Getting experience means learning by doing. Experiential opportunities help you discover what you feel drawn to, demonstrate your potential, apply your skills outside the classroom, and figure out how you want to develop your interests, skills, and values in the future.
There are many ways to get experience. Explore a student organization. Get involved in undergraduate research, a job or internship, or a volunteer or service project. Take part in international programs or global experiences.
Here are some ideas to get you started around campus:
Student organizations and leadership experiences
Get engaged in organizations and events across campus.
- OneIllinois can help you explore (literally!) hundreds of student organizations
Student organizations offer a wide variety of leadership positions, as well as ways to build teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills. Even activities that you join mainly for social and recreational reasons can offer you a path to greater involvement and self-knowledge.
Undergraduate research
As a public research university with a rich history of creativity and innovation, Illinois offers many ways for students to get involved in research. Learn to frame questions and use systematic methods of inquiry to get answers.
The Undergraduate Research Symposium every spring provides opportunities for students to present poster sessions or conference papers. The Office of Undergraduate Research also maintains lists of journals and conferences that accept undergraduate submissions.
International programs and global experiences
There are many ways to get international experience, from short-term class-based trips over breaks to multiyear initiatives like the Global Leaders Program.
If your plans include studying abroad, LAS can help you identify the right program for your needs, including language instruction or work/volunteer opportunities.
Volunteer and service learning
Connect with programs related to social and community awareness, civic engagement, and global awareness. There are many ways to get involved.
- Office of Civic Life (formerly Office of Volunteer Programs)
- We CU
Volunteering and service learning offer opportunities to build and demonstrate new skills, and to explore potential career paths.
Consulting, entrepreneurship, leadership
The University of Illinois offers a number of ways across campus for LAS students to get involved and build experience in the realms of consulting, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
Still unsure where to begin? Connect with an LAS Peer Mentor at the Lisnek LAS Hub.
LAS Peer Mentors specialize in helping LAS undergraduates to identify experiential learning opportunities and to prepare application materials (e.g., resumes, cover letters).
Have you landed an internship or professional experience that is unpaid or underpaid?
The LAS Get Experience Scholarship supports students in gaining hands-on, career-related experience by mitigating the pay gap. Check out the eligibility requirements to see if this scholarship fits your needs.