Having experience in your chosen field is incredibly important. Not only will you solidify your career aspirations, but you will be able to apply theories and concepts you have been learning in a professional setting. Taking advantage of these experiential and applied learning opportunities will help to build your resume and experience while you are attending school.
Experiential learning is defined as learning from experience or learning by doing. Skills and knowledge are acquired from firsthand experiences. These experiences include research, study abroad, internships, service learning and field practicums.
At Arizona State University, we recognize the exceptional impact experiential learning opportunities can have on student academic outcomes, growth in skill sets, and success in college and beyond.
Field practicums
Field practicum provides students the opportunity to work in a professional setting to develop and demonstrate skills in specific career areas, to integrate the theories and practices learned in and out of the classroom, to develop an understanding of the diversity of a community population and the role of diversity in the workplace, and to confirm personal interests and abilities in the student’s chosen field.
Internships
Integrate “knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skills development in a professional setting”, as defined by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). These experiences typically last 3-6 months or within a semester. An internship is truly a career learning experience and the student is learning on-the-job under supervision. To learn more, please visit Career-Connected Learning. <LINK TO WEBPAGE>
Leadership experiences
A major benefit of acquiring leadership experiences in college is that it can help fill experience gaps in a resume. It’s wise for students to set clear objectives regarding the skills they hope to gain by doing leadership work at an organization. They can then steer themselves efficiently toward organizations and opportunities that foster the skills they want. Leadership experiences can be serving in an elected role in student government and student organizations on campus, being a teacher’s assistant or resident assistant, or by serving in a management position at your job outside of school.
Study abroad
The benefits of participating in a Global Education program are endless and only enrich your experience as a Sun Devil. Stand out from the crowd once you graduate by adding Global Education to your resume and demonstrate you can thrive in a global environment. When you are abroad, you will increase your language skills, hands-on learning, relationships, intercultural competence, international networking, leadership skills, global awareness, and self-confidence. View our CISA Specific Study Abroad opportunities.