Experiential Learning

The Power of Experience
Launch Your Career; Build Work-Ready Skills Through our Career Experience Program 

William Paterson University’s  Career Experience Program takes you beyond textbooks, offering hands-on projects and networking opportunities in your chosen field. Gain valuable work experience in your chosen field, build your professional network, and graduate with the skills employers seek.

Benefits of Experiential Learning 

  • A better understanding of course material
  • A broader view of the world and an appreciation of community
  • Insight into your skills, interests, passions, and values
  • Opportunities to collaborate with diverse organizations and people
  • Build self-confidence and leadership skills
  • Develop networking skills and gain industry contacts
  • Opportunities for future employment 

Career Experience Program Pathways

Our experiential learning program offers a variety of pathways to help you gain valuable hands-on experience and develop essential skills. Whether you're looking for in-class projects, internships, or community service opportunities, we have something to suit your interests and goals. Our experiential learning program offers flexible options to fit your schedule. You can explore the options below to find the perfect fit for your academic journey.

There are two ways to earn experiential learning credits:

  • Embedded in the curriculum: As a student, you can select experiential courses within your academic curriculum to fulfill your requirements. For example, your professor might assign a hands-on project, fieldwork, or a civic engagement activity as part of your coursework
  • Beyond the curriculum: As a student, you will also have the opportunity to gain experience outside of your regular classes. It could be an internship, job simulation, shadowing, or civic engagement experience. 

    • Internships Pathway

    • Internships allow students to test the waters in a career field and gain valuable work experience.

      Internships offer students unique opportunities to test the waters in their chosen career field and gain valuable hands-on experience. Whether you're looking to explore a specific industry or build your resume, an internship can provide you with invaluable insights and connections.

      Types of Internships:

      • Credit-bearing internships: These are integrated into a student's academic curriculum and can be paid or unpaid experiences. Each academic department has specific criteria for credit-bearing internships. 
      • Non-Credit Internships: These allow students who may not qualify for academic credit or do not need academic credit to receive official recognition for their internship. 
      • Micro-Internships: These are a flexible and accessible way to gain exposure to different industries and develop valuable skills. These short-term, project-based work experiences offer a unique opportunity to try out various career paths and build your professional network

      All students who are interested in obtaining an internship need to meet with their career coach and internship coordinator for their college or academic department. Internship opportunities are also posted on Handshake

      Once a student receives an internship offer, the student will have their internship site approved and reported through Handshake. Please complete the internship experience form on Handshake.

    • Job Simulation or Project Based Activity

    • Students can complete their experiential learning credit through our Virtual Job Simulation Program or a Project-Based Activity within the curriculum through an academic course with a students major. 

      Virtual Job Simulation Activity through Forage 

      Our Forage Job Simulation Program offers students the opportunity to experience real-world work environments through interactive simulations. These virtual experiences allow you to develop valuable skills, explore different career paths, and gain a competitive edge in the job market.

      Benefits of Forage Simulations:

      • Develop in-demand skills: Practice essential skills like problem-solving, decision-making, and communication in a simulated workplace.
      • Explore career paths: Try out different roles and industries without the commitment of a traditional internship.
      • Gain a competitive edge: Demonstrate your skills and knowledge to potential employers.