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Syracuse University, College of Arts and Sciences

Experiential Learning

On this page:

Internship, Research

Experiential learning is learning through experience, giving you opportunities for reflection and critical analysis. You are encouraged to take initiative, make decisions, and be accountable for the results. In other words, you can take risks and learn from your mistakes and successes. The Academic and Career Advising Office encourages you to consider the following experiential learning opportunities offered all throughout your college experience: Internship, Research, Study Abroad and Community Service.

Experiential learning takes place when a person involved in an activity looks back and evaluates it to determine what was useful or important to remember and uses this information to preform another duty.

John Dewey

Internship

Benefits of internships

  • Explore and learn more about yourself and your career interests.
  • Adds relevant experience to your resume.
  • Get a foot in the door at a company, possibly transition into a full-time position.
  • Learn more about your field of study or a particular industry.
  • Decide if this is the right path for you.
  • Develop and build upon skills.
  • Gain valuable networking contacts; obtain references for future job opportunities.
  • Apply knowledge learned in the classroom.
  • Meet peers with similar interests.

Resources for finding internship opportunities

  • Handshake
  • Company websites and social media platforms
  • Alumni networks through LinkedIn
  • Career fairs and events (see Handshake!)
  • Networking and informational interviewing
  • Professional association websites

College credit for internships

  • 270 and 470 faculty-supported internships that apply to major
  • CAS 270: Internship applies to elective credit

Steps to Register

  1. Meet with Advisor
  2. Complete Internship Proposal/Agreement Form
  3. Bring form to 342 HOL
  4. Representative from A&S | Maxwell Academic & Career Advising Office calls site to confirm placement
  5. Advising submits form to Registrar’s office

Research

Research is a systematic inquiry that investigates hypotheses, suggests new interpretations of data or texts, and poses new questions for future research to explore. Undergraduates have numerous opportunities to work side by side with faculty on important research, in the lab or in the field, in nearly every discipline, from philosophy to physics.

Benefits to undergraduate research

  • Enhance your learning through mentoring relationships with faculty.
  • Be prepared for graduate education or career.
  • Develop critical thinking, creativity, problem solving, and intellectual independence.
  • Develop an understanding of research methodology.

Resources for finding research opportunities

  • Major/faculty advisor
  • Department websites
  • Department undergraduate directors or chairs
  • Handshake
  • Your A&S | Maxwell advisor
  • Campus centers and institutes
  • The SOURCE – Syracuse Office of Undergraduate Research & Creative Engagement

Receive college credit

  • Credit Internship URP 250
  • Credit Internship URP 450