Academics & Campus Involvement
While jobs and internships are a great way to get experience in your field, there are plenty of other opportunities to develop your skills. Whether you are looking to grow your abilities in a class, complete an academic project, or join a volunteer organization, explore this page to consider some of the many possibilities for gaining experience.
Internship Courses
Depending on your major, you may be required or have the option to pursue an internship course. Speak with your academic advisor to learn more about what requirements or options you may have available through your academic department. You may also wish to consider opportunities that can align with minors and certificates. Learn more about EXP 000/080: Internships & Career Experiences to see if this 0-credit course might be an option for you!
Practicums and Clinical Work
These one-time work or service experiences are completed as part of an academic course requirement, typically in such areas as Nursing, Social Work, and Education. Academic departments usually arrange all logistics for the practicum or clinical site. The duties performed through these experiences pertain directly to a major or concentration.
Bridging Disciplines Program
Some courses involve project-based assignments for real-life clients and organizations. Students are often placed in teams to complete these semester-long projects that are related to a specific major or discipline. You can also opt to participate in the Bridging Disciplines Program, which offers sixteen different interdisciplinary certificates.
Volunteering and Service Learning
Consider participating in a service learning course or donating your time and talents to an organization as an opportunity to exercise soft skills and gain technical experience. Employers and graduate schools report that these experiences can help applications stand out. You can document these experiences on your resume by highlighting the number of hours you served or the role you played in meeting a specific organizational goal, such as funds raised or campaign objectives met.
Click on the link below to see the impact that service learning had on Engineering and Social Work students, and visit UTVolunteers to see all the opportunities to make a difference in your community.
Projects with Underserved Communities
Student Organizations
Holding leadership positions within organizations is another way to develop valuable skills and to stand out when applying for jobs, and UT Austin has more than 1,100 student organizations! Search for those that align with your academic, personal, and/or professional interests. Some organizational leadership or committee positions have the same responsibilities as internships and part-time jobs, and these experiences can also provide networking opportunities between members and alumni.
Get Involved
Search Organizations
Professional Associations
Professional associations provide resources, education, and networking opportunities to their members who work in a specific industry or profession. There are typically student chapters or memberships available. Consider joining a professional association to start making industry connections. Check your college or department’s website to learn more about professional associations that can be of interest to you and your prospective career.