Ways to Gain Hands-On Experience at 91茄子

October 17, 2022

First-year student Nathan鈥攁 mechanical engineering major from Bellevue, NE鈥攔eceives flight instruction to fly a small drone in the NIMBUS lab from Siya Kunde, Phd. student in Computer Science as part of the FYRE program.

At 91茄子, we pride ourselves on digging into hands-on learning opportunities. And you can take advantage of these in a variety of forms, from participating in undergraduate research to finding a unique lab or studio in your college. Check out some ways you can gain real-world experience that will help you grow your skills and set yourself up for life after undergrad.

Immerse Yourself in Research and Creative Activity

At 91茄子, research and innovation drive activities that expand your knowledge and solve real-world problems. There are several opportunities for undergraduate research during the school year and summer. Throughout your time at 91茄子, you can carry out groundbreaking research 1-to-1 with 91茄子鈥檚 brightest faculty through programs like (Undergraduate Creative Activities and Research Experience), (First Year Research Experience) and more. And a bonus to the cool hands-on work you鈥檒l do: developing connections, skills and discipline that will prepare you for a career or grad school. Check out more undergraduate research programs .

Seek out Specialized Courses and Programs

Students work in the College of Journalism Experience Lab
Students work in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications Experience Lab.

The College of Journalism and Mass Communications has the where students can access a range of hands-on opportunities鈥娾�斺�奻rom working on real advertising campaigns for real clients to broadcasting from Husker games. The College of Architecture houses where students can grow their skills and work on projects with real community impact. And through the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources鈥� Huskers feed their entrepreneurial spark and develop businesses from the ground up. And that鈥檚 just a few of the colleges! Be sure to meet with your advisor to learn more about specific opportunities in your college. They鈥檙e here to help!

Find an Internship that Excites You

Sam Rice walks on the Clippers court with a video camera during his internship
Emerging Media Arts student Sam Rice interned as a video producer for the LA Clippers. Photo courtesy Sam Rice.

Internships offer a great opportunity to pad your resume, build a network and get hands-on experience in something you鈥檙e interested in. From working as a with the LA Clippers to interning with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service , Huskers have held a wide range of positions. And our global Husker family means you may even hear a 鈥淕o Big Red鈥� or two regardless of where your internship takes you. Not sure where to start? is an awesome resource as you start looking for internship opportunities.

Leverage Your Skills in the Community

Arnold Elementary students working on coding activities alongside Huskers in the Initialize UNL RSO.
Arnold Elementary students working on coding activities alongside Huskers in the Initialize UNL RSO. Photo courtesy Madison Maloney.

Combining your interests/major with service opportunities is the perfect way to grow your skills while making an impact. Seek out recognized student organizations that appeal to you and your community engagement goals鈥攍ike . You鈥檒l be able to connect with people and issues while adding value for prospective employers or graduate/professional schools.

Take Advantage of On-Campus Resources and Events

Maria Heyen gives a pitch during the 3鈥�2鈥�1 Quick Pitch Competition in Morrill Hall
College of Business student Maria Heyen gives a pitch during the 3鈥�2鈥�1 Quick Pitch Competition.

Across campus, you鈥檒l find specialized departments and events to help you stretch your strengths and grow your network. For example, are you interested in flexing your entrepreneurial spirit? The College of Business鈥� offers all students opportunities to get experience pitching businesses through competitions, receive 1鈥搊n-1 coaching and gain hands-on investment experience through . Keep your eye on the campus for upcoming opportunities and reach out to your advisor to find additional resources related to your interests.