Hands-On Learning

Unite the classroom and the workplace by engaging in full-time, professional work experiences while you are still in college. Saint Joseph's offers co-op programs tailored to more than 15 majors, including business, actuarial science, computer science and food marketing. Co-ops are open to all students majoring in a business-related field, as well as students in the College of Arts and Sciences who have a double major in a business-related field.

Parker Dewey Micro-internships are project-based internships that range from 5-40 hours of work with most projects being due one week to one month after hire. A micro-internship is a great way to practice a new skill, gain experience in an area of interest for a career transition, and get relevant experience on your resume. 80% of the opportunities posted are remote and 100% of them are paid, making them a great option for those currently working who do not have time to devote to a full-time internship.

Forage is a great site to explore careers and prepare for the job with hundreds of free job simulations designed by the world's top employers. Free job simulators will give you hands-on experience that builds real-life skills for real-life roles, offering a window into the company and a preview of their day-to-day. Job sims are 100% free, open-access, and self-paced.

Pursue a creative, scholarly project in an area of interest under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Research can span several months to a full year.  By participating in the full-time Summer Scholars program, you will complete and present a substantial body of work beneficial to your future career path.

Service is central to Jesuit identity. Though it's not a graduation requirement, hundreds of Saint Joseph's students serve every week. One way is through service learning, which enhances what is learned in the classroom through weekly service at local schools and non-profits. Offered through the Faith-Justice Institute, service-learning courses allow you to develop leadership skills while addressing issues of social justice in our community. Saint Joseph's Weekly Service club also shares service opportunities that may directly connect to your professional goals. 

Shadowing a doctor/healthcare practitioner is a great way to find out if a career in medicine or healthcare might be right for you. It will give you a better understanding of what a doctor's typical day is like, and give you good experience to talk about in your applications and interviews for medical and professional school.  It’s not only good exposure but is frequently a requirement for most graduate program admissions.  Check with your academic department for specific requirements and options.

Joining student clubs and organizations is one way to gain information and skills in your areas of interest. Leadership roles within these clubs and organizations showcase skills, passion and commitment to employers. Clubs also encourage exploration of interest areas which can help you gain a better understanding of your professional goals. 

Student teaching consists of a closely monitored, full-time fourteen-week internship. You can apply theories you learn in the classroom to a real-world learning environment as part of your culminating experience in Saint Joseph's Educator Preparation Program.

Immerse yourself in the culture of a different country through the variety of study abroad experiences offered by the Center for International Programs. From study tours to semester and year-long options as well as internships abroad, these experiences will allow you to interact with people different from yourself, learn about other cultures and experience the interconnectedness of global societies.

Service is an integral part of the mission at Saint Joseph's University. Weekly service is a way to give back to the Philadelphia community while gaining hands-on experience throughout the school year. Many of the service sites have opportunities that directly connect to professional goals.

QuadJobs is a resource specifically for college students trying to identify part-time or one-time jobs. Popular jobs you can find on this website included dog walking, babysitting, tutoring, yard work, tech help and more. 

Relevant volunteer work or involvement in your community is a great way to round out your professional experience and build skills in new areas. Getting involved in your community is a way to meet new people, build relationships and close gaps on your resume. Idealist is a great resource to find organizations in your area related to your interests.

Micro-internships are project-based internships that range from 5-40 hours of work with most projects being due one week to one month after hire. A micro-internship is a great way to practice a new skill, gain experience in an area of interest for a career transition, and get relevant experience on your resume. 80% of the opportunities posted are remote and 100% of them are paid, making them a great option for those currently working who do not have time to devote to a full-time internship.

Take part in experiential learning while at work. Opportunities to work on committees or to sit in a new leadership role demonstrate the skills you are gaining from your graduate degree work. Consider opportunities at your current place of employment that allows you to sharpen your skills, build your internal networking and strengthen your resume.

Traditional internships are options for graduate-level students. If you entered your graduate degree program directly from an undergraduate program or you are making a career transition, an internship is a great way to gain experience in the field and create connections with employers of interest. The following departments offer academic credit for internships:

• Biology 
• Criminal Justice
• Educational Leadership
• Health Administration
• Computer Science

Professional associations offer diverse opportunities for you to gain experience and network in your intended field. Some of the benefits of professional associations include opportunities for professional development, leadership and speaking opportunities, providing a platform for your experience, and as a place for collaboration and support. Use CareerOneStop to identify professional associations in your field of choice.

Networking happens in professional and social situations. Attend a local Meet Up where you live or check out your local Chamber of Commerce for a list of what’s happening in your community (or the area of the country you’re targeting).

Attending conferences is a great way to build your knowledge while meeting new people who can help you. Simply Google “Your Industry Name” + “Conferences” and check out the list. Can’t swing the time or registration fee? Find out if they offer discounts to students or if you can volunteer to work at the conference in exchange for attending sessions/networking events.

Relevant volunteer work or involvement in your community is a great way to round out your professional experience and build skills in new areas. Getting involved in your community is a way to meet new people, build relationships and close gaps on your resume. Idealist is a great resource to find organizations in your area related to your interests or visit your professional association volunteer opportunities page including: APhA Pharmacy Volunteer Opportunities, APTO Physical Therapy Volunteer Opportunities , AOTA Occupational Therapy Volunteer Opportunities, AAPA Physician Associates Volunteer Opportunities

Professional associations offer diverse opportunities for you to gain experience and network in your intended field. Some of the benefits of professional associations include opportunities for professional development, leadership and speaking opportunities, providing a platform for your experience, and as a place for collaboration and support. Use CareerOneStop to identify professional associations in your field of choice.

Networking happens in professional and social situations. Attend a local Meet Up where you live or check out your local Chamber of Commerce for a list of what’s happening in your community (or the area of the country you’re targeting).

Attending conferences is a great way to build your knowledge while meeting new people who can help you. Simply Google “Your Industry Name” + “Conferences” and check out the list. Can’t swing the time or registration fee? Find out if they offer discounts to students or if you can volunteer to work at the conference in exchange for attending sessions/networking events.