One of the best ways to prepare for life after college is by gaining real-world experience while you're a student. Whether you're exploring different career paths, building your résumé or developing new skills, Case Western Reserve University offers many opportunities to learn beyond the classroom.
You don't need to have your career plans figured out before getting started. In fact, many students use these experiences to discover what they enjoy and what they want to pursue after graduation.
The Center for Career Success
No matter your major or career interests, the Center for Career Success is a great place to begin. Their staff can help you:
- Explore career paths that match your interests and strengths
- Search for internships, part-time jobs and other experiential learning opportunities
- Review your résumé and prepare for interviews
- Connect with employers and CWRU alumni
You don't have to wait until your junior or senior year to visit the Center for Career Success. The earlier you connect with them, the more opportunities you'll have to explore.
Start small with micro-internships and externships
If you're not ready for a full internship, consider starting with a micro-internship or externship. These are short-term opportunities that often take place remotely and typically require little or no previous experience.
They're a great way to:
- Build professional skills.
- Explore different careers
- Gain experience for your résumé
- Grow your professional network
Programs such as Career Connections and the Wall Street Trek also introduce students to different industries while helping them build connections with CWRU alumni and employers.
Internships
Internships provide hands-on experience with organizations related to your field of study. Depending on the opportunity, internships may be full-time, part-time, paid or unpaid. They allow you to apply what you're learning in class while gaining valuable professional experience before graduation.
Practicums
A practicum is a structured, hands-on learning experience that is connected to your academic program. Students work with both a faculty member and an employer to apply classroom learning in a professional setting while remaining full-time students.
Practicum opportunities are available for students in the College of Arts and Sciences, Weatherhead School of Management and Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, and for students pursuing entrepreneurial ventures.
The Center for Career Success’ practicum coordinators will help you identify opportunities, guide you through the application process and support you throughout your experience.
Cooperative education (co-op)
Engineering students may choose to participate in the Cooperative Education (Co-op) Program through the Case School of Engineering.
A co-op is a paid, full-time work experience that typically lasts two semesters and allows students to gain significant experience with an employer while maintaining their student status at CWRU. Students are generally eligible to participate beginning in their junior year.
Throughout the process, you'll receive support with finding opportunities, preparing applications, evaluating offers and reflecting on your experience.
Find the right opportunity for you
Every student's journey looks different. Some students participate in research during their first year at CWRU, while others complete internships, practicums, co-ops, service experiences or study abroad later in college. There is no single path to success.
As you learn more about your interests and goals, you'll have many opportunities to gain meaningful experience, develop professional skills and build confidence for whatever comes next.