STEP 2 Get Involved: Develop Skills with a Part-Time Job, Club or Other Role
Getting involved on campus is one of the best decisions you can make as a University of Arizona student. Joining a club, working a campus job or volunteering connects you to people who share your interests and makes a big campus feel like home. It also builds the communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills that employers look for, no prior job history required!
These experiences help students of every major meet new people and prepare for internships and careers.
Student Employment & Research
Find positions, on and off campus, through Handshake. If you’re not sure where to start or need help with an application, drop into LifeLab.
Learning By Doing
Experiential Learning programs build upon classroom learning and help you explore careers, develop skills and make new connections in your area of interest.
Employers are looking for people who can collaborate and contribute in meaningful ways and communicate about their strengths and achievements.
Hands-on experiences like internships, research, community service and capstone projects do more than look good on a resume. They help you figure out what you actually want to do and give you skills and stories to talk about in on your resume and in job interviews.
Experiential learning is how you build upon your classroom learning, gain professional experience, build career-supporting skills and gain insights into industries and careers.
All experiences have value.
Learn how to describe your involvement in ways that showcase your skills to employers. Update your resume as you gain new skills and experiences so it’s ready when you need it. Need help? Drop into LifeLab or make an appointment with an Internship Coach or Career Educator.
Examples of Experiential Learning Opportunities
Internships: Gaining practical experience in a professional setting
Undergraduate Research: Conducting research alongside faculty members
Service-learning: Participating in community service projects with academic reflection
Capstone Projects: Applying knowledge and skills to a culminating project
Fieldwork: Conducting research or engaging in activities in a natural or real-world setting
“Get involved. Put yourself out there. One “yes” will lead to the next opportunity and the next, and so forth – each one building on the one that came before.” – P. Parker, Arizona Alum
Every job, club, volunteer role and campus activity is resume-worthy.
Hands-On Learning Experiences
The Center for Career Readiness connects you with programs and experiences that build confidence and skills.
Design Lab
Design Lab offers 10-week micro internships for students of all majors. Work with a community partner to solve a challenge their facing using Design Thinking.
Blue Chip Leadership Experience
A multi-year program offering leadership classes, fun team challenges, real-world leadership experience and essential tools and skills to prepare for life after graduation.
Undergraduate Research Experience
Opportunities for undergraduates to participate in research. Learn concepts integral to your area of study, improve your self-confidence, critical thinking skills, and communication skills. The research experience and the networking opportunities it provides can help with making career decisions.
Getting involved is how you get experience, without any experience.
Applying for a part-time job, joining a club or volunteering in your community helps you build skills for internships and beyond. If you’re not sure where to begin or how to add these experiences to your resume, drop into LifeLab.
