Experiential Learning Overview
What comes to mind when you hear the term “experiential learning” for the first time? We’ve heard from A LOT of students that they think of science labs and research. But did you know that experiential learning is SO MUCH MORE?
Experiential learning involves taking an experience outside of the classroom and actively engaging in reflection and activities to promote learning more about their career. This can include internships, research, on-campus employment, education abroad, student organization leadership, etc.
Internships
What is an internship?
An internship is an experiential learning opportunity that allows students to apply classroom knowledge in a professional setting, develop practical skills, and learn more about jobs and industries of interest. They are often completed in a specified timeframe, such as the summer, semester, or an academic year.
Should you offer an internship?
In short: YES!!
Internships provide both short- and long-term benefits!
Short Term:
- Get some of those extra projects you haven’t been able to get to done with the help of an intern.
- Get new insight and perspectives from a student intern.
- Get access to up-to-date technical skills.
- Provide real-life applications to students’ education.
Long Term:
- Create brand recognition.
- Create a talent pipeline. Test out the people you might like to hire on full-time.
- Make connections for future interns.
- Build career connections with the campus community by working with internship coordinators and faculty.
Where to post an internship?
Handshake:
Handshake is our #1 platform for job & internship postings! Did you know?
- Students can filter by job type to only get Internships in their search results
- Students can filter by compensation to only get Paid Internships in their search results
- Students can like an employer and get notifications when you post positions or register for an upcoming career fair or event
Parker Dewey:
Parker Dewey is a platform that hosts microinternship projects! Did you know?
- All microinternships must be paid
- Microinternships can be remote or in-person or hybrid
- Microinternships are short-term projects that are great for students with busy schedules
Who needs to be involved in an internship?
Always Involved:
- Student – Students are the most important part of the internship! They are responsible for finding an internship, determining if they want to try to receive credit for it, completing their required work hours/project, and adding the experience to their resume. It sounds like A LOT but there are a team of folks to support you!
- Employer/Supervisor – This is the person or organization where the student will be completing the internship. Students should be meeting with their supervisor regularly and receiving feedback from them.
Sometimes Involved:
- Internship Coordinator – If the student decides to pursue academic credit for their internship, this is the person who the student will work with to get their internship approved and fill out the appropriate paperwork for course registration. They may also be the person assigning class exercises and final grades.
- Corporate Recruiter – For larger companies and organizations, a recruiter may interact with the applicant before securing the internship. This is the person who comes to career fairs or other networking events. They communicate with students who are interested in internships and usually have a listserv that they’ll update when opportunities get posted.
- Career Center Staff – These are the people students can meet with to go over the internship search and get help from while they’re exploring. They can also work with students to add their experiences to their resume and make meaning of the work they’ve done at their internship. Some of them work directly with employers to create internship opportunities for CSU Rams!
- Faculty Sponsor – Some departments will have students identify a professor who specializes in their specific career interest. This person will assign exercises and final grades in addition to providing career mentorship throughout the internship experience.
Internship Resources for Employers
Hire A CSU Ram Intern
Internships are highly recommended by the Career Center, faculty and academic departments, but are not required by most academic programs toward graduation at Colorado State University. Internships for CSU students may be paid or unpaid, for credit or not for credit to build resumes, essential skills and career-related experience. Employers should check with their HR and legal counsel, referring to the Fact Sheet # 71: Internship Programs Under The Fair Labor Standards Act from the U.S. Department of Labor when considering internship compensation.
- NACE 15 Best Practices
- NACE’s Guide to Internships
- NACE”s Stance on Unpaid Internships
- “Starting and Maintaining A Quality Internship Program”, 8th Edition; compiled and edited by Michael True, Director, Internship Center, Messiah College
- Hiring Through OPT/ CPT
For questions about these resources or for more information about our services to recruit interns for your organization, please email career_employers@colostate.edu to talk with an Employer Relations team member.
