Building Leaders Beyond the Classroom
How one student’s leadership journey became a turning point for growth, confidence, and career readiness.
Experiential Learning in Campus Retail
Across higher education, experiential learning is redefining how students develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed beyond the classroom. In campus retail, experiential learning takes shape in a fast-paced, highly visible environment where decisions have immediate impact on the customer experience and campus community, and where accountability is built into the work itself. Students are not only part of the operation but also responsible for it.
Follett Higher Education’s experiential learning model was designed to give students the ability to directly impact their campus community while gaining valuable leadership and business skills. Through the Student CEO role, students step into full-time leadership of a campus retail location, gaining hands-on experience overseeing operations, leading student teams, and making day-to-day business decisions. This model transforms campus retail into a learning environment that prepares students for the realities of leadership beyond the classroom.
“The student CEO role with Follett offers a unique and powerful opportunity for students to manage a team, practice strategic financial planning, and experience what it is like to run a business, while also receiving invaluable training and coaching,” shared Jen Guillemin, Co-op Coordinator, Northeastern University.
Stepping Into the Role of CEO
Joey Friedman, a Northeastern University student pursuing a career in management, stepped into the Student CEO role in the fall of 2025, drawn by the opportunity to gain hands-on leadership experience in a real business environment. From his first week on the job, he was entrusted with guiding daily operations and supporting a diverse team of student employees. Rather than observing leadership from the sidelines, Joey was responsible for setting direction, solving problems, and maintaining momentum in a dynamic campus environment.
Leading peers, many of whom were older or more experienced, presented an immediate challenge. Navigating those dynamics required Joey to develop communication skills, deliver constructive feedback, and manage performance with empathy and professionalism. These early experiences accelerated his growth and reshaped his approach to leadership.
“I came in with a lot of confidence, but it wasn’t backed by results yet. This role taught me how to slow down, break problems apart, and understand how things work.” Joey Friedman, Student CEO
Learning Through Real Responsibility
What distinguished Joey’s experience was the level of ownership entrusted to him. Unlike traditional internships or co-ops, the Student CEO role did not limit him to a narrow scope of tasks. He was responsible for running a business; managing staffing challenges, navigating peak retail periods, and addressing operational issues as they arose.
This responsibility required Joey to think critically, adapt quickly, and lead with intention. He also developed the discipline to execute effectively across all aspects of the business. Through these experiences, Joey strengthened his ability to deliver results and build his leadership skills.
That impact extended beyond his own development. During his tenure, customer service scores increased by 15%, reflecting both operational improvements and a more engaged team environment.
Confidence, Earned
Joey’s journey was supported by a dedicated network of leaders and mentors through Follett’s Experiential Learning Program. From early training at Follett’s in-person CEO Boot Camp to ongoing coaching and real-time guidance, he had the support he needed to grow into the role. Just as importantly, he gained the confidence to ask questions, seek feedback, and learn through experience.
By the end of his term, Joey had evolved into a confident public speaker, a thoughtful manager, and a capable leader. Equipped with firsthand experience navigating uncertainty and responsibility, he emerged prepared to take on future opportunities with clarity and confidence.
“No matter what comes next, I know I can figure it out. There was so much thrown at me in this role, and I learned, adapted, and grew.” Joey Friedman, Student CEO
Learn more about Follett’s Experiential Learning Model and how we are helping campus partners redefine how students develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed beyond the classroom.