Howard University Experiential Learning Programs
"Learning by Doing"
Experiential learning is an engaged learning process where students “learn by doing” and by reflecting on the experience. Experiential learning activities can include, but are not limited to, internships, study abroad, undergraduate research and service learning. Well-planned, supervised and assessed experiential learning programs can stimulate academic performance by promoting interdisciplinary learning, civic engagement, career development, cultural awareness, leadership, and other professional and intellectual skills.
Howard University is committed to excellence, leadership, service, and truth and experiential learning opportunities are designed to ensure HU students leave here with a strong sense of civic responsibility.
Experiential Learning Program Guidelines
Learning that is considered “experiential” contain all the following elements:
- Reflection, critical analysis and synthesis.
- Opportunities for students to take initiative, make decisions, and be accountable for the results.
- Opportunities for students to engage intellectually, creatively, emotionally, socially, or physically.
- A designed learning experience that includes the possibility to learn from natural consequences, mistakes, and successes.
Types of Experiential Opportunities
Internships
We have thousands of companies that post full-time jobs, internships, fellowships and other employment opportunities directly to the Handshake site, for Howard graduate and undergraduate students from all Schools and Colleges.
Microinternships
Micro-Internships are short-term, paid, professional assignments that are similar to those given to new hires or interns. These projects enable Career Launchers to demonstrate skills, explore career paths, and build their networks as they seek the right full-time role. Unlike traditional internships, Micro-Internships can take place year-round, typically range from 5 to 40 hours of work, and are due between one week and one month after kick-off. Micro-Internships are used by companies ranging from those in the Fortune 100 to emerging start-ups, and go across departments including sales, marketing, technology, HR, and finance.
Micro-Internships are facilitated via the Parker Dewey platform, which connects Career Launchers with Companies in need of support.
Externships
- A short-term (half to multi-day) job shadowing experience that provides you with an opportunity to connect with Howard alumni, parents and friends to explore career options and gain a realistic perspective of an industry.
- Externships generally highlight a “typical” workday but shadowing takes on various formats. Activities might include: Full or half day of shadowing, tour of the facility, informational interviews, attend staff meetings or other company events, observe client/customer interactions, assist with a small project or general office tasks, visit with the HR Department and/or recruiter, review marketing materials about the organization, meet with Howard alumni and/or individuals about their job responsibilities
Service Learning
This term is used to denote optional or required out-of-classroom community service experiences/projects attached to courses or a separate credit bearing experience. The location may be the broader community outside the university or one embedded in co-curricular activities. In these experiences, students participate in an organized service activity that meets identified community needs and reflect on the service activity to better understand course content and gain a broader appreciation of the discipline and an enhanced sense of civic responsibility.
Study Abroad
Students usually engage in courses at higher education institutions in another country. The experiential learning component is the cultural immersion which provides novel challenges for navigating living in a new place. The coursework connected to a study abroad can also include internships and service-learning experiences.
Student Research
Students function as research assistants and collaborators on faculty projects. Students also learn about the research process and conduct independent research with the support of faculty or staff members.
Experiential Learning 101 Series: Register Here!
Experiential Learning Opportunities at Howard: Monday, September 13th (12:15-1:15pm)
Schedule an Experiential Learning Appointment via Handshake to learn more!
In efforts to further assist students in the experiential learning process, we are offering one-on-one appointments for students to learn more about experiential learning opportunities at Howard University.
To schedule an appointment:
- Please visit howard.joinhandshake.com/appointments
- Select "Appointment"
- Select "Experiential Learning Advising"
- Once approved, a confirmation email will be sent with virtual meeting details.
Meet your Experiential Learning Coordinator, Nicole Johnson!
Schedule an appointment with Nicole on Handshake today!
“Excellence in Truth and Service”
careerservices@howard.edu | howard.joinhandshake.com | careerservices.howard.edu
About Us
Melissa Knight, M.Ed., Interim Director
The Center for Career and Professional Success promotes the integration of career services within the institution’s overall student success strategy. We consist of three components:
- The Howard Career Community powered by Handshake
- Employer Engagement & Recruitment
- Experiential Learning, Federal Work-Study, and Campus Employment
We strive to embody the core principles of "Excellence in Truth and Service" through our service delivery, knowledge, and efficiency. We are committed to being at the forefront of developing a sustainable service model for the virtual delivery of career services.
We look forward to serving the Howard University community!
Employer Relations Team
Carol Dudley, Employer Relations Manager
Justice Brown-Duso, Employer Engagement Specialist
Career Coaching Team
Evelyn Bynum, Career Coach
Experiential Learning, Federal Work-Study & Campus Placement Team
Nicole Johnson, Experiential Learning Coordinator
Priscilla Hudson, Career Placement Specialist
Artemis Koger, Operations Manager
Covid-19 Impact on Recruitment
Recruiting is continuing in a virtual format. For more information about virtual opportunities, visit howard.joinhandshake.com.
Bison SAFE: The University's Pandemic Response
Howard University’s pandemic response is built with the goals of Bison SAFE at heart: Supporting our community; Advocating for high-risk populations; Facilitating ethical, culturally sensitive, and inclusive research; and Educating the public on best practices for safety.