What is Experiential Learning?

Experiential learning can take place through a variety of activities, such as internships, research, student employment, capstone coursework, job shadowing, community service and volunteering, and participation in student groups. Throughout your time at Montana State University, we recommend participating in a combination of these types of activities. To maximize your learning experience, we also encourage you to document your experiences in an ePortfolio (see below). 

Engaging in experiential learning allows you to

  • develop and demonstrate skills and competencies employers want,
  • learn about and experience the world or work,
  • examine your career interests,
  • build your resume and experience level for future employment,
  • and earn money and/or college credit

Finding Opportunities

Meet with a Career Education Coach to learn about your options and tailor your experiential learning specific to your career goals and needs.

Below are some resources you can use to get started on your search. 

ePortfolios

In addition to building your resume and learning about your career interests, experiential learning provides an opportunity for self-reflection about your learning and career pursuits. An ePortfolio is one way to document these experiences and demonstrate what you have learned. 

Because you can incorporate different types of media, it allows you to tell your story and showcase your skills beyond what a resume allows. In addition to showcasing skills and abilities, ePortfolios allow your audience to connect your learning experiences with your values, career aspirations, and career competencies. 

Through an ePortfolio,you are telling your career story by reflecting upon relevant and formative experiences. When deciding your focus and layout, consider your audience. For instance, you might ask "What combination of experiences and projects best tells my story and reflects my career brand to potential employers?" You may choose to outline yourePortfoliobased on projects, internships, and work experiences, educational experiences like coursework and study abroad, or a combination of all these. Enhance yourePortfolio by including artifacts, or examples of your work, through pictures, video, diagrams, and external links. 

There are many platforms you can use to create yourePortfolio. We recommend using Adobe Spark or Portfolio. As a student, you have free access to Adobe products. 

Adobe Spark Sign-In

  1. Go to https://spark.adobe.com/sp/
  2. Next, select Log In with school account.
  3. In the email address field,enter @student.montana.edu (Note: There is no need to enter your full email address or a password at this step).
  4. Then, click Continue.
  5. You will be redirected to the Montana University System login page.
  6. Enter your NetID credentials and click Login.

 Adobe Portfolio Sign-In

  1. Go to portfolio.adobe.com
  2. Click Sign In in the upper right corner.
  3. In the email address field,enter @student.montana.edu (Note: There is no need to enter your full email address or a password at this step).
  4. Then, click Continue.
  5. You will be redirected to the Montana University System login page.
  6. Enter your NetID credentials and click Login.

 

Meet with a Career Education Coach for development of your ePortfolio. 

 

Meet with a Career Education Coach