Student Resources

Experiential Learning

Empowered by experience.

At SCI, students have the opportunity to partake in exciting and challenging real-world experiences to apply the skills, methods, and concepts learned in the classroom.  

Outside the classroom experiences include internships, co-op, community and civic engagement, research, entrepreneurship, study abroad, and more. There are professional exploration activities where students can meet industry professionals in talks, workshops, site visits, and larger scale events like networking receptions and career fairs. Students also have access to world renowned faculty and alumni working in a multitude of industries.

The school aims to ensure that every SCI student has access to experiential learning opportunities that meet their individual needs and goals for their education. They encourage students to make a meaningful impact in the community and the world around them. They also aim to ensure they are career ready and understand how to articulate the value of their experiences to others.  

Whether it’s to try out new interests, change the world, or feel confident to enter the workforce – it’s possible at Pitt.  

Contact Us

Emily Bennett
Manager of Experiential Learning
emb108@pitt.edu

 

Types of Opportunities
Girl sitting with open laptop
Community-Based Learning
Community-based learning integrates classroom knowledge with practical application in community-based settings.
Students around open laptop
Entrepreneurial Learning
Entrepreneurial learning provides students with an opportunity to combine theory and application by bringing their ideas to fruition.
Students posing inside large letters on staircase
Global and Intercultural Learning
Global and intercultural learning prepares students to thrive in a world with diverse perspectives by increasing skills in communication, collaboration, and self-awareness.
Student reviewing resume
Internships, Co-Op, and Work-Based Learning
Work based learning, which includes internships, co-op, practicum, field work, part-time jobs, student employment and more, allows students an opportunity to apply their technical skills to a real-world setting.
Students sitting around a round table
Professional Exploration
Professional exploration provides students with an opportunity to develop their skills, understand career options, and meet others with similar interests.
Someone working on two laptops
Research
Research allows students an opportunity to explore their interests and provide them with a more in-depth understanding of their field.

iServe

iServe is a project-based volunteer program available exclusively to SCI students. It’s a great way for students to connect with and impact the local community in meaningful ways while gaining technical consulting experience and confidence in their skills.

The iServe program runs every fall and spring. Students can participate as many times as they like!

Learn more

Co-ops

Co-op is an exclusive benefit available to SCI and engineering students. They alternate working full-time with being on-campus taking classes full-time. It allows them the opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience in an industry setting. Students are treated as full-time employees while out on a rotation, earning a competitive wage and at the undergrad level, close to a year’s worth of work experience before graduation.

Learn more

SCI Week

SCI’s annual week-long series of professional development events, that feature several employers and alumni and include workshops, resume reviews, executive engagements, a career fair, and more

Learn more

Outside the Classroom Curriculum (OCC)

Pitt’s OCC program awards students for participating in experiential learning activities and surpassing milestones, each relating to an area that results in a more well-rounded student. Students who complete the program are eligible for the OCC Advantage grant to help offset costs of experiences, as well as receive OCC honors swag, distinction cords at graduation, and more. 

Learn more
Two students standing in front of a PowerPoint presentation title slide
three people sitting at a round table with papers in the center
Students at conference tables
Civic Action Week student
A view of the Cathedral of Learning in spring

At A Glance: Experiential Learning

81.4% of students complete an internship or co-op

81.4% of students complete an internship or co-op By graduation, 81.4% of Class of 2024 students had an internship or co-op, with employers including Federated Hermes, Microsoft, and Siemens.

300+ students have participated in iServe

300+ students have participated in iServe Over 300 students have participated in iServe, supporting more than 138 community partners through service and engagement projects.

17+ study abroad countries

17+ study abroad countries Since 2020, students have studied abroad in more than 17 countries, including Singapore, Belgium, Indonesia, and Taiwan.

400+ students involved in the SCI Mentoring Program

400+ students involved in the SCI Mentoring Program As of 2025, the program connects students with 65+ mentors from companies like Amazon, Deloitte, DICK’S Sporting Goods, and UPMC.
Experiential Learning Resources

Find how to earn credit for experiential learning opportunities, how to participate in experiential learning as an international student, what other resources you can use, and more. 

Explore Courses
Read SCI CPT Guidelines
View Past Newsletters
Policies & Procedures

To earn credit for experiential learning, students must follow set policies and procedures. Learn how different opportunities work below. 

Internships
Cooperative Education (Co-ops)
Practicums
MLIS Field Experiences
Career Services

SCI is committed to preparing you for landing that internship, perfecting your resume, and other professional development opportunities. Explore career resources across Pitt and SCI. 

SCI Career Services
SCI Career Resources
Pitt Career Center