8 Supplemental College Programs That Give You Real-World Experience
Start writing a post
Student Life

8 Supplemental College Programs That Give You Real-World Experience

Want some hands-on experience outside of the classroom? One of these programs might be for you!

58
8 Supplemental College Programs That Give You Real-World Experience

If you're looking to gain new knowledge that will put you ahead in your career field, your best option could be experiential learning. This educational path provides you with hands-on college course experience, which you can use to your advantage once you start applying for jobs.

The following programs range from various fields and career paths. They are an excellent place to begin your journey into the future.

1. Writing for Social Media

Social media has become one of the most significant factors of businesses across the world. This course from the University of California, Berkeley, provides you with an introduction to writing for social media. You may be familiar with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube, but this course takes those platforms and shows you how to use them to create helpful content.

You'll examine the writer's role, how the audiences respond and how words can make or break a post. You can start this introductory-level course at any time. It's free, but you can add a verified certificate for an extra cost.

2. Culinary Institute of America

The Culinary Institute of America offers several different programs that serve as hands-on college courses. On the institute's campuses in New York, California or Texas, you can get your hands-on learning in cafes or restaurants.

In New York, you can understand the dynamics of farm-to-table at the American Bounty Restaurant. At the Bakery Cafe in California, you can bake pastries and make soups, salads and sandwiches. In Texas, the restaurant, Savor, is a place to work with others and use ingredients from all over the world to create dishes.

These are only half of the options that the Culinary Institute offers. If you're looking to get into the food industry, here is a good place to start.

3. Semester in Silicon Valley

Draper University has partnered with Arizona State University to create an immersive educational program in Silicon Valley, California. For four months, you can take part in this college semester experience.

Its purpose is to help individuals who are interested in entrepreneurship on the technical, business and leadership ends of the field. You'll be able to meet and work with various experts and established entrepreneurs as well.

You can earn up to 15 college credits with this program — the experience will be invaluable. From mobile and web programming to entrepreneurship skills to 3D printing, you'll be able to do it all.

4. Digital Learnings to Leaders

Georgia State University has rolled out a virtual edition of its digital learning program. Here, you can immerse yourself in learning digital skills while developing your portfolio. You'll be able to work with tech professionals as well as improve upon your academic achievements.

The learning doesn't stay completely virtual, though. There are additional extracurricular and leadership development activities and responsibilities that you can fulfill. This program can improve your management skills and collaboration abilities. If you're interested in tech or digital education, Georgia State's program is a helpful place to begin.

5. Wilderness Leadership and Experiential Education Program

From Brevard College, this program offers a unique change of scenery. If you're the outdoorsy type, this experience is for you. Alongside faculty, peers and mentors, you'll be able to have fun experiences outdoors while still receiving a proper education.

With activities like kayaking, day trips, overnight stays in the field and a 21-day wilderness expedition, this program will challenge you personally and academically. You'll learn about biodiversity, conversation, natural resources and more. This program isn't just an adventure, it's a career path.

With it, you'll be able to turn your passion into a reality, starting in Western North Carolina.

6. University of Puget Sound Research Grants

If you're more focused on research, rest assured. These research grants from the University of Puget Sound can kickstart your hands-on college learning. From this university, there are two scholar awards — the Agricola Scholar Award and the McCormick Scholar Award.

If you receive one of these grants, you'll also gain a stipend for funding, materials and living. The research grants can incorporate different fields like science, social sciences or humanities. You'll be able to assist with a research project and gain experience for the future.

7. Newton Summer Internship 

Medical school is becoming an increasingly popular option for many undergraduate and graduate students. If you're considering medical school, the Newton Summer Internship Program could be the right choice for you.

You'll be able to learn on the go and experience first-hand how medical industries and practices operate. You'll shadow various medical professionals in their designated fields. As you learn from more people, you'll be able to see which area is right for you.

You can also speak with your college about receiving credits for this internship.

8. Global Citizen Program

If you're interested in experiential learning that can happen internationally, the Global Citizen Program from Wellesley University could be a life-changing opportunity for you. With this program, you'll be able to immerse yourself in another country, community and culture. You'll engage yourself and learn about different societies and customs.

This engaging program also comes with a stipend. Whether you're studying arts and culture in North Africa or political systems and governance in Latin American, you'll be able to learn and explore at the same time.

As you consider which program to look into, also take into account your interest, field and resources. These opportunities only scratch the surface of everything available for hands-on college courses. When you invest, you are taking a step towards your future career.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
beer on the beach

Summer is hot and humid, and it's almost like summer was made specifically to drink the refreshing, cold, crisp wonderful, delicious, nutritious nectar of the gods. Which is none other than beer; wonderful cold beer. With summer playing peek-a-boo around the corner while we finish up this semester, it's time to discuss the only important part of summer. And if you haven't already guessed, it's beer. There are few things I take more seriously than my beer, in order are: sports... and beer. Here are my favorite summer brews:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

7 Reasons SoCal Rocks!

75 degrees and sunny, plus, no humidity. I mean do I really need to say more?

1281
woman in black and white long sleeve shirt carrying girl in red jacket in Venice beach
Photo by Jeff Hopper on Unsplash

SoCal summers are the best summers by far, and honestly, no argument is needed. But, if you aren't sure why SoCal summers are the best, here are 7 reasons why!

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

25 Lyrics for Selfie Captions

Because let's be honest, we all use lyrics.

53676
woman takes a selfie for social media
Pixabay

Sometimes you can't think of the perfect caption for your Instagram post. I love using lyrics as my captions because there's so many great lines in songs that just seem to fit in the moment. Here are some lyrics that could work for your selfie or pictures of you with your friends!

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Bruce Springsteen's Top 7 Lyrics

Everything Bruce says in his classic rock songs.

20141
bruce springsteen album cover born in the usa

Anyone who was born and raised in New Jersey (or anywhere really) knows of Bruce Springsteen, whether or not they like him is a whole other situation. I hope that his hundreds of classic rock songs and famous high energy performances, even in his sixties he can put on better concerts than people half his age, are at least recognizable to people of all ages. Love him or hate him (I identify with the former) you have to admit that some of his songs and interviews have inspirational quotes and lyrics.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

New England Summers Are The BEST Summers

Why you should spend your next summer in New England.

4475
Marconi Beach

Three years ago, I chose to attend college in Philadelphia, approximately 360 miles away from my small town in New Hampshire. I have learned many valuable lessons away from home, and have thoroughly enjoyed my time spent in Pennsylvania. One thing that my experience has taught me, however, is that it is absolutely impossible to beat a New England summer.

You cannot beat the beach. Believe it or not (which many people may not), New England has a long and beautiful coastline. Most of my high school summers were spent sitting on the Wall at Hampton Beach, getting sunburnt and eating Acai bowls from The Secret Spot. The Wall was the place to be both during the day and at night. We begin our days there with a KB's bagel and coffee, and end them with pizza and ice cream. It’s not a New England summer without that 4 p.m. text from someone, “Who wants to meet at the Wall tonight?” Nighttime is for Tripoli’s Pizza, the sound of waves, and wishes on shooting stars. Wednesday nights are especially important, as those are the nights that Hampton Beach sets off the weekly firework display.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments