because they care.

Conclusion

Sinek’s talk and the Seeing Things Whole framework both show that having a clear purpose matters. It helps people trust each other, work better together, and make a bigger difference. In a world that can often feel busy and divided, starting with why and keeping the whole picture in mind can guide us to better leadership and stronger communities.

Want to hear more? Subscribe to our newsletter for practical advice on building stronger teams and becoming a better leader. Your journey to better leadership starts today.

In the eighth episode of the Reell Insights Series in April 2025, Dr. George Dierberger shared some helpful ideas on how leaders can take a thoughtful approach, what we call “Seeing Things Whole,” to lead across the five generations and many differences that exist in today’s workplace. 

Valuing Generational Differences

One big idea from the session is that each generation brings different experiences and values to the office. From the oldest Traditionalists to the youngest Gen Z, each group sees things in their own way. So, the same message from a leader can mean something different to each generation.

Good leaders don’t see this as an issue, instead, they see it as a chance to grow by understanding diverse perspectives. Seeing Things Whole supports efforts to lead people with respect and build trust by creating a space where everyone feels heard and can learn from each other.

Clear and Thoughtful Communication

An important takeaway was the necessity of clear communication. It’s not only about saying the right thing, but making sure people understand what you actually mean. This means following up, checking in, and adjusting your message. Good communication takes effort, and that effort helps people feel included and valued.

Doing the Right Thing as a Leader

Some companies, like Cargill and Marvin Windows, handled hard times in a kind and fair way. Instead of laying people off during COVID, they chose to share the burden so no one lost their job. These actions build trust and show care while tending to the financial realities of the business. Leaders must balance the multiple bottom lines while seeking what is right for the whole of the organization.

Adapting to a Changing World

Today’s workers change jobs more often and care about different things than in the past. Good leaders don’t fight these changes, they adjust to them. They build workplaces that are flexible and supportive. This shows the idea of moving forward while still respecting the past.

Conclusion

Leading different generations is about supporting across generational differences so everyone can perform at their best. When leaders stop for a moment and look at the full picture, at each person’s strengths, and at the team’s purpose, they can lead the whole. The Reell Insights session reminded us that good leaders seek to humbly to see things whole.

Want to hear more? Subscribe to our newsletter for practical advice on building stronger teams and becoming a better leader. Your journey to better leadership starts today. You can also watch the full Reell Insights linked below.

The Reell Office will be hosting several professional development opportunities in the coming months that will empower leaders with tools and insights needed to mindfully tackle challenges, make informed decisions, foster collaboration, and drive meaningful change.

Check out this easily accessible opportunities to level up your leadership while getting to know the Seeing Things Whole philosophy at the same time.

Unlocking Potential: A Mindful Approach to Defining Challenges and Creating Strategy

Wednesday, May 7 at 12PM

Cost: $40

In this session, we’ll help you clearly define your challenges and use structured inquiry to uncover key opportunities. Through mindful reflection on your core values, you can create a strategy that resonates deeply with your team and organization. Learn how mindfulness can sharpen your decision-making and foster alignment, driving impactful growth and success. Don’t miss this opportunity to lead with intention and purpose!

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze beliefs to deepen understanding of core values
• Write and begin articulating a challenge statement that initiates a change process

Register: https://bit.ly/4lpSZGT

Strategic Decision Making: Integrating Intuition and Insight

Wednesday, June 25 at 12PM

Cost: $40

Embrace a new approach to decision-making by balancing both your emotional and critical response. This approach will honor the affective side of decisions while thoughtfully evaluating and comparing the potential outcomes.

Learning Objectives:

• Thoughtfully analyze and compare various potential outcomes of a decision
• Reflect on the emotional impact of decision outcomes to enhance self-awareness and leadership growth

Register: https://bit.ly/4hS1jMe

Contact Program Director Keri Clifton with questions.

In today’s fast-moving world, mindful leadership is more important than ever because it requires individuals to pay attention to what we know while acknowledging what we do not. The philosophy of Seeing Things Whole helps leaders become more aware of themselves, others, and the bigger picture. When leaders take a step back and see things clearly while asking the questions needed to gain more perspective, they can navigate challenges with greater confidence and purpose. 

What We Believe 

• Life has deeper meaning beyond what we see every day. 
• While we may never see the full picture, we can always try to understand more. 
• Community helps us gain a broader perspective. 
• Great leaders acknowledge challenges and approach them with care. 
• Making good decisions requires looking beyond personal assumptions. 
• When leaders and organizations stay true to their purpose, success follows in many ways.

How Mindfulness Connects to Leadership 

Holistic Perspective 

Mindfulness teaches us to slow down and see beyond the immediate. When leaders take a step back, they can recognize patterns, relationships, and new possibilities, making more thoughtful choices. 

Leading with Humility and Care 

Mindful leaders understand their own strengths and weaknesses. They listen more, learn from others, and make decisions with care. This kind of leadership builds trust and strengthens relationships. 

Making Thoughtful Decisions 

Mindfulness encourages us to pause before reacting. When leaders reflect before making choices, they avoid impulsive decisions and instead focus on what truly matters. 

Purpose-Driven Success 

When leaders stay connected to their values, they bring meaning to their work. Purpose-driven organizations not only succeed financially but also create positive change in their communities and industries. 

Conclusion 

Both Seeing Things Whole and Mindful Leadership focus on awareness, kindness, and purpose. When leaders embrace mindfulness, they build stronger teams, make better decisions, and create 

workplaces filled with trust and clarity. By leading with mindfulness, organizations can thrive in a fast changing world.

In the seventh of the Reell Insights Series in December 2024, Morgan Knutzen, Career Services Director for the Strommen Center for Meaningful Work at Augsburg University, shared how she utilizes the Seeing Things Whole Threefold Model to provide care for individual team members while ensuring essential work is completed. 

Morgan emphasized that while uncertainty can lead to feelings of being stuck or overwhelmed, ambiguity can also open doors to creativity and growth when approached with intention. 

How to Navigate Uncertainty 

1. Surround yourself with mentors, colleagues, and trusted connections who can offer a fresh perspective
2. Focusing on small steps and using tools like design thinking to make progress, even when the full picture isn’t clear 
3. Change your mindset to focus on learning and adapting rather than striving for the perfect solution 

Emotional Intelligence: The Key to Effective Leadership 

Morgan underscored the importance of emotional awareness as a key element of strong leadership. Balancing data-driven decisions with empathy fosters trust and strengthens team dynamics.  

Creating an environment where team members feel valued allows teams to feel supported. At the same time, acknowledging challenges realistically, without falling into the trap of toxic positivity, can help leaders inspire progress while staying grounded in reality. 

Supporting Mental Health and Team Well-Being 

Prioritizing mental health strengthens teams and makes them more effective in facing challenges. Morgan shared practical strategies to enhance team well-being: 

1. Start meetings with updates on how team members are feeling to foster understanding and connection 
2. Help team members set clear and healthy boundaries to reduce stress and avoid burnout 
3. Adapt your approach to the needs of each individual on your team 

Conclusion 

Seeing Things Whole emphasizes a holistic approach to challenges. Effective leaders recognize their limitations and collaborate with others to find clarity and purpose. 

By aligning decisions with core values, taking time for thoughtful reflection, and leveraging tools like the threefold model to address relational, organizational, and societal pressure, leaders can navigate complexity with confidence and care. 

We should always remember to slow down and reflect; in order to align actions with core values. Thoughtful leadership is essential in navigating ambiguity and building a positive path forward. 

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