Experience-centered learning program gives Trulaske students the competitive ‘Edge’

In an increasingly competitive workforce, it’s more important than ever that students graduate from the University of Missouri equipped with the skills that are in demand by top employers. Mizzou’s Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business helps business students build those skills through its innovative Trulaske Edge program.

“The Edge program provides students with valuable opportunities to connect with business professionals and prepare for future careers,” said Trulaske student Julia Steele. “It bridges the gap between academics and the professional world by giving students the chance to learn directly from industry leaders while developing important professional skills.”

The points-based system ensures that students participate in experience-centered learning opportunities throughout their college career. Trulaske students rack up points by attending guest lectures, connecting with mentors, visiting career fairs and networking events, lending a hand in community service projects, participating in professional development workshops, completing an internship and more. 

“There is always something valuable to gain from Edge events — whether it’s industry insight, career advice, or a new connection,” said Jen Ward, Edge programming senior coordinator. “These opportunities are shaped directly by employer feedback, so they’re designed to help students stand out.”

To graduate, students must earn 200 Edge points — a target that ensures every Trulaske graduate leaves campus with a well-rounded resume and the skills and professional competencies they’ll need to succeed.

“My hope is that students leave feeling more confident, prepared, and connected — graduating not just with a degree, but with the skills and relationships that make employers excited to hire them,” Ward said.

Highlights of Fall 2025

In fall 2025, Trulaske Edge hosted 166 events with nearly 7,000 attendees, including 10 events tailored to online undergraduate students. Students enjoyed expanded opportunities to earn points, including the newly relaunched Trulaske Employer and Alumni Mentorship (TEAM) program, and the opportunity to earn points by participating in conferences and competitions that were not otherwise tied to course credit.

The most attended Edge events of fall 2025 included:

• Purpose Over Profit: Business Lessons from Local Service Organizations, which drew 464 attendees
• Making Me Marketable 2025, which drew 414 attendees
• Build-A-Bear: The Global Stuff You Love, which drew 395 attendees
• Pre-Career Fair Networking Night, which drew 199 attendees
• Trulaske Leadership Conference, which drew 183 attendees
• "Reclaimed" Premier and Q&A with Rebundle Founder Ciara May, which drew 179 attendees

What can students look forward to in 2026?

More than 180 Trulaske Edge events are already in the works for 2026. Upcoming offerings include:

• Weekly Transformative Tech Bootcamps
• Top Tiger Sales Competition
• Trulaske Digital Marketing Challenge
• Site Visits to St. Louis
• Pickleball Networking Day
• Brandi Spurling “Lead and Learn” Spree

Aeoden Sinclair, a Mizzou wrestler who won his bracket in a recent Big 12 tournament and has qualified for the NCAA tournament, knows a thing or two about gaining the competitive edge. As a Trulaske student, Sinclair said experience-centered programs like Trulaske Edge are setting him up for success after graduation. 

“The most valuable part of Trulaske isn't just what you learn in the classroom, but the connections and experiences in the Edge events that prepare me to lead beyond,” Sinclair said.

Mizzou’s Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business prepares students for success as global citizens, business leaders, scholars, innovators and entrepreneurs by providing access to transformative technologies, offering experience-centered learning opportunities and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset.