Ways to Get Experience in College

Internships provide student with hands-on experience working on career related projects within an organization.

• Internships are usually one-term experiences and are usually offered in the Fall, Spring or Summer.
• Internships can be paid or unpaid, full-time or part-time. These factors vary by career field and employer.
• Career and Professional Development provides two programs for undergraduate students to participate in internships both off campus through Cooperative Education and Internship Program (CEIP) and on-campus through Campus internEXP.

Cooperative Education (co-op) is an academic program that is meant to complement the student’s education through hands-on application in their field of study.  It is a long-term plan that can start as early as their freshman year and can last the duration of the student’s academic career.  Co-op involves multi-term work assignments/rotations with increased tasks and responsibilities as the student progresses through classes, obtaining in-depth work experience.  Students will often remain with the same employer for the duration of their co-op experience for a scaffolding learning process.  

• Career and Professional Development provides a program for undergraduate students to participate in co-ops called the Cooperative Education and Internship Program (CEIP).
• For graduate students: The Graduate School administers cooperative education for graduate students.

Field study typically involves direct hands-on experience in a work environment related to a student’s major. There may be structured academic assignments in addition to the hands-on work.

• Field study is typically done through your academic department, for academic credit, and is sometimes required for certain majors. Consult your academic department within your college to see if field studies are offered or required.

Research is a scholarly or creative investigation conducted by students, often under the guidance of a faculty mentor. It allows students to explore topics of interest, develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and contribute original work to their field. This research can take place in various disciplines, including science, engineering, humanities, and social sciences, and may result in publications, presentations, or practical applications.

• The Office of Undergraduate Research at Virginia Tech is a comprehensive resource for Virginia Tech students.
• The Graduate School has more information on participating in research as a graduate student.
• Professors might advertise undergraduate research opportunities, but don’t wait for this to happen. You can take the initiative to approach professors whose research topics interest you.

Global education encompasses learning experiences that foster international awareness, cross-cultural understanding, and global competency, both abroad and at home. This could include study aboard/exchange programs, international internships and research, and service learning and volunteering in other countries.

Study abroad is a global education experience where students complete part of their academic program in a foreign country, gaining cultural immersion, and global perspectives. This includes exchange and faculty led programs.

• The Global Education Office at Virginia Tech provides resources and guidance on seeking study abroad opportunities.

Service learning is a teaching method that combines academic coursework with meaningful community service, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges while developing civic responsibility and practical skills.

• To learn more about service learning opportunities at Virginia Tech, visit VT Engage.

A project team is a group of students who collaborate to plan, develop, and complete a specific academic or extracurricular project, leveraging their diverse skills and knowledge to achieve a common goal. They work together on a project to solve a real-world problem, applying their academic knowledge to design, build, and present a functional solution.

• These can include capstone projects, senior design teams, or completing real-world projects for a client as part of an academic course.

A micro-internship is a short-term, paid or unpaid professional experience—typically lasting a few days to a few weeks—where students complete real-world projects for companies or organizations, gaining hands-on experience and networking opportunities.

• For more information and to explore opportunities, visit Parker Dewey.

Part-time and summer jobs are a wonderful way to gain skills and Professional Competencies that are transferrable to other jobs and experiences.

• Employers value applicants who demonstrate a good work ethic including time management, relationship building, conflict management, showing initiative, and a willingness to observe and learn.
• To search for part-time/summer jobs visit Handshake.

An externship is a short-term, practical learning experience that allows students to observe and gain insight into a specific career field by working alongside professionals. Externships are typically unpaid and last from a few days to a few weeks, providing hands-on exposure to workplace environments. They help students explore career interests, develop professional connections, and enhance their resumes.

• There are similarities between externships and shadowing; so sometimes the terms are used interchangeably. However, externships tend to be more structured experiences.
• Externships can be a bridge between exploring career options and getting a look at a real world environment. They may be short-term or long-term in duration. The extern would have a pre-arranged time to spend at a work environment to watch and learn from people in the career field or type of work environment.
• Some organizations specifically advertise externships. However, students may take the initiative to arrange an externship by contacting organizations and personnel.

Job shadowing is a career exploration activity where a student observes a working professional in their field of interest for a short period. It provides firsthand insight into daily job responsibilities, workplace culture, and industry expectations. Job shadowing helps students gain a better understanding of a career path, make informed career decisions, and build professional connections.

• Shadowing could be a one-time experience for a few hours or a day; or it could be a multiple-session experience over a span of time.
• Shadowing does not involve doing work-related tasks. Shadowing could involve being present during client or patient interactions, so it requires a high level of professionalism.
• Shadowing is often done by students who wish to enter a medical profession; the student would observe a healthcare professional to learn how they interact with patients. For more information about Healthcare related opportunities, visit Health Professions Advising (HPA).
• Students who wish to shadow must take the initiative to contact professionals and request to shadow.

A student organization leader is an individual who holds a position within a campus club, society, or group, guiding its members toward achieving shared goals. This person is responsible for organizing activities, making decisions, fostering teamwork, and representing the organization to the campus community.

• Leaders in student organizations may hold titles such as president, vice president, secretary, or committee chair and play a crucial role in planning events, managing resources, and ensuring the organization’s success.
• To find ways to get involved with student organizations, visit GobblerConnect.

Volunteering refers to unpaid work or service performed for the benefit of a community, organization, or cause. It allows students to contribute their time and skills to help others while gaining valuable experience, building leadership abilities, expanding their network and more.

• Volunteering can take place in various settings, such as nonprofits, schools, hospitals, environmental projects, or community service initiatives.
• You can do volunteer work as an individual, or as part of a club or organization.
• These can be one-time or extended opportunities for engagement.