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Experiential Learning Program

where will your experiential path take you?

Employers are looking for well-rounded candidates with quality experience on their resumes. Quality experience doesn't only refer to full-time work, but also applies to opportunities like the ones below.

Cooperative Education*

Cooperative education (or co-op) is a formal experiential learning method of education that combines alternating periods of full-time classroom-based education with structured full-time work experience. Co-ops are almost always paid and for academic credit.

Externship

An externship is a less formal training program that is intended to give you a short, real-life preview into your prospective career. Externships offer the opportunity to observe, explore and ask questions.

Graduate Assistantship

Students pursuing a graduate degree can gain experience through a graduate assistantship. Graduate assistantships provide an excellent learning environment, exposing students to what it is like to be in the workforce (and also helps in financing graduate school).

Internship*

An internship is a formal work-and-learn program that offers temporary employment with an employer. Internships are most often full-time when conducted during the summer months but can be part-time during an academic semester based on your class schedule and proximity to the work location.

Job Shadowing

Job shadowing provides the opportunity to observe someone doing a specific job. The experience can be as little as an hour, but is more commonly a day-long activity shadowing one or more employees performing a specific job of interest to you.

Micro-Internship*

A micro-internship is a short-term, usually paid, professional assignment to build and demonstrate skills, similar to those given to interns or new hires. Unlike traditional internships, micro-internships can take place year-round, ranging in the amount of hours, and are completed within a week to a month.

Part-Time Student Employment

Both on-campus and off-campus student jobs are available to assist students in obtaining employment, so they can earn money for college, develop new job skills, build a resume and gain valuable professional experience. Search for part-time jobs in Handshake.

Project-Based Learning

Project-based learning is a classroom approach that involves creating a real product, performance or event, or solving an authentic or simulated real-world problem.

Doing an Internship/Co-Op for College Credit

*Please Note: To earn academic credit requires advanced planning with your academic department.

HOW TO GET STARTED

Explore our powerful career resource tool, designed to meet the needs of WVU students and alumni.

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Benefits of Experiential Learning

  • Develop and build transferable and marketable skills to put on your resume
  • Apply classroom knowledge
  • Gain valuable hands-on experience
  • Create networking contacts and references
  • Determine if it’s the right path for you
  • Become “Career Ready!”

Steps to a Successful Internship or Co-op

70 percent of employers value work-related experience on a resume over a higher GPA.

Experience is the key to your career. Make sure you describe your work experience—the most crucial component of your job search.

Build a Resume Prepare for An Interview

LEARN ABOUT FIRST ASCENT

First Ascent is a two-year program designed to help you launch your professional career through the power of remote and hybrid work while maximizing work-life balance and building community.

Learn about the First Ascent Program

QUESTIONS?

To discuss an experiential learning opportunity one-on-one, contact Erica LaRue at erica.larue@mail.wvu.edu.

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