- Internships & Work-Based Experiences
- Research & Capstone Projects
- Community-Based Learning
- Student Leadership & Involvement
- Creative, Innovative & Entrepreneurial Projects
- Global Experiences
- Student Employment & Career Skills (RISE)
- Career Exploration & Professional Development
Experiential Learning at PennWest
At PennWest University, learning goes beyond the classroom. Through hands-on experiences, you’ll apply what you learn, develop career-ready skills and prepare for what comes next.
Experiential learning opportunities include internships, clinical and field placements, research, capstone projects, community-engaged learning, leadership, global learning and student employment.
What is Experiential Learning?
Experiential learning is learning through direct experience, reflection and practical application. It allows students to connect classroom knowledge with experiences in workplaces, laboratories, communities, campus organizations and locations around the world.
At PennWest, experiential learning may be part of a course, academic program, campus job or co-curricular opportunity. Experiences may be paid or unpaid and completed on campus, online, in the community or with an employer.
What Counts as Experiential Learning?
Experiential learning can take many forms depending on your academic program, interests and career goals. At PennWest, opportunities are organized into eight areas:
Within these areas, experiences may include internships, clinical placements, fieldwork, student teaching, undergraduate research, creative projects, service-learning, study abroad, leadership roles and on-campus employment.
Why Experiential Learning Matters
Experiential learning gives you the opportunity to put what you are learning into practice. Along the way, you can gain experience, strengthen your skills, build professional connections and discover how your interests can translate into a career.
Whether you are working with an employer, conducting research with a faculty member, serving your community, leading on campus or studying in another country, these experiences help prepare you for what comes next.
Explore Experiential Learning Opportunities
Internships & Work-Based Learning
Put your knowledge and skills into practice through internships, clinical placements,
field experiences, student teaching and other work-based opportunities. Gain professional
experience, build connections and learn more about your future career.
Research & Capstone Projects
Work with faculty and other experts to investigate important questions, solve problems
and apply what you have learned. Opportunities may include undergraduate research,
independent studies and capstone projects that deepen your knowledge and contribute
to your field.
Community-Based Learning
Connect your education with the community through service-learning, volunteer experiences
and partnerships that allow you to apply your skills while making a meaningful impact.
Student Leadership & Involvement
Develop leadership, communication and teamwork skills through student organizations,
campus activities and other opportunities to lead, collaborate and contribute to the
PennWest community.
Creative, Innovative & Entrepreneurial Projects
Bring your ideas to life through creative, innovative and entrepreneurial projects.
Create original work, develop and test new products or solutions, or launch a business
or social venture while building confidence, practical skills and an entrepreneurial
mindset.
Global Experiences
Broaden your perspective through study abroad, international internships, cultural
exchanges and other experiences that prepare you to live and work in an interconnected
world.
Student Employment & Career Skills (RISE)
Make your on-campus employment part of your learning experience. Reflections in Student
Employment (RISE) helps you identify and communicate the skills you are developing
at work and connect them to your education and future career.
Career Exploration & Professional Development
Develop essential career skills through job shadowing, career programs and events,
conferences, and job simulations.
See Experiential Learning in Action
Experiential learning happens on campus, in our communities and with organizations across Pennsylvania and beyond.
Explore the interactive map to see where PennWest students are gaining hands-on experience through internships, clinical placements, research, fieldwork, student teaching and other career-connected opportunities.
Explore the Map
Career Centered Support
Career preparation begins the first semester through the Career Center. PennWest students receive support from their professional career coach with career and major exploration, job shadowing, resume and cover letter guidance, internship and job search strategies, interview preparation, networking, career events and other opportunities designed to prepare them for their next step.
Visit Career Center Resources
Frequently Asked Questions About Experiential Learning
Experiential learning is learning through direct experience, reflection and practical application. It helps students connect classroom knowledge with experiences in workplaces, laboratories, communities, campus organizations and global settings.
PennWest offers internships and work-based learning; research, creative work and capstone projects; community-engaged learning; leadership and student involvement; global learning; and student employment.
No. An internship is one type of experiential learning. Experiential learning also includes clinical placements, fieldwork, student teaching, research, capstone projects, creative work, service-learning, leadership, global learning and student employment.
Some opportunities, including many internships and student-employment positions, are paid. Others may be unpaid, completed for academic credit or incorporated into a course or academic program. Requirements vary by experience.
Yes. Depending on their academic program and location, Global Online students may participate in internships, research, community projects, field experiences, virtual collaborations and other approved opportunities.
You can begin exploring opportunities at any point in your PennWest education. The best timing will depend on your academic program, interests and career goals.
The Experiential Learning Center, faculty advisers, career coaches and success coaches can help you identify opportunities that align with your academic interests and career goals.