STEP 2 Get Involved: Develop Skills with a Part-Time Job, Club or Other Role
Getting involved on campus, applying for a part-time job or volunteering in your community builds skills that employers value like communication, critical thinking, collaboration and leadership.
These experiences help students of every major 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
Employers are looking for people who can contribute in meaningful ways and communicate about their strengths and achievements.
Experiential Learning programs help you explore careers, develop skills and make new connections in your area of interest.
Experiential learning involves hands-on participation and reflection in activities or projects in real-world scenarios.
These experiences build upon classroom learning, help you gain professional experience, build career-supporting skills and offer 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
Your experiences have value.
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.
