Experiential Learning Opportunities

Explore, create and make an impact in your field of study.

 

Whether it's through:

  • Internships that connect with your career goals.
  • Research projects that challenge your critical thinking.
  • Community engagement and volunteering efforts that connect you with the Charleston community and the world.
These opportunities are your starting point for turning knowledge into action.

Learn By Doing

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An art history major shares how she honed her organizational skills through an internship at The Bronx Museum of the Arts.

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Turn Knowledge into Action

There are so many ways to connect your studies with real world experiences. Bonus: These hands-on learning opportunities look great on your resume.
  • Internships

    Apply your classroom knowledge to the real world. Nearly 70 percent of our students complete at least one internship before they graduate. 

    • Charleston's diverse business community includes hundreds of tech start-ups. 
    • The city's tourism industry is thriving. Be part of the $8 billion pumped into the local economy because of it. 
    • Charleston is home to both a vibrant arts scene and a burgeoning bio- and medical-sciences industry.
  • Research

    Approximately 80 percent of employers surveyed by the American Association of Colleges and Universities say they are more likely to hire a candidate who collaborated with faculty on a research problem. 

    Why? 

    Through research, you'll find creative solutions to problems, devlop your critical thinking skills and learn to work in diverse teams. You'll take initiative, manage your time wisely and be organized. All skills valued by your future employer.

     

    Discover Research Opportunities
  • Volunteer Opportunities

    Ready to make a difference?

    Participation in a community-based or service-learning project will catch the attention of employers across the country. 

    Volunteer work provides you opportunities to make a positive impact on our community. In addition, you'll gain paractical experience, develop your skills and better understand different perspectives and cultures.

    Service-Learning
  • Leadership Development

    Successful leaders transform organizations. 

    Your future employer will want to hire someone with the skills that can take their organization to the next level. With more than 240 clubs and organizations on campus, you'll find a way to take the lead while doing something that interests you. Find your community while developing leadership and communication skills. 

    The Higdon Center's student leadership programs provide you opportunities to build these critical skills. 

    The Higdon Center
  • Cooperative Education (Co-ops)

    Bosch, BMW, Disney, Michelin and Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR).

    Call it name-dropping, but we're proud of the employment opportunities College of Charleston students secure under the cooperative education (Co-op) program.

    The Co-op program allows you to alternate between periods of academic study with periods of work in a position closely related to your major. 

    While you don't receive academic credit for your work in a co-op position as you might for an internship, your co-op generally provides you more in-depth and extensive work experience.

    Current students should visit The Hub to learn more. 

  • Study Abroad

    Employers put a premium on global learning that includes exposure to diverse experiences and perspectives. Immerse yourself in a different culture and you'll always have something to talk about when an interviewer asks you to "Describe a situation when you embraced change."

    In addition to preparing for success in an increasingly interconnected world, you'll enhance your non-native language skills and showcase qualities like adaptability, open-mindedness and self-reliance.

    About Study Abroad