Experience Changes Everything
At the Career Connections Center, we believe that every UF student should have a meaningful career experience during their time here. How do you define a meaningful experience? That all depends on you make meaning from your experiences and it starts with reflection.
But how does one reflect you say? By asking yourself a few important questions:
- What?
- So what?
- Now what?
Sounds easy, right? These questions can help you look back on your experiences and identify what you learned, how that is helpful, and what to do next. Incorporating this process into your life is an important part of being able to articulate your skills and be intentional. Let’s try it out.
What? Campus involvement experience as a Director with Dance Marathon.
So what? Learned about fundraising strategies.
Now what? Leverage these skills at an internship in non-profit fundraising.
What if I am stuck and don’t know which experience is right for me? You can start by using this energy and engagement log (link below). This tool will help you reflect on your experiences and get clarity on what energizes you. It will also help you reframe your current mindset and get insight on what motivates you. The rest is a matter of filling your life with those experiences that energize, engage, and motivate you.
Use the Eight Semester Career Readiness Guide to guide the academic and professional experience you choose to pursue. This resource offers tangible action steps for making the most of your time at UF.
TYPES OF EXPERIENCE
Your experiences while in college aid your ability to confidently pursue your career goals in a variety of ways. Not only can they enhance your academic experience, they also allow you to learn and develop transferrable skills and market the unique value you bring to the workforce. Below is a list of experiences that you can take advantage of during your time at the University of Florida.
Get busy with your gig life by exploring the resources below. Just don’t forget to reflect on your gigs once they’re complete.
Relevant Links
Start your search for an internship by checking out the resources listed below. Reflect on your experience once you complete it so that you can make meaning and be able to tell the story of what you learned to your next employer.
Relevant Links and Offices
Things you will need:
- Resume
- Student agreement form
- Signed offer letter
- Meet with your advisor
- Proposed schedule for work vs school
Ready to get started in your co-op journey? Make use of the resources below to help you find and secure the opportunity that best suits your academic and professional interests.
Relevant Links and Offices
Connect to research opportunities and resources below just make sure you learn how to include these experiences on your resume and other professional documents.
Relevant Links and Offices
Get started finding the on-campus employment opportunity that is best for you by visiting the resources below.
Relevant Links and Offices
Begin your global journey by following the links below to get the information you need to take those next steps.
Relevant Links and Offices
Students who get involved: (from SAI website)
- Make themselves more marketable to internships, jobs and graduate or professional schools
- Develop time management skills and self-discipline
- Learn how to effectively work in teams
- Develop leadership and interpersonal skills
Build experience and get connected on-campus through involvement. Explore these resources to learn more about specific opportunities you can explore.
Relevant Links and Offices
- Student Activities and Involvement
- GatorConnect
- Multicultural & Diversity Affairs
- Student Government
- For academic college involvement: check with your department.
Venture through the resources listed below and you will find a variety of opportunities to engage in service.
Relevant Links and Offices
Read more about mentorship opportunities on campus in the resources below.
Relevant Links and Offices
- MCDA University Multicultural Mentor Program
- LeadUF
- CLAS Peer Mentoring
- BUMP (Business Undergraduate Mentorship Program)
- Machen Florida Opportunity Scholars Peer Mentors
- University Scholars Program
Think an externship or shadowing is right for you? Take a look at these resources to get clarity and gain insights into the people and the processes that can turn your vision into a reality.
Relevant Links and Offices
• UF Pre-Health Shadowing Information
• Shadowing: Talk to a career coach to learn how to find and ask potential professionals to shadow in your community.
• Disability Resource Center
Practicums are best researched in your college or by checking out Gator CareerLink for open opportunities.
Relevant Links and Offices
- Practicum: See Your College Advisor for information on whether this option is available to you in your degree program.
- Career Connections Center: Check Gator CareerLink or design your own experience by reaching out to an organization of interest.
Earn while you learn with part-time work. Explore a wide variety of opportunities in the resources below and get a head start building experience.
Relevant Links and Offices
Preparing for your next steps? Check out these resources to help you find the full-time work opportunities that best meet your needs.
Relevant Links and Offices
Discover apprenticeship opportunities by exploring these resources.
Relevant Links and Offices
Develop professionally as an academic with a fellowship and build experience in the classroom or the lab. Check out these resources to help you get started on taking your next steps.
Relevant Links and Offices