Importance of Real World Experience
Career Development Center
Learning new things helps open the doors of opportunity for your future! There are many benefits to obtaining experience outside the classroom and textbooks. It seems that a trend is being developed in the working world of a desire to hire full-time employees with direct, hands-on experience. This leads to the vicious cycle of - how can I get experience until I am hired? One way of combating that obstacle is to gain the desired experience through internships, summer jobs, volunteering, etc.. The following is a list of ways in which experiential education may help you to prepare for your future career goals:
Be there - Experiencing the work first-hand. Gives a better indication and insight as to the characteristics of a job. Is it something you would really enjoy as a career.
Make yourself marketable - When you are ready to seek full-time employment, employers prefer those with experience. Also, employers may feel more comfortable hiring those who have completed an internship in their company/organization. They have already seen your skills, competencies, potential, and knowledge first-hand.
Put theory into practice - Having the ability to apply theories learned in class into real-world situations. You learn more by applying the theory.
Investigate career goals - Internships are an opportunity for exploration and experimentation. They allow you to "test the waters" to determine what you would like to pursue and not pursue as a future career.
Network - Internships provide opportunities to meet many people who may potentially help you in the long run. Developing contacts and keeping record of influential people you've interacted with and met at your internship may be helpful when seeking full-time employment.
