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Beyond the Classroom:

The Advantage of Applied Learning & College Internships  

When you think of the college learning experience, you might think of classrooms and lecture halls, textbooks, and diligent note-taking. But learning can—and should—be so much more. When learning is applied outside the classroom, in the “real world,” college students gain critical life experience that builds a bridge from classroom to career.

What is applied learning?

Applied learning is an educational approach in which students apply knowledge, skills, and theories to real-world settings. Whether through internships, lab research, or experiences like Model United Nations, applied learning takes education beyond theory and into practice.

At Austin College, we see applied learning as a journey that unfolds in three distinct phases:
Preparation: Crafting resumes, applying for opportunities, acing interviews, and setting goals.
Experience: Engaging in work, honing job skills, exploring career options within your field of interest, and building a robust resume.
Reflection: Assessing whether your goals were met, considering how your experiences shape your future career aspirations, and making informed decisions about your path forward.

What is the advantage of applied learning?

Applied learning isn't just about gaining knowledge—it's about deepening and strengthening it. This hands-on approach equips students with practical experience and essential workplace skills such as teamwork, communication, flexibility, time management, and problem-solving.

Studies have shown that students learn more effectively in active learning environments compared to passive ones. These experiences also boost students' confidence and enhance their resumes, giving them a competitive edge in the job market.

Participating in chemistry research at Austin College gave me first-hand experience in what a future in chemistry can look like. This opportunity confirmed my love of chemistry while preparing me for the research I plan to conduct in graduate school. This not only grew me as a person and a chemist but also filled my graduate school applications with eye-opening accomplishments. In addition, I was able to present my research at a regional chemistry conference where I met nearby graduate schools first-hand.Mason Moreau ’25Major: Chemistry, Minor: Kinesiology

What are the benefits of internships?

College internships stand out as one of the most impactful applied learning experiences. They provide students with invaluable real-world exposure outside the confines of a classroom. Witnessing your chosen major in action helps you understand what it will be like as a career.

I interned at Messina Hof Winery and Resort in Bryan, TX. In my internship, I was able to assist an event executor in every step of event planning. As a former pre-med student, I needed to explore what other possibilities I could pursue. This internship, although it was not glamorous, led me to pursue a career in business and consider new possibilities of serving in the Peace Corps or starting a coffee shop. Carson G. Cook ’26Major: Business Administration, Minor: Music

When you graduate and step into the professional world, you'll be grateful for the experience. Students with internship experience are 35% more likely to receive at least one job offer, and they tend to earn higher starting salaries. Plus, your internship experience just might lead to a job: 56% of interns in the U.S. accept a job with the company when their internship is complete.

At Austin College, 100% of students complete an applied learning experience prior to graduation. We’ve designed our curriculum to give you the advantage of graduating with hands-on experience that sets you apart from other recent grads.

Ready to take your college experience to the next level? Learn more about our focus on applied learning and internships.

 

Dr. Cate Bowman

 

 

About the Author

Dr. Cate Bowman is an Assistant Professor of Sociology & Director of Applied Learning at Austin College.  In her role as Director of Applied Learning, she advocates for the important role this experience plays in introducing and enhancing a student's knowledge in their field of interest.