internships and co-ops
What is Experiential Learning?
What is experiential learning? It is learning that is gained through experiences. It is composed of work or volunteer opportunities which provide insight into a future career and build upon classroom knowledge.
Experiential learning can help you to explore and clarify career interests, foster personal and professional growth, develop a professional network, and develop transferable skills such as leadership, communication, teamwork and technology.
Types of Experiential Learning
- Volunteer: unpaid experiences ranging from one-time “shadowing” to regular ongoing participation with an organization.
- Part-Time/Summer: short-term or extended on- or off-campus work experiences.
- Internships: paid or unpaid work in a field directly related to the student’s area of study.
- Co-ops: extended (usually two semesters) full-time paid internship.
Fast Facts about Experiential Learning
- Over 3 out of 4 of all U.S. undergraduate students will complete an internship or co-op prior to graduation.
- Over 80% of companies offer experiential learning opportunities as a way to identify talent and eventually recruit full-time employees.
- Employers report that they hire 50% of their intern and co-op students as full-time employees following graduation.
Find an Internship or Co-op
- See tips and resources to help you find an internship or co-op.
- View internship opportunities by using your CES account.
Learn about the University Recognition Program
- Find out more about CES's program to assist you in documenting and making the most of your internship or co-op.
Tips and Resources for Interns and Co-ops
- View resources to help you succeed in your internship or co-op.