“Experiential education is the process of actively engaging students in an authentic experience that will have benefits and consequences. Students make discoveries and experiment with knowledge themselves instead of hearing or reading about the experiences of others. Students also reflect on their experiences, thus developing new skills, new attitudes, and new theories or ways of thinking (Kraft & Sakofs, 1988).”
Opportunities at Randolph College include:
- Observing and informational interviewing through externships
- Traveling and participating in class discussions with guest speakers through the American Culture Program
- Serving the community as a volunteer with short and long-term projects
- Contributing to a service learning project as part of a class
- Gaining hands-on experience through internships.
Why participate?
- Explore your interests and abilities, so you can make informed decisions about career options.
- Be more competitive in today's job market by having experiences that build a solid resume.
- Apply and observe concepts you have learned in the classroom in real-life environments.
- Make valuable contacts with professionals in your field of interest.
Externships: Get a glimpse today of what your future may be tomorrow. The Ultimate Shadow Experience offers “Extreme Career Exploration” and gives you an insider’s view of a career. It is a formalized shadowing opportunity that allows for organizational tours, informational interviews, observation, and career mentoring.
The American Culture Program: Go behind the scenes while studying America's diverse cultures. Learning in this program is more than sitting in a lecture hall; it is about firsthand experience. Through a combination of classroom lectures and discussions, guest speakers and road trips, you will examine the ways Americans see themselves, their values, their history, their contributions to the world, and their role in the world today. Students in the program come from all over the country and the world, and faculty come from a broad range of disciplines. One thing is for sure—there is no other program like the American Culture Program in America.
Volunteer Opportunities: Randolph College students contribute more than 5,500 volunteer hours each year to more than 100 community organizations. They work at soup kitchens, build homes, help at arts organizations, tutor children, and much more. Volunteering is a great way to get hands-on experience while giving something back to the Lynchburg community.
Service Learning: Students may take a class in which they collaborate with and contribute to the community. These are special courses arranged by faculty and supported by the ELC.
Internships: The SOLUTION to the age-old dilemma, “How can I get a job without experience and how can I get experience without a job?” Gain experience in the field or organization that interests you and confirm your career interests. An internship involves higher level responsibilities with more supervision and reflection on the experience.
