Experiential Learning

Embark on a unique journey with Clemson’s Cooperative Education Program, gaining work experience in a field you’ve been curious about. This opportunity consistently equips participants with the skills and knowledge to bridge learning gaps and develop valuable skill sets within their discipline. Through the Co-op Program, a participating company employs students full-time, with pay.   

The application process is seamless, and rest assured, the dedicated Co-op ambassadors are here to guide you in finding the right programs. They provide invaluable support during Co-op meet and greets and interview days, ensuring you maximize your Co-op experience. An impressive 94 percent of students who participated in Co-op interviews were extended offers, highlighting the program’s efficacy in connecting students with valuable employment opportunities. Throughout the program, a member of the academic staff of Co-op advisors will monitor your progress to ensure a successful teaching and learning process.  

As a member of the Cooperative Education Program, you gain first-hand experience working a full-time job. Engineering students commit to a minimum of three rotations to complete the program.  All other majors may complete the program with at least two rotations.  

The benefits of participating in the Co-op Program extend far beyond the workplace. Not only will you acquire valuable skills that will set you apart in your future career, but you’ll also find yourself excelling in the classroom. Just ask Ashleigh Snyder, a senior engineering major who said, “it made me more comfortable in a professional setting. And I know this doesn’t pertain to my major much, but even my oral communication skills increased.”

Countless students find themselves not only gaining invaluable experience during their Co-op placements but also forging strong connections that pave the way for future career opportunities. Whether securing a job with their Co-op employer post-graduation or leveraging the professional network they’ve cultivated during their program, the benefits extend far beyond the immediate experience. The relationships created during the Co-op experience often serve as a springboard for students as they embark on their professional journeys.  

When asked about the program, Snyder said, “Do it and don’t look back; don’t even think twice about the opportunity.”  

Seize the possibility, embark on this unique journey and watch as your classroom learning transforms into real-world success.

Step into the role of what it means to be a teacher with the student teaching program at Clemson. This program offers aspiring educators a transformative experience, providing them with the necessary tools and skills to thrive in the classroom. Through immersive field experiences and collaborative learning opportunities, you can gain a deep understanding of the art and science of teaching. Gaining this teacher education field experience is a significant part of being prepared for the real classroom experience. 

Over four years, education majors participate in clinical experiences, applying what you’ve learned in lectures into practice. Starting freshman year, you are introduced to the elements of teaching through early tutoring experiences. Continuing into your sophomore and junior years, you transition into field work where you learn first-hand how to implement their teaching practices in a real classroom. You get the opportunity to work alongside teachers, ranging from early childhood to special education.  

Jesus Zavala, a secondary math education major, shares how working “in an actual school with like actual students” has opened his eyes to what it is like to be a teacher. Shadowing educators in the classroom will give you the time to evaluate the structure of teaching and ultimately a head start on your career. Anna Whitaker, a senior special education major, also reflects on her personal experiences with her experiential learning. 

“Without [student teaching], I would not know nearly as much as I do, or feel nearly as prepared to do anything I’ve been doing. The best way to learn is just by jumping in and getting that hands-on experience. You can learn so much in a classroom […[ by collaborating,” Whitaker said.

One of the program’s most significant benefits is the opportunity for you to develop strong disciplinary and content knowledge. By engaging with students in authentic learning environments, you can deepen your understanding of the subjects you will be teaching.  

 As student teachers navigate the complexities of managing a diverse group of learners, you learn how to create a positive and inclusive learning environment. Additionally, student teaching fosters the development of pedagogical skills by encouraging experimentation with different instructional strategies and teaching methods.  

  “I’ve had a lot of field placement. So I’ve worked with a lot of different types of students. But really what works that I found really effective with [students],  is getting them to relate to the content that you’re teaching, no matter what the need is, no matter what the goal is, getting them to see something that they relate to,” Whitaker said.  

If you’re passionate about teaching and eager to excel in the classroom, Clemson University’s student teaching program offers a transformative experience.

Put your major to work and apply your notes outside of the classroom through the Clemson University Professional Internship and Co-op Program. The UPIC program offers on-campus internships where students can work with Clemson faculty or administration in a University-affiliated paid position. Through this program, students can receive real-world experience and mentoring related to what they are learning within the classroom and what they hope to do post-graduation.   

Students can apply for positions in the Summer, Fall and Spring on the Clemson JobLink board that can be accessed through the Center for Career and Professional Development’s website. Positions for the Summer and Fall are posted around mid-March, while Spring positions are released in mid-October, allowing students plenty of time to apply before starting a new semester.  

By participating in UPIC, students are able to prepare themselves for the future while still enjoying their time as students. UPIC offers two types of internships, part-time and full-time. Part-time UPIC interns are expected to work 12-15 hours per week while full-time student interns are expected to complete 28 hours per week. All UPIC internships are located on the Clemson University main campus or affiliated locations, making them accessible to every student. The UPIC program is flexible and allows students to tailor their internship to their needs, creating a schedule that works best for them.  

When sitting in class, it can be empowering to look ahead and see how the skills you learn will assist in the workforce. Participating in UPIC allows you to apply your knowledge to hands-on professional experience without leaving campus. Rebecca Whaley, a senior English major, found that her UPIC internship with the College of Science enhanced her skills in journalism beyond the classroom.  

“I’m not just learning about journalism and taking a class on it, I’m actually doing it and learning more skills that I wouldn’t have gotten in a journalism class,” Whaley said.  

The wide range of internship options from multiple departments gives students the freedom to explore various career opportunities to expand their skill set. For students like Colby Goodwin, a senior communications major, the UPIC program allows them to solidify their career choices.  

“I wanted to expand my horizons and UPIC was a really great way to do that,” (Communications major and December ‘23 graduate) Colby Goodwin said.  

For other students, UPIC helps them narrow down their career options by allowing them to explore different internships. By filtering internship opportunities on the JobLink board by keywords and department, students can tailor their UPIC experience to their individual interests. Even if you have no idea what career you want to aspire to, the UPIC program is a valuable resource. You can explore various internship positions/departments and discover what positions align with your skills and interests.  

Goodwin and Whaley’s experiences with UPIC could be yours as well; all it takes is one application to start your professional career journey. Participate in UPIC to bring your lessons to life and find your passion within the workplace!