Getting Experience

Employers consistently rank "on-the-job experience" as a top qualification that new college graduates should possess. Several types of opportunities can provide practical experience, and many of them take place in a professional environment. They include internships, cooperative education, summer jobs, part-time work, volunteerism, service learning, and work-study programs.

Listed below are some resources for Clarion University students interested in getting experience. To discuss experiential learning opportunities related to your personal interests and career aspirations, schedule an individual appointment with a CSC staff member by calling 814-393-2323.

Information

• Getting Experience (.pdf)
  Learn about the importance of experience in helping you to make a major/career decision and in developing the qualifications that employers require.

How to Gain Experience

• Recognized Student Organizations
  Participating in student organizations is a great way to link your personal involvement on campus with your professional goals. Serving on a committee, planning an event, or holding a leadership position are only a few of the kinds of experiences you can add to your resume as clear evidence of skills that employers require.
• Student Service Organizations
  Review a list of student organizations where service is part of the group's mission.
• Community Service/Volunteerism
  Learn what steps you need to take to 1) register your interest in volunteering; 2) access a list of agencies, civic groups, service organizations, businesses, and special programs that currently seek individual and group volunteers; and 3) report your service hours.
• Federal Work-Study Positions with Area Agencies
  Learn about the 20 on- and off-campus work-study positions that provide students with work-learning opportunities related to education or career goals.
• Part-Time Jobs
  Establish an account at www.collegecentral.com/clarion to access  a database of part-time jobs currently available on campus and in the Clarion region.
• Internships
  Access internship information.