Unlock Your Potential: Experiential Learning at the College of Charleston

Real-world opportunities. Job-ready career prep.

Hands-on experience isn’t just valuable—it’s essential. In today’s world, success means being able to think creatively to adapt to emergining opportunities, solve real problems in an ever-changing social landscape and prepare for new challenges in a rapidly evolving world.

No matter your major or which path you choose, experiential learning programs at the College of Charleston will help equip you for what’s next. Our programs connect you with unique opportunities to gain practical skills, build professional networks and discover your passions in an innovative, dynamic city.

• Gain Real-World Skills. Internships, co-ops and volunteer opportunities will equip you with the practical skills employers are seeking, giving you a competitive edge upon graduation.
• Explore Your Passions. Try out different career paths and discover what truly excites you.
• Build Your Networks. Connect with Charleston professionals, mentors and community leaders while opening doors to future opportunities.
• Boost Your Résumé. Stand out from the crowd. Hands-on experience demonstrates initiative, problem-solving abilities and a commitment to your chosen field.
• Make a Real Impact. Participate in a community-based or service-learning project and be an agent of change. Get involved and gain the type of experience today's employers demand.

Experiential Learning at the College of Charleston

Internships

Flying high with the Philadelphia Eagles or digging deep into history in Charleston's abundant archives, museums and historical sites, our interns gain professional experience with leading companies and organizations in Charleston and across the country.

 

Take advantage of Charleston's thriving sectors like aerospace, logistics, medical, automotive, software/IT, and hospitality and tourism jobs. Find exclusive opportunities through our career center.

Research

Investigate big questions and discover real-world solutions. Research builds critical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills that employers value. 

 

Work alongside faculty on meaningful projects, from neonatal stroke prevention to the global effects of underwater volcanoes. Explore what matters to you—like microplastic pollution from tires or how social networks influence obesity. Research also looks good on your résumé: 80% of employers say they're more likely to hire candidates with research experience.

Volunteering

Make a difference and grow in the process.

Volunteering connects you with causes you care about while helping you build real-world skills in leadership, teamwork and communication.

Whether you're advocating for social justice, addressing food insecurity, supporting local events or protecting the environment, you'll gain hands-on experience, develop a deeper understanding of your community and discover your potential to impact society.

Study Abroad

Studying abroad does more than take you somewhere new. It builds cross-cultural skills, adaptability and global awareness—all top qualities employers look for. Choose from 85+ programs and gain firsthand experience in international settings.

Your international learning continues here in Charleston. You can tackle global issues through one of our internationally connected courses designed to help you think beyond borders and become a leader in a global workforce.

Co-ops

Integrate your professional expeience with your academic schedule. Through co-op programs, you'll gain in-depth, hands-on experience in your chosen industry while building professional credibility and making meaningful contributions. 

Our recent co-op sites include Bosch, BMW, Disney, Michelin and Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR).

Field Experiences & Practica

Apply what you learn and discover where you’re headed. Field experiences and practica bridge the gap between theory and practice.

 

Whether you're excavating on an archaeological dig, contributing to a theatrical production or completing a clinical placement, you’ll gain hands-on experience, build your résumé, and explore where your interests and talents align in the real world.