Getting experience means learning by doing. Experiential opportunities help you discover what you feel drawn to, demonstrate your potential, apply your skills outside the classroom, and figure out how you want to develop your interests, skills, and values in the future.
There are many ways to get experience. Explore a student organization. Get involved in undergraduate research, a job or internship, or a volunteer or service project. Take part in international programs or global experiences.
Here are some ideas to get you started around campus:
Get engaged in organizations and events across campus. OneIllinois can help you explore (literally!) hundreds of student organizations. Student organizations offer a wide variety of leadership positions, as well as ways to build teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills. Even activities that you join mainly for social and recreational reasons can offer you a path to greater involvement and self-knowledge.
As a public research university with a rich history of creativity and innovation, Illinois offers many ways for students to get involved in research. Learn to frame questions and use systematic methods of inquiry to get answers.
The Undergraduate Research Symposium every spring provides opportunities for students to present poster sessions or conference papers. The Office of Undergraduate Research also maintains lists of journals and conferences that accept undergraduate submissions.
Undergraduate research is a way to explore topics that interest you by asking questions and following a method to arrive at a conclusion. Your work and findings can then be presented through a paper, poster presentation, conference, or even a publication.
DISCLAIMER: Check with your department first for undergrad research opportunities
Research can be conducted in any academic or career field, and methods in various fields may look different.
Research can include:
Here are some on-campus resources to get you started, but also check out the ACES Undergraduate Research Website.
Have you identified a research opportunity you are interested in? The next step is to reach out to the faculty member, lab or research team. Here are some tips to get you started.
Your will likely be asked to provide a resume. Be sure your document is up-to-date and ready to go. Need help? Visit a Peer Mentor at the ACES Hub, or use review resume writing resources from the following campus resources: ACES Career Education https://aces.illinois.edu/academics/career-services The Career Center: www.careercenter.illinois.edu/instructable/write-your-resume
If you do not see a current undergraduate research opportunity posted, you can send an inquiry email to the Professor, Lab Director, or Research Director. Here is an example email to follow:
Dear [Dr., Professor, etc… NAME],
My name is [your full name], and I am a [year of school] majoring in [major]. I am writing to ask about available undergraduate research positions [with you/in your *lab name*] during the [Fall/Spring/Summer] semester. I learned about your research through [TA, class, website…], and [something about their research that interested you] caught my eye. I’m very interested in [area of interest relating to research], and I would appreciate the opportunity to learn more about this topic and contribute to your research.
I have attached my resume to this email. Please contact me for any additional information or if you have any questions. Could we schedule a time at your convenience to discuss this opportunity further? Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
[Full Name]
[Signature]
There are many ways to get international experience, from short-term class-based trips over breaks to multiyear initiatives like the Global Leaders Program. ACES Study Abroad can help connect you to the right program, so check out their site.
Connect with programs related to social and community awareness, civic engagement, and global awareness. There are many ways to get involved:
Volunteering and service learning offer opportunities to build and demonstrate new skills, and to explore potential career paths!
The University of Illinois offers a number of ways across campus for ACES students to get involved and build experience in the realms of consulting, entrepreneurship, and leadership:
Still unsure where to begin? Visit a Peer Mentor in ACES Career Education Hub!
ACES Peer Mentors specialize in helping ACES undergraduates to identify experiential learning opportunities and to prepare application materials (e.g., resumes, cover letters).
227 Mumford Hall, MC 710
1301 W Gregory Dr.
Urbana, IL 61801
Email: aces@illinois.edu