Involvement

Experiential Learning

Experiential learning allows you to build real world skills that can be applied to your future career. Additionally, these experiences provide you an opportunity to engage in a field you are interested in by observing and interacting with professionals in that field.

Education Abroad

Studying abroad allows students to gain a global understanding of the field they are interested in or a chance to explore other areas of interest. These experiences can include USF faculty-led programs, USF exchange, affiliated or non-affiliated programs.

While students can study a variety of topics abroad, many choose to focus these experiences to ones related to their major and career goals.

Undergraduate Research

Gaining research experience is vital in a world where information continue to grow. Learning how to observe, question, and evaluate the world is a skill that can be transferred to any future career. These experiences are not restricted to science majors and can add value to any student's major.

Students can participate in research directly with their department faculty and should reach out to their major advisor with any questions on how to do so.

Students can also gain research experience beyond their department and university. The Office of Undergraduate Research can help students find and take advantage of these opportunities.

Volunteering

Volunteering is a low stakes way to get engaged in a field you are interested in exploring more deeply. When volunteering you can give as many or as few hours as you are able, which is especially helpful for students juggling multiple commitments. Visit the Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement (CLCE) for more information and to learn about opportunities.

Job Shadowing

Shadowing is often overlooked by students as an effective way to explore career options. By observing the day-to-day of a professional, students can reflect on their interest in that field. This can shape a student's career and life goals.

Students interested in participating in shadowing are encouraged to reach out to professionals in those fields directly, however, your academic advisors can help navigate this process. 

Internships and Work Experience

Internships and work experience allow students to gain a realistic idea of a potential work setting while building relevant knowledge and skills. Students also have the opportunity to learn professional norms in the field and build a network of contacts and references.

Academic advisors, faculty, and departments provide students with a variety of opportunities related to their field. Career Services can also help students identify and connect with potential employers across all fields.