How to gain experience out of the classroom

Experiential Learning

Experiential learning provides hands-on experiences outside of classrooms, a chance to clarify your career interests and expand skills for your career. All these experiences enhance your résumé and chance at getting the jobs you want!

  

Jobs

Compensated work, on or off campus, short- or long-term, part- or full-time

  • Each job is a stepping stone in your career where you develop valuable skills like communication, time management and
  • organization.
  • Positions on and off-campus also guide your career and educational goals and help you discover new interests.

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Internships

Temporary, paid or unpaid, student training experiences at a company or organization in the field of interest to gain skills and qualifications for your career

  • Internships help students figure out what positions interest them. They also show employers you have academic and real-life experience.
  • In a recent survey, more than half of all graduates said that an internship got them a job.

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Study, Intern, or Work Abroad

OSU GO provides over 200 international opportunities for education, internships, and research in more than 70 different countries around the world

  • Study abroad experiences show that you are well-rounded and culturally aware and are a great asset for employers.
  • Study abroad can also help you discover interests in new industries, locations, programs, and languages.

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Clubs

On-campus student clubs are dedicated to a goal, activity, sport, cause, etc.

  • Being a part of a club shows initiative and passion which employers find appealing in candidates. It highlights your nonwork-related qualities that employers might relate to.
  • OSU-Cascades hosts several of student organizations. Chances are there is one that will help you grow in your field, or you can start one of your own!

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Volunteering

Unpaid, freely chosen opportunities to help others or an organization with a project, event, etc.

  • Volunteering demonstrates generosity, initiative, and investment in your community/surroundings.
  • It’s a way to get your foot in the door of organizations in your field or to get experience in a shorter, more flexible time than a formal job.

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Research

A faculty-mentored or independent investigation aimed at solving important problems

  • OSU is Oregon’s top public research institution, and opportunities abound. Research projects show expertise in your field and build your résumé.
  • It’s a great way to network and build relationships in your department, in labs or across campus. And can be key to getting into graduate school.

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