What is experiential learning?
Experiential learning involves hands-on, real-world activities that extend learning beyond the classroom, encouraging students to gain practical insights while developing essential career readiness competencies. This can include student employment, leadership roles, campus involvement, volunteerism, and more.
Experiential Learning in Student Engagement
Whether through leadership, service, or peer collaboration, Student Engagement connects students with opportunities that build skills and support their long-term success. These experiences are intentionally designed to support student success, leadership development, and career readiness while deepening a student's sense of purpose and belonging.
Examples of Experiential Learning Opportunities
- Student Organization, Sorority & Fraternity Life
- Student Government Leadership
- Signature Events & GatorNights Leadership
- For-Credit Courses (Reitz Scholars, Leadership and Student Governance, Greek Emerging Leaders, Greek Leadership, and Recruitment Leadership)
- Student Employment
- Student Engagement Ambassadors
- Graduate Assistantships, Practicums, and Internships
- Pre-Law Involvement with Student Legal Services
- Peer Mentorship Programs
- Planning and Executing Projects or Events with Peers
- Leadership Trainings and Retreats
- Intentional and SKill-Based Programming
Why Engage with Us?
- Develop Essential Skills
- Build Leadership, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills valued by employers in every industry.
- Gain Real-World Experience
- Apply classroom knowledge to hands-on opportunities that prepare you for success beyond UF.
- Build Confidence and Make Informed Decisions
- Clarify your goals and grow confidence through reflection, mentorship, and feedback.
- Prepare for a Changing Career Landscape
- Engage in experiences aligned with NACE Career Readiness Competencies to adapt and communicate your skills effectively.
- Expand Your Network
- Collaborate with peers, mentors, and campus partners to create lasting connections and job opportunities.
- Explore Your Strengths and Interests
- Discover your passions and values through purposeful experiences that enhance self-awareness and motivation.
2026 Student Assistant of the Year Award
This award recognizes Student Engagement Student Assistants who go above and beyond in their role to make a difference. For the 2025-2026 academic year, six students were nominated and one received the award!
Award Recipient - Jonathan Docteur
SFL Front Desk
4th Year | Computer Science Major
Nominee - Fauzia Haque
SE Front Desk
4th Year | Public Health Major, Minor in the Sociology of Social Justice and Policy
Nominee - Angelina Ortiz
COBE Front Desk/Institute
4th Year | Health Education and Behavior Major
Nominee - Isabella Miguelez
COBE Front Desk/Institute
3rd Year | Psychology - Behavioral Cognitive Neuroscience and Botany Major, Pre-med Track
Nominee - Lily Haak
SG Bike Repair Shop
Graduate | M.A. in Economics (Expected 2027); B.A. in Economics
Nominee - Justin Fernandez
COBE Front Desk/Institute
4th Year | Psychology - Behavioral Cognitive Neuroscience and Sociology Major
Learn More
Explore over 1,000 student organizations on GatorConnect!
Discover additional experiential learning opportunities at UF by visiting the Experiential Learning Dashboard through the Career Connections Center.
Apply for one of our Student Employment opportunities. Learn more here!
Partnerships or Questions
For more information or partnership opportunities, please contact Jackie Phillips Leon, Program Director for Experiential Learning, at jacquelinenphill@ufl.edu.