Experiential Learning

In Experiential Learning, students learn through personal experience. Career-relevant skills, knowledge and experience are gained outside of the classroom, through student-sought experiences such as research, externships, internships or community service.

Through experiential learning, you can gain experience by applying knowledge to real-world problems. According to the 2013 AACU survey, employers endorse educational practices that engage student in active, effortful work—practices such as internships, research, and community engagements, among others.

As the economic climate continues to create challenges for graduates seeking employment, gaining practical skills and real-world experience may provide you an advantage as a growing number of employers have come to expect to see these types of experiences on applicants’ resumes (Gallup, 2014).

At Alamo Colleges, you have the opportunity to work at a community-based federal work-study job (requires FAFSA eligibility) in the community at a non-profit agency at which you can get career-relevant work experience.

In addition, at Alamo Colleges several corporate internship opportunities are available (financial aid eligibility not required), with more opportunities being added. Alamo Colleges also promotes and provides workshops for students seeking summer internships with federal agencies. These workshops are offered in the fall and provide practical guidance on completing a competitive application.