By integrating the best practices from the field, and constantly revising applications of concepts to reflect the dynamic business environment, students are exposed to a more realistic understanding of the context in which they will operate. At the faculty level the information exchange fine-tunes course design and teaching approaches. Additionally, the faculty gain insights important for their research whether in framing new hypotheses for testing or in the alteration of applications to reflect new discoveries and results. The exchange of information is most valuable when businesses open their doors to the students and faculty via internships. Through internships students are able to observe at the work site the concepts they are learning, thus providing greater awareness of the value of the concepts and the difficulties in their implementation.
Internships can last a week, a month, a semester, or longer.
For many of the curriculum issues and especially concerning the overall strategic direction of the Schools, two sources of expert advice can be readily accessed. The Anderson Schools of Management Foundation board is comprised of 30 top business leaders within New Mexico. These distinguished professionals serve as a sounding board for many of the considerations before the Schools. The Foundation Board is integrally involved in reviewing the mission, vision and objectives of the Schools. Furthermore, the Board channels important information and feedback about the products and services from the Schools' efforts.