Frequently Asked Questions: Experiential Learning

What is experiential learning?
Experiential learning at the University of Pittsburgh includes different types of activities, with one common goal—to immerse you in “hands-on” activities outside of the classroom, emphasizing the central role of experience in the learning process. These activities include internships, research, teaching and academic service-learning for undergraduate students.

The outside-of-the-classroom experience is just the beginning. It must be accompanied by reflection, analysis, and, most importantly, by putting the experience into an academic context. Experiential learning should reflect your needs and wants; you take the initiative to determine what type of experiential learning is best for you.

Experiential learning can mean different things in different settings. Experiential learning activities at the University of Pittsburgh are always tied to current coursework. At the University, experiential learning does not include earning academic credit for past job or work experiences.

What are the differences between research and internships?
Undergraduate internship and research experiences can look alike, particularly for science students. There are several basic differences:

Research involves searching and testing for new knowledge.
Research is almost always campus-based.
Research involves working closely with the professor who leads the research lab.
Research may be for college credit or for pay but never for both.
Interns generally work off-campus.
Interns may perform research but that is not usually the focus of their jobs.
Interns work at sites outside of the University, meeting regularly with the site supervisors during their internships; and meet with their professors only periodically during the internship.

For more information, visit Academic Internships and Undergraduate Research Opportunities.

Who benefits from experiential learning?
Any college student can benefit from an experiential learning experience. You may be uncertain of your major, the career you want following graduation, or if you want to go to graduate school. Internships can introduce you to the corporate world and let you “try on” a job for a large corporation or a small start-up. Research can lead you to a deeper understanding of a subject and give you an in-depth appreciation of laboratory work. Service-learning projects can provide you with leadership opportunities in the local community or assisting non-profits in Washington, D.C. Being a UTU can help you to decide if you would like to teach or go to graduate school.

Whether you plan to attend college for a few years or if you plan to continue to post-doctorate education, experiential learning can benefit you in many ways. You'll have the opportunity to meet and work with people in a field that you are interested in. You will be able to earn college credit while gaining experience and exploring options.

Why should I consider an experiential learning activity?
If you participate in the experiential learning process, you will more easily make the transition into your chosen field upon graduation. Experiential learning can also help your career development by providing a realistic day-to-day view of various professions, industries, labs and organizations. Engaging in an internship or in research as an undergraduate can help you to decide whether to continue your education into graduate school.

How do I begin exploring experiential learning opportunities?
Research! Investigate the Web sites, particularly—if you've chosen a major—your departmental Web site. Off-line, each department has at least one bulletin board with information about research, internships, and other experiential learning activities. Visit the office for your major, or visit other departments to explore opportunities for students who major in similar disciplines.

If I'm not certain what my career goals are, how can I find out what kind of experiential learning activity is best for me?

Begin by asking yourself basic, but perhaps difficult questions:

What have I always wanted to learn about?
What have I always wanted to try?
What can I picture myself doing after graduation?
What type of setting would I like to work in?
What type of people do I want to work with?
Do I want my work to involve primarily quantitative activities, direct engagement with human services, or creative endeavors?

How does experiential learning fit into a liberal arts education?

EL activities can help you in the following ways:

Allow you to use your transferable skills, and experience the practical application of your classroom knowledge.
Give you concrete examples of what you can do with a liberal arts degree, especially valuable if you are still deciding on a major or a career path.
Require you to do “multi-tasking,” which is essential to success in the job market. All employers need people who think critically, work well in teams, solve problems, and create solutions.
Make your education more interesting, by giving you relevant activities beyond the classroom. This gives you a competitive edge for the job market or professional/graduate school. It shows that you take the initiative to do more than the “minimum” requirements for your degree.
Help you build stronger relationships with faculty and other students, particularly if you are engaged in research or teaching. Internships and service-learning allow you to develop stronger relationships within the local community and thus within a workplace in which you may eventually want to obtain employment.

Just like the diversity and breath that your liberal arts education is providing you, EL provides you with additional ways to diversify your education and maximize your opportunities!

If I have career goals in mind, what type of experiential learning should I select to assist me in getting experience in my desired field?

Some basic guidelines:

If you are considering pursuing a career in academia, undergraduate research can be beneficial. Research is also applicable if your are considering working in a lab, or doing humanities based research, such as journalism, curating, or historical research.
Service-learning can be applicable to all majors. It can give you a taste for how a non-profit and community based organization works. You may also be given the opportunity to work with diverse populations of people. Not only will you be learning through experience, but you will be providing a service to your community.
Undergraduate teaching can provide you with a glimpse at what it is like to be an instructor at an institution for higher education, it can also allow you to experience a classroom setting which is helpful for determining if you want to teach in a high school or an adult learning environment.
Academic internships can incorporate elements of the three experiences mentioned above. If you think you would like to work at a for-profit business or organization then consider an internship in that type of setting.

What can I get credit for?
Academic Internships and Service-learning experiences are on a for-credit basis only. Research and teaching opportunities can be done for credit or compensation. While some internships provide financial compensation, students cannot earn academic credit if they are being compensated. Please discuss the credit option with your supervisory faculty member or Margaret “Peggy” E. Heely in the Experiential Learning Office, B-4 THAW.

What if I don’t know what career or major I am interested in?
Visit Career Services in the William Pitt Union, second floor. They have great advisors there who can help you to ask questions about your likes and interests and to explore different career options.

What kind of projects are eligible for an OEL Small Grant?
OEL Small Grants are available for research or creative projects or to help defray travel expenses when a student is traveling to either give a presentation or perform. Students can also obtain an OEL Small Grant to engage in an undergraduate teaching experience (UTE).

I’m a graduate student. Can you help me find an internship or a research position?
The Office of Experiential Learning provides services to A&S undergraduate students. Most departments have information on internship, research, and teaching opportunities for graduate students, so please consult with your advisor.

I’m an undergraduate student in the College of Engineering—can you help me find an internship or a research position?
Other schools at the University of Pittsburgh (Engineering, Social Work, Nursing, College of General Studies, etc.) have their own requirements for internships. As a result, students within the other schools should consult with their advisors about internships.