Ready to make the most of your time at UF and start building a career you love? In a recent virtual workshop, Career Journey Kick-Off: Navigating UF’s Experience Landscape, Career Coach Edwina from the Career Connections Center helped students do just that—lay the groundwork for a career journey fueled by exploration, experiences, and personal growth.
Here’s a quick recap and the tools to help you take the next step.
What Is Experiential Learning and Why Does It Matter?
Experiential learning is all about gaining real-world hands-on experience to develop knowledge and skills and build your network while you’re still in school. Edwina introduced UF’s seven categories of experiential learning, which help you apply what you’re learning in the classroom, explore career possibilities, and grow both professionally and personally.
The categories include:
- Community-Based Learning
- Global and Socio-Cultural Learning
- Research
- Internships, Co-Ops, and Work-Based Learning
- Creative and Entrepreneurial Works
- Leadership and Involvement
- Professional Exploration and Development
Pro tip: Try to engage in at least two of these during your time at UF!
Your Major ≠ Your Career
One of the biggest takeaways? Your major doesn’t lock you into a single career path. Career journeys are rarely linear—and that’s okay! Through internships, research, leadership, or other experiences, you can build the skills and networks that open unexpected doors.
Next Steps: Start Exploring Your Journey
Here are some simple action items to kick off your own experience journey:
- Take a deep dive into the Career Hub pages and Visit the Career Connections Center
Explore resources, career pathways, and schedule appointments with career coaches. - Use Quinncia
A virtual career assistant to help with resume reviews, mock interviews, and LinkedIn feedback. - Check Out the Experiential Learning Dashboard
Find opportunities at UF across all seven categories tailored to your interests. - Explore Virtual Opportunities
Especially for online students—platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Forage, and Parker Dewey offer short-term, flexible skill-building and project experiences. - Meet with a Career Coach
Book a one-on-one appointment through Gator CareerLink to discuss your personalized career plan. - Join the Gator Network
Connect with UF alumni, mentors, and professionals who want to support your journey.
Top Resources:
Experiential Learning Map (self-guided activity)
Experiential Learning Student Guide
Student Questions Spotlight: Research, Online Involvement & More
During the Career Journey Kick-Off session, several great questions came up in the chat. Here are a few answers and starting points to help you continue exploring experiential learning at UF:
Yes! Many online students get involved in research—often by reaching out directly to their undergraduate advisors or faculty in their departments. One student shared that they simply emailed their advisor, who then connected them to a faculty member leading a project in sociology and criminology.
Tip: Even if you’re not on campus, faculty may welcome your help with literature reviews, data analysis, or writing. Start with your college’s undergraduate or program coordinator to express your interest!
Yes. Graduate students should explore opportunities via:
- UF Office of Research
- UF Graduate School
- Your department’s faculty directory—reach out directly to professors whose work aligns with your interests.
Many research assistantships and fellowships are posted directly through departments or Gator CareerLink.
UF offers several scholars programs like:
- University Scholars Program (USP) – Primarily for undergraduates conducting research with faculty mentors. Open to many majors, but eligibility may vary.
- McNair Scholars Program – Focused on preparing underrepresented undergrads for doctoral studies.
Transfer students: Yes, many of these programs welcome upper-level transfers, but timelines and GPA requirements may vary. Check eligibility details.
UFO students have access to virtual experiential learning tools like:
- LinkedIn Learning
- Forage (Virtual Work Simulations)
- Parker Dewey (Micro-Internships)
- Quinncia (Career readiness tools)
- Research or creative projects with faculty (reach out directly via email)
- Gator Network for mentorship and alumni connections
Don’t forget: many student organizations, research meetings, and events now offer hybrid or virtual options—ask how you can join remotely!
Absolutely! If your Capstone involved independent research, writing, data collection, or creative work—it counts as experiential learning. You can highlight this in interviews, resumes, and personal statements by showcasing your process, outcomes, and skills gained.
Final Thought
Your UF experience is uniquely yours—make it meaningful by taking advantage of the many experiential learning opportunities available. Whether you’re just starting out or figuring out what’s next, the Career Connections Center is here to help you explore, experiment, and elevate your journey.
You don’t have to have it all figured out—but you can start today.
