Click here for a list of great employers. Experiential learning refers to experiences outside the classroom that enable students to develop skills related to their academic or career interests. Such experiences include internships, co-ops, summer employment, and externships. Internships are typically one-time work or service experiences performed by students who have attained at least some academic preparation in a professional field. Advanced undergraduate or graduate students work in professional settings under the supervision of at least one practicing professional.
Some internships are more involved than others.
Many offer pay, but quite a few don't. Most are done for academic credit. A cooperative education experience is generally completed over more than one semester. It includes work assignments related to the participant's academic and career interests. Co-op students are almost always paid, and their work is considered productive to the employer.