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 your career. This can include internships, research, on-campus employment, education abroad, student organization leadership, etc.
Check out our Experiential Learning Guide
If you are interested in research experiences, please see our How to Find a Research Experience in Science Guide.
It can be confusing and/or overwhelming with all the different opportunities available to you as a CSU Ram. Let us help break down the most common form of experiential learning: internships!
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 do an internship?
In short: YES!!
Internships provide both short- and long-term benefits!
Short Term:
- “Try on” a career before committing to it full time
- Learn important skills that can be transferred to future jobs
- Observe organization culture and determine values alignment
- Add experience to resume/CV/portfolio
- Possibly meet a degree requirement (depends on major)
Long Term:
- Employers look for internship experience during the hiring process
- Higher rate of securing plans after graduation
- Higher average starting salary
- Higher rate of employment related to your major/career plans
- Build career-long network of colleagues, mentors, references, and other professionals
Check out our Internship Guide!
How do you find an internship?
Handshake:
Handshake is our #1 platform for job & internship postings! Did you know?
- You can filter by job type so you only get Internships in your search results
- You can filter by compensation so you only get Paid Internships in your search results
- You can find various Collections with active internships
- You can like an employer and get notifications when they post positions
Parker Dewey:
Parker Dewey is a platform that hosts microinternship projects! Did you know?
- All microinternships are paid
- Most microinternships are remote
- Microinternships are short-term projects that are great for students with busy schedules
Interstride:
Interstride is a platform for students with global experience. Did you know?
- International students can research companies that accept CPT/OPT and have sponsored visas before
- Domestic students can research ways to work abroad
Faculty/Staff Connections:
You have a network of professionals that you interact with every day at the university! Did you know?
- Many faculty have worked in industry before or have contacts. Stop by office hours to learn more about them!
- Career and academic advisors get paid to make connections with employers on your behalf. Share your interests and let us know what you’re looking for!
Industry-Specific Job Boards or Organizations:
It can feel hard to know where to start finding opportunities specific to your major or career plans. Did you know?
- Many industries have job boards specific to their fields.
- Many industries also have professional organizations that serve as a great place to look for industry connections
- You can come see us for help in identifying some of these resources!
Who needs to be involved in an internship?
Always Involved:
- Student – You are the most important part of the internship! You are responsible for finding an internship, determining if you want to try to receive credit for it, completing your required work hours/project, and adding the experience to your resume. It sounds like A LOT but you have a team of folks to support you!
- Employer/Supervisor – This is the person or organization where you will be completing the internship. You should be meeting with your supervisor regularly and receiving feedback from them.
Sometimes Involved:
- Internship Coordinator – If you decide to pursue academic credit for your internship, this is the person who you work with to get your 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, you might interact with a recruiter before securing your 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 you can meet with to go over the internship search and get help from while you’re exploring. They can also work with you to add your experiences to your resume and make meaning of the work you’re doing at your internship. Some of them work directly with employers to create internship opportunities for CSU Rams!
- Faculty Sponsor – Some departments will have you identify a professor who specializes in your specific career interest. This person will assign exercises and final grades in addition to providing career mentorship throughout your internship experience.
Important considerations
As you navigate the internship process, there are many important questions/issues to consider. Below you can find a non-exhaustive list of these considerations to help you make the best choice for you!
Location - internships can take place all over!
- Are you restricted to a certain geographic area? (ex: to be close to family)
- Are you looking to do an international internship?
- Are there areas that you’re interested in moving to after graduation?
Housing – some internships require you to be away from your typical housing
- What is my budget for housing? (consider if you have to still pay rent in town)
- What does housing look like where I’m interning (ex: might be limited if in remote area)
- What accessibility needs do I need and can the location provide them?
Pay/Volunteer - while less than ideal, some internships are unpaid
- What do you need to pay your bills if you are losing hours to unpaid internship?
Supervisor - each supervisor is different and can greatly impact your experience
- Is your supervisor committed to your professional development?
- What type of supervision style do you prefer?
Credit/no credit
- Does your degree require an internship to graduate? (hint: ask your ASC!)
- Does your degree have free elective space that could be filled with internship credit? (hint: ask your ASC!)
Myths about internships
MYTH: Internships are all unpaid.
BUSTED: We are seeing more and more paid internship opportunities from employers seeking to hire CSU Rams. As you are searching for internships on Handshake, you can even use filters to select paid opportunities only!
MYTH: I can’t receive credit for my internship if it’s not required for my degree.
BUSTED: Many programs have free elective space that might be able to accommodate internship credit as part of your degree program (i.e. you wouldn’t be paying for credits you don’t need to graduate). It’s important to talk with your Academic Success Coordinator often about your major/graduation plan; you can ask them if internship credit would make sense for you!
MYTH: International students can’t do internships.
BUSTED: There are multiple pathways for international students to pursue internships. Many on-campus departments offer internships, which are considered on-campus employment. Beyond that, international students might be able pursue CPT (Curricular Practicum Training) depending upon their student visa type. Reach out to the International Students and Scholars Office for more details.
MYTH: I need to take a whole semester or summer to complete an internship.
BUSTED: We understand that completing a full internship can be challenging for students based on a bunch of factors, such as pay concerns or time commitment. There are still ways to build up your resume and get the experience you need to be competitive after graduation! One of those ways is through a Parker Dewey Microinternship. Microinternships are short-term, paid, project-based opportunities that allow you to gain and flex your career competencies while building your resume or portfolio.
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.
- Hiring Through OPT/ CPT
- Post an Internship for CSU students
For questions about these resources or for more information about our services to recruit interns for your organization, please contact:
- Marie Tyrrell, Experiential Learning Program Manager, Marie.Tyrrell@colostate.edu