What is experiential learning?
Experiential learning is an engaged learning process whereby students "learn by doing" and by reflecting on the experience. Experiential learning activities can include, but are not limited to, hands-on laboratory experiments, internships, practicums, field exercises, study abroad, undergraduate research, and studio performances.
University resources
Internships
Employers are more willing to take a risk and hire someone right out of college if you have already proven that you can "do the job" by listing an internship on your resume. Before you begin to look you should decide if and where you can afford to do an unpaid internship or if you need a paid experience. As a general rule most non-profit, editing and creative internships are unpaid and more sales, marketing and public relations internships may be paid. You can search for internships through Hire-a-Hawk, LinkedIn or an independent web search. Use the Career Center to help you shape your search.
Undergraduate research
English majors are excellent researchers. All that time in the library and reading dense material and making sense of it will come in handy. You might begin by asking a faculty member if they have a research project with which you could help. Perhaps you work on campus at the library? Get an internship at a museum. Then you might start doing freelance research for the experience you can list on your resume.
Student organizations
There are hundreds of student organizations on campus. The key is to not load up on many organizations but instead just pick a couple of them that really interest you. Don't just be a member who shows up to meetings. Volunteer to lead the group, write their social media with a creative flair, design their marketing or publicity, or write their manual for officers. This is the perfect chance to take on something new and a little scary and master a new skill and learn how to lead others.
In the English Department, we have the English Society and ATI (English Honors), but many of our majors are also involved in the Advertising, Public Relations, Pre-Law, or Dance Marathon groups to mention a few.