Students

What Is Experiential Learning or Learning through Experience?

Think of experiential learning as a class that meets outside a classroom, doesn't require flashcards for studying, and helps you build skills and knowledge in the real world. Experiential learning can happen wherever you get a chance to learn by doing, observing, experimenting, or taking action and then thinking critically about your experience. When organized around career goals, experiential learning usually takes place in the world of work.

Work-based experiential learning opportunities include:

  • Career-related part-time jobs
  • Internships
  • Fellowships
  • Undergraduate/graduate research
  • Job shadowing
  • Informational interviewing
  • Volunteerism

You can't learn to ride a bike just by reading about it; you've got to get out there and try it. By applying what you are learning in the classroom to real-world situations and bringing back the knowledge you've gained through experience to the classroom, you can enrich your studies and add meaning to your academic goals.

Through experiential learning you can verify your choice of major, clarify career choices, and begin to develop your professional self. What's better than building skills that can actually go on your résumé?

Today, employers will be looking for work experience on your résumé. Even with good grades, it's nearly impossible to find a job without actual experience, be it an internship, job, or fellowship. By taking advantage of experiential learning opportunities, you can gain experience and training for your career while still in school.

Benefits of Learning through Experience:

  • Choose a major.
  • Discover career options.
  • Make career decisions.
  • Test out industries.
  • Write an effective résumé.
  • Practice interviewing.
  • Build upon your classroom knowledge.
  • Gain professional experience and marketable skills.
  • Meet and network with professionals in your field.
  • Acquire professional references.
  • Stay motivated to persist in college and graduate.