Make a Lasting Impact During Your University Journey
At the Impact Center, we're dedicated to providing signature learning experiences that will shape your educational path like never before. As a student at Webster University, imagine immersing yourself in transformative opportunities that go beyond traditional classroom learning. The Impact Center is your gateway to hands-on experiences, innovative projects and collaborative initiatives that will empower you to make a real difference in the world.
For more information, please contact impactcenter@webster.edu.
What Sets the Impact Center Apart
We curate a diverse range of signature learning experiences, carefully designed to foster personal growth, professional development and community engagement. By participating in these practices, you'll gain practical skills, deepen your understanding of complex issues and build a network of like-minded individuals who share your passion for positive change.
Whether it's internships, research projects, service-learning or global study programs, the Impact Center offers a wide array of opportunities tailored to your interests and aspirations. You can explore your passions, tackle real-world challenges and make meaningful connections across disciplines, all under the guidance of experienced mentors and faculty members.
“I can apply these skills to my future career by communicating with my future supervisors and trusting my creativity and design skills to accomplish the projects I’m assigned.”
BA in Advertising and Marketing Communications, ’25
Through the Impact Center, you will be empowered to step outside your comfort zone, develop critical thinking skills and become a leader in your field. The experiences you gain will not only enrich your education, but also shape your character, preparing you for a purposeful and impactful future.
So if you're seeking more than just a degree, join the vibrant community at the Impact Center. Unleash your potential, broaden your horizons and leave an indelible mark on your university experience. Together, let's make a difference, one high-impact practice at a time.
Student Testimonials
Student Employment
“Combining my theatre experience in the conservatory with my office experience here at the career center has shown me just how much I enjoy both. I look forward to exploring how the two can combine in the future.”
Evie Weaver
BFA in Costume Design, ’26
Undergraduate Research
“This experience taught me the importance of self-assurance, even in unfamiliar territories, fostering personal growth.”
Richard Brooks
BS in Biological Sciences, ’23
Research Across the Disciplines
Collaborative research is widely and increasingly recognized as a high-impact educational practice, and the RAD conference is one of the more visible examples of Webster's commitment to this important aspect of student scholarship. Faculty, students and administrators are encouraged to attend RAD conference sessions in order to support students and recognize the hard work that has gone into their projects. All Impact Center participants present at RAD as a requirement for digital badging.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE RAD CONFERENCE
“I found myself bringing skills I had learned in the classroom to actuality, as well as gaining new skills from mentors and fellow coworkers.”
BS in Computer Science, ’25
Research Across Disciplines ConferenceTypes of Experiences Available
Student employment through the Impact Center is designed to give students practical experience while learning on the job. Students have the added benefit of working closely with mentors and possible future employers. Student employment includes on-campus jobs, work-study jobs and on/off-campus internships.
Example: Edward Jones, Career Pathways summer internship
“My grasp of effective communication, project coordination and change management principles has grown as a result of this experience.”
BA in Psychology, ’24
Read About His Internship with Edward Jones
“During my time as an intern at Edward Jones, I had the privilege of immersing myself in a dynamic and evolving environment that allowed me to develop and apply a range of valuable skills. I improved my interpersonal skills and learned how to start and sustain meaningful discussions by taking part in mentorship meetings, attending workplace events, and participating in team meetings. Through these conversations, I was able to expand my professional network and gain knowledge about other positions inside the organization.”
“The supportive environment, focus on development, and the opportunity to engage with professionals at different career stages created an amazing experience throughout my internship.”
Undergraduate research is a learning experience in which students work with a faculty member to address a research question or problem with unknown outcomes or solutions. Undergraduate research is available in various disciplines to help students learn the process of inquiry and observation.
Example: Ecology research assistants, Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Undergraduate Research in the Global Policy Horizons Research Lab
The Global Policy Horizons (GPH) Research Lab is hiring two Research Assistants in International Security to pursue a research project under the supervision of Dani Belo, PhD.
The work of the Research Assistant will consist of two major tasks. The Research Assistant will pursue a research project examining how contemporary civil and security institutions in the transatlantic security community can be adapted to better deter hybrid and unconventional security threats. Students will conduct qualitative analysis of policy and/or peer review material from databases and open sources, as well as produce two policy papers on case studies. By the end of the work contract, the Research Assistant will produce a 20-page policy-focused report of publishable quality on findings based on peer-reviewed, scholarly policy material, and reports.
The Research Assistant will also help in the formatting of submitted publications to be posted on the Global Policy Horizons webpage where you can visit to find out more about the lab and the position.
The Research Assistant will be given an individual office space, where they will be expected to work throughout their employment and be available for meetings.
This position is an Experience with the Impact Center. Impact Center Experiences guarantee skill development and allow you to earn digital badges, which can help showcase your achievements and contribute to your future employability. In addition to applying for this job, contact the Impact Center at impactcenter@webster.edu to find out more about the Experiences.
Co-curricular opportunities where students hold leadership positions that require a certain level of responsibility.
Example: SGA, Student Government Association
“Disagreements are a huge part of life, and the talks that we would all have as a group really helped me learn and understand ways to get along. ... Having that understanding and knowing the importance of compromise can overcome any type of challenge.”
BA in Education with an Emphasis in Secondary Mathematics, '25
SEA Book Drive articleThese opportunities allow students to learn about world views that differ from their own.
Example: Geneva, Switzerland, KEYS 4005 Global Gender Rights
“This experience changed my perspectives on intercultural competence. People are people, no matter where they are from and what their first language.”
BA in International Human Rights, ’26
2023 GSLS in the Netherlands articleThese classes allow students to create a project that integrates and applies their learning.
Example: Directing Capstone, Conservatory of Theatre Arts
“This experience exceeded my expectations, and I am so grateful for the growth I’ve gained through this time and mentorship.”
BFA in Dance, ’24
BFA in Dance ProgramService-learning is a form of experiential learning where students are involved in some community program often related to their area of study. It helps students gain valuable experience while also teaching them the benefit of giving back to their communities. Application of concepts and reflection on learning are key components.
Example: Literacy tutor, Student Literacy Corps
“Being a tutor with SLC ... helped me deepen my passion for teaching. Seeing the joy of learning and 'aha' moments shine on my students' faces was the highlight of every tutoring session.”
MA in TESL, ’21, Fulbright Scholar
Student Tutors Help During Pandemic article
“I had to balance a handful of projects for this job: outreach, field work, and my own work with data from Shaw Nature Reserve (SNR).”
BA in Biology, ’24
Mary Preuss, PhD
(she/her)
Director, Impact Center; Associate Professor, Biological Sciences
Phone: 314-246-4211
Email: marypreuss34@webster.edu
Lindsay McDaniels Swearingen, MA
(she/her)
Assistant Director, Impact Center; Program Director, Edward Jones Pathways Program
Phone: 314-246-7468
Email: lmcdaniels09@webster.edu
Visit the Impact Center today and embark on a transformative journey that will shape
your future.
Become an agent of change during your university adventure.
For more information, please contact impactcenter@webster.edu.
The Impact Center: Where Your Impact Begins.