8.3 Experiential Learning: Rounding Out Your College Career
8.3 Experiential Learning: Rounding Out Your College Career
What is experiential learning? Very simply, it means learning from your experiences. In this section, you can read about learning from your experiences outside the classroom. You need to ask this question of yourself: How can I have the college experience of a lifetime?
At UT Arlington, you have many opportunities to make your college experience exceptional, unforgettable, and (dare we say?) sensational. Engaging in opportunities outside of the classroom can inform your major and career exploration process and open your eyes to things you have never experienced.
Career Planning Timeline
During your freshman year…
- Meet with an advisor in the University Advising Center to discuss a schedule of classes that will fulfill the university’s core requirements or help you explore majors.
- Take a class on Major Exploration if you are undecided.
- Research the services available from the Lockheed Martin Career Development Center.
- Attend at least two academic seminars put on in the colleges you are interested in.
- Take career assessment inventories online and receive counseling to interpret results that can help you plan your career.
- Visit the Career Center and become familiar with job listings, some of which may relate to your career plans.
- Participate in student organizations to develop your leadership skills.
- Attend the Job Fair.
During your sophomore year…
- Continue working with your advisor or a career specialist in the Career Center regarding how interests and aptitudes relate to potential career choices.
- Obtain information and begin the registration process for relevant work experiences, such as cooperative education opportunities and internships.
- Keep a list of all of your projects, activities, committee memberships, and honors, as well as a portfolio that can be used for a résumé or during an interview.
- Join at least one professional or honorary organization to begin networking.
- Participate in at least two academic and career seminars (i.e., Test Taking, Job Search).
- Attend the Job Fair.
- Apply and become accepted officially into your major department.
During your junior year…
- Attend at least two career seminars (i.e., Résumé Preparation, Interview Skills).
- Register for internship or cooperative education positions with the Career Center or your academic department.
- Develop an effective cover letter and resume that have been critiqued by the Career Center.
- Attend the Job Fair.
- Assume a leadership position on campus.
- Conduct at least two “informational interviews” with professionals in your area of interest. Refer to “How to Conduct an Informational Interview.”
- Become familiar with at least three career options related to your major.
- Become familiar with the Career Center on-campus interview and resume referral processes.
- Make an appointment each semester to discuss progress toward graduation with your academic advisor.
As a senior/graduate student c