Between classes, club meetings, jobs, and everything else, finding time to gain “real-world experience” can feel impossible. But what if you could grow your skills, explore career paths, and strengthen your resume—all without committing to a full internship?
Good news: you can.
Two free platforms—Parker Dewey and The Forage—offer fast, flexible ways to build experience and career confidence, right from your laptop.
Try a Micro-Internship with Parker Dewey
Micro-internships are short-term, paid, professional projects offered by employers across the country. Each project typically takes 5–40 hours to complete and can be done remotely, on your own schedule.
These opportunities are:
- Flexible: Choose projects that fit your interests and availability.
- Paid: Yep—most Parker Dewey projects come with compensation.
- Career-boosting: Projects are designed by real companies to tackle real tasks—perfect for showing off your skills to future employers.
Whether you’re curious about marketing, data analysis, business operations, or another field, Parker Dewey can help you test the waters and gain experience that stands out on a resume.
👉 Explore UF’s Parker Dewey page
Simulate the Job with The Forage
Forage offers virtual job simulations designed by top companies like JPMorgan Chase, GE Aerospace, Lululemon, and Accenture. Each module lets you step into the role of a professional and complete tasks similar to what you’d do on the job.
These simulations are:
- Completely free: No cost, no catch—just career-building opportunities available to every student, no matter your background or financial situation.
- Self-paced: Work through modules on your own time, whether that’s in between classes or over the weekend—no deadlines, no pressure.
- Great for skill-building and resume bullets: Each experience is designed around real tasks from real jobs, helping you practice key skills and turn your work into clear, confident bullet points for your resume or LinkedIn.
You’ll also receive feedback on your work and learn insider info about what employers value in candidates—without needing to apply or interview.
👉 Try a simulation on The Forage
Why These Tools Matter
Not only do Parker Dewey and Forage give you a safe space to explore careers, they also help you:
- Get a head start on professional experience
- Stand out in interviews
- Fill in resume gaps with relevant, skills-based work
Ready to Level Up?
If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to get started—this is it. Set aside an afternoon or a weekend and take a step toward your future career. You might be surprised how much you can accomplish.
