What is Experiential Learning?
At PennWest, we believe that learning goes beyond the classroom. Experiential learning is a hands-on, real-world approach to education where students apply what they learn in the classroom through direct experiences outside of the classroom. It helps students build skills, explore career paths, and connect with professionals all to help you become you career-ready. Itâs learning by doing with reflection, mentorship, and real-world impact.
Whether you are a student, faculty or staff member who is passionate about hands-on learning, the PennWest Experiential Learning Center (part of the PennWest Career Center) is here to support you every step of the way!
Explore the different types of experiences and learn how you can get started!
Types of Experiential Learning
If you want to graduate with more than a degree learn how experiential learning can benefit you!
đź Land Better Jobs, Faster
Students with hands-on experience are more likely to get job offers and not just any jobs, but ones that match or exceed their expectations.
đ° Earn More Right Out of the Gate
On average, students who participate in experiential learning earn $15,000 more per year than their peers. Thatâs a big return on your college investment.
đ Accelerate Your Career
Nearly 70% of Gen Z professionals who had these experiences say their careers are on track or ahead of schedule. Compare that to those without experience where almost half feel like theyâre falling behind.
đ Build Your Network
Connect with professionals, mentors, and peers who can open doors and help you grow.
đ§ Boost Your Skills
Real-world challenges sharpen your communication, critical thinking, leadership, teamwork, cultural awareness and adaptabilityâ just a few of the skills and competencies employers love.
đ Make It Personal
These experiences help you discover what youâre passionate about and how you want to make an impact.
Source: NACE “Impacts of Experiential Learning on the Gen Z Early Career Experience“, April 2025
Contact the Experiential Learning Center
ELC@pennwest.edu | 724-938-1578
FAQ for Students
Start by visiting the sites linked above for each type of experiential learning that interest you. Youâll find listings and contacts for each type of experiential learning, as well as other resources to plan your experiential learning path.
Yes! Some experiences like internships and capstone projects can be integrated into your academic program. Talk to your faculty advisor and career coach to learn how to earn credit for internships and how you can track your experiential learning.
Some are paid, some are unpaid, and others offer academic credit. We encourage you to explore funding options listed on our site to support your experiences.
Absolutely! Experiential learningâsuch as internships, service-learning, research projects, and others demonstrates real-world skills and initiative. Be sure to highlight your role, responsibilities, and what you accomplished.
Many experiential learning opportunities are designed to be flexible and can align with your academic calendar. Time commitments vary from a few hours a week to full-time during breaks so you can choose what fits best with your schedule and goals.
The Experiential Learning Center is here to help! Contact us at ELC@pennwest.edu or call 724-938-1578.
