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Experience WV: Experiential Learning Program

types of positions

Experience WV is an Experiential Learning Program that connects West Virginia-based companies to students to provide them real-world experiences while bringing fresh talent to your operation.

Cooperative Education

Cooperative education (or co-op) is a formal experiential learning method of education that combines alternating periods of full-time classroom-based education with structured full-time work experience. Co-ops are almost always paid and the student receives academic credit for the meaningful work experience.

Job Shadowing

Host an on-site visit for a group of students for a day-long activity where students will shadow one or more employees performing a specific job that is of interest to them. The students get an opportunity to personally see and experience different situations, procedures, methods and scenarios by existing employees.

Externship

An externship is a less formal student training program that is intended to give students a short, real-life preview into their prospective career. Not providing the same extensive, hands-on work experience as internships. Externships are designed to offer a mid-year college student with the opportunity to observe, explore and ask questions.

Micro-Internship

Utilize a student to execute a short-term assignment remotely or on-site. Many use micro-internships as a way to discover candidates for summer internships or full-time hires. Sample projects include: Lead generation, social media engagement, research and data analysis, copywriting, and/or project management. 

Graduate Assistantship

Students pursuing a graduate degree can gain experience through a graduate assistantship. Graduate assistantships provide an excellent learning environment, exposing students to what it is like to be in the workforce (and also helps in financing graduate school).

Part-Time Student Employment

Both on-campus and off-campus student jobs are available to assist students in obtaining employment, so they can earn money for college, develop new job skills, build a resume and gain valuable professional experience. Have your position posted on Handshake.

Internship

An internship is a formal work-and-learn program where students are offered temporary employment by an employer. Internships are most often full-time when conducted during the summer months, but can be part-time during an academic semester based on the students’ schedule and proximity to the work location.

Project-Based Learning

Project-based learning exposes students to real-world problems. It is an approach that can help your company generate fresh ideas. Collaborate with our students to provide short-term projects in order to gain insight, elevate brand awareness, and recruit top talent.

HOW TO GET STARTED

Start by identifying your company's goals and writing learning objectives.

Start Now

Benefits of an Experiential Learning Program

  1. Career Services helps you match students to your company
  2. Gain new perspective on various processes, procedures and programs
  3. Cost-effective method to recruit and evaluate potential full-time employees
  4. A workforce that does not require a long-term employment commitment
  5. Potential economic growth in their community
  6. Increased visibility of your organization on campus

samples

Find job descriptions, checklists, evaluation forms and more!

Questions?

Contact Erica LaRue at erica.larue@mail.wvu.edu.

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