Experiential Learning Opportunities

Experiential Learning Opportunities 

What is Experiential Learning?

Experiential learning is a process through which students develop knowledge, skills, and values from direct experiences outside a traditional academic setting. It encompasses internships, service learning, undergraduate research, study abroad, and other creative and professional work experiences. Well-planned, supervised, and assessed experiential learning programs can stimulate academic inquiry by promoting interdisciplinary learning, civic engagement, career development, cultural awareness, leadership, and other professional skills.

Experiential learning contains all of the following:

  1. Reflection, critical analysis, and synthesis
  2. Opportunities for students to take initiative, make decisions, and be accountable for the results
  3. Opportunities for students to engage intellectually, creatively, emotionally, socially, or physically
  4. A designed learning experience that includes the possibility to learn from consequences, mistakes, and successes

 Internships. Integrate knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skill development in a professional setting (definition by NACE). Click this banner to learn more. Research. Find solutions to the problems and challenges confronting society while increasing knowledge in your discipline. Click this banner or contact your academic department for more information.Jobs. Meet expenses while building skills and obtaining valuable work experience. Explore Handshake to view part-time, on-campus, or full-time jobs by clicking the banner. Meet with a career counselor to discuss job search strategies, review application materials, and prepare for interviews. Study Abroad. Gain a new perspective on your studies, career path, and the world by studying abroad through a CofC faculty-led, exchange, or affiiliate study abroad program. International Internships for academic credit are also available. Click this banner to view available opportunities.Co-ops. Cooperative education (co-op) allows you to alternate periods of academic study with periods of work closely related to your major field of study. Learn more about how this is structured at CofC by clicking this banner. Volunteer. Build you strengths and interests by volunteering with a nonprofit addressing community-identified needs; all while gaining experience and enhancing your skills. Click the banner to view local opportunities, and contact Civic engagement to learn how to make a lasting impact on the community.leadership. Develop your leadership ability through the Higdon Center's various student leadership programs. Enrich the community through leadership opportunities and activate your personal growth through educational events that will enhance your future success. Click the banner to learn more. Student Organizations. Learn from colleagues that have a shared interest and build your personal network. Click the banner to visit CougarConnect, the online hub for student engagement, or visit studentlife.cofc.edu for more information.job shadowing. Observe and glean knowledge from professionals as they perform works within your area of study. Build a network of connections in your field. Meet with a career counselor to learn how to best approach job shadowing.

 

Disclaimer

Handshake is not a College of Charleston product, service or program. The Career Center does not endorse or recommend employers, and a posting does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. The Career Center explicitly makes no representations or guarantees about job or internship listings or the accuracy of the information provided by the employer. The Career Center is not responsible for safety, wages, working conditions, or any other aspect of off-campus employment without limitation. It is the responsibility of students to perform due diligence in researching employers when applying for or accepting private, off-campus employment and to thoroughly research the facts and reputation of each organization to which they are applying. Students should be prudent and use common sense and caution when applying for or accepting any position. Learn more about how to spot job scams.