If you ask any student regarding their career goals and how they aim to achieve them, they will answer that they will sign up for every opportunity open to them to improve their chances of getting the jobs they want. From internships to volunteering, they will participate in them and include them in their resume.

Some employers look for the applicant's work experience through internships and other similar programs to determine if they are the right person they are looking for.

Opportunities such as volunteering and internships are examples of experiential learning. What is experiential learning, and why is it important?

What is Experiential Learning

Experiential learning is a particular type of learning that allows students to feel their chosen field in person and apply what they learnt. As they do their chosen experiential learning program, they will develop the skills they will need to succeed and know how to use them in real life.

For example, suppose a student is taking up computer engineering. In that case, experiential learning will allow them to apprentice under a licensed computer engineer who can help them hone their skills by giving them tasks to practice what they learnt.

Types of Experiential Learning Programs

Experiential learning programs vary depending on the chosen industry or career of the student taking them. During these programs, a student's analytical skills, independence, engagement skills and capability to adapt will help them in the future.

Here is a shortlist of the various types of experiential learning programs you can select for your career goals:

  1. Apprenticeships
  2. Co-ops
  3. School Employment
  4. Internships and Externships
  5. Fellowships
  6. Field experience
  7. Job shadowing
  8. Practicums
  9. Student teaching
  10. Foreign study
  11. Volunteering
  12. Service-learning programs
  13. Returnships
  14. Informational interviews

How to Sign Up for Experiential Learning Programs

If you are interested in taking one of the experiential learning programs to help you with your career, there are many ways you can sign up for them.

Students can speak to their career services office to help them find internships and other opportunities where they can learn more about their chosen careers. The office can also help students reach out to alumni who offer job shadowing and other similar options.

Some companies also offer internships or apprenticeships for their employees, both future and current, to help their careers. Other companies also offer volunteer programs to support the causes they are interested in and build their network in the process.

The government also has special programs available for interested students or employees who want to expand their skillset further.

Conclusion

The job market is very fierce in any industry, both here and abroad. With this in mind, you will need all the edge you can get to show employers that you are the one they are looking for.

With experiential learning, you will show that you have the training and experience to deal with the job. If you get an opportunity to take an experiential learning program, whether you are a new job applicant or you already have a job, don't be afraid to take it!

Are you a fresh grad? Check out these helpful articles to boost your new career path:
5 Tips for Graduates Entering the Workforce During Pandemic
How To Choose Your 1st Job When You Graduate
A Letter To A Graduate

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