Evidence for Impact

Frequently asked questions about Hamline's Evidence of Impact minor

• What career paths will this minor help me with?

  Many professional sectors need a workforce that is skilled in assessing whether activities are successful in achieving objectives in cost-effective and timely ways. From both inside and outside of individual corporations, agencies, and organizations, leaders feel the pressure to be transparent and accountable about their use of funds, the ways they implement products and strategies, and their intentional or unintentional impacts on the world around them. Evaluating these aspects of the business, non-profit, governmental, and academic world can provide proof to stakeholders to invest time, energy, and money into your product, policy, or program.

• What specific skills will I gain in this minor?

  Key skills featured in these course objectives include (1) persuasive professional writing to provide evidence about why your program or product matters, (2) conducting needs assessments to examine what can support people in achieving their goals, and (3) designing and critiquing evaluation strategies to accurately gather and interpret successful implementation.

• Are there hands-on projects, internships, or real-world experiences built into the curriculum?

  The classes in this minor related to professional writing, needs assessments, and program evaluation provide opportunities to practice skills learned in the classroom in ways that extend beyond the classroom. Connecting students to professionals applying these skills in their careers, partnering with partner organizations on projects, and learning from real case studies are embedded into these courses. Students who are eager to engage in these skills in an internship, while not required, can access support for connecting to opportunities through Hamline resources.

  Learn more about student research opportunities at Hamline