Experiential Learning Opportunities
![West Florida student uses a mill machine in the fabrication lab.](/media/university-of-west-florida/academic-engagement-and-student-affairs/departments/career-development-and-community-engagement/photos/general-use-images/23_7343-CDCE-Employer-Guide-Webpages_ELOs_Internal-Banner.jpg)
Opportunities to learn outside the classroom are a critical component of a college education. Experiential learning programs provide a powerful mechanism for students to apply knowledge and information acquired from their academic program and for employers to evaluate future talent.
Types of Experiential Learning Opportunities
![Student interacting with employers at a career event](/media/university-of-west-florida/academic-engagement-and-student-affairs/departments/career-development-and-community-engagement/photos/general-use-images/23_7343-CDCE-Employer-Guide-Webpages_Internships_Column-Image.jpg)
Internships
An internship is most often a one-semester experience that may or may not be for course credit.
![Student writing in a binder](/media/university-of-west-florida/academic-engagement-and-student-affairs/departments/career-development-and-community-engagement/photos/general-use-images/23_7343-CDCE-Employer-Guide-Webpages_Co-op_Column-Image.jpg)
Cooperative Education
Cooperative education programs are multi-semester experiences that are always for course credit and always paid.
![Student volunteering to build a home](/media/university-of-west-florida/academic-engagement-and-student-affairs/departments/career-development-and-community-engagement/photos/general-use-images/23_7343-CDCE-Employer-Guide-Webpages_Service-based-Learning_Column-Image.jpg)
Volunteering
Non-profit organizations have the ability to seek students as volunteers in addition to seeking interns or co-op candidates. Volunteer opportunities are posted in Handshake.
![Student working on a laptop](/media/university-of-west-florida/academic-engagement-and-student-affairs/departments/career-development-and-community-engagement/photos/general-use-images/23_7343-CDCE-Employer-Guide-Webpages_Micro-internships_Column-Image.jpg)
Micro-internships and Project-based Experiences
Micro-internships are short-term, paid work experiences that provide your company with immediate support on professional projects.
For questions, please contact our office at career@uwf.edu or 850.474.2254.