Experiential Learning

Get real-world, hands-on experience through experiential learning opportunities. Apply what you’ve learned and explore your interests while gaining valuable skills that will help you stand out.

What Is Experiential Learning?

Experiential learning opportunities let you apply your knowledge and insight within real-world contexts outside the classroom. By broadening your UB experience, you can gain a heightened sense of civic responsibility, sharpen your critical thinking skills, and share your unique talents, interests and passions.

These opportunities — which are typically under the mentorship of researchers, faculty and community leaders — may include internships, volunteer assignments, part-time jobs, clinical experiences, faculty-mentored research and faculty-mentored engagement projects.

Start Now

It’s never too early to explore opportunities. Plan ahead to make sure you can take advantage of the best experiences for you.

Opportunities in Student Life

There are numerous opportunities to participate in experiential learning throughout Student Life. 

  • Alternative Breaks
    6/13/22
    Whether it's working in community gardens around Buffalo, NY or teaching English to children in the Dominican Republic, UB students are making a positive global impact.
  • Career Design Center
    9/8/16
    At Career Services, you’ll find career planning experts who are excited to help you. Whether you’re a freshman trying to decide on a major, or a graduate student searching for a job — or anywhere in between — we’ll help you plan for a fulfilling career and a meaningful life.
  • Career Peer Coach
    9/8/16
    Get valuable experience, make connections and discover a career that you love. Explore available internship possibilities through the Career Design Center.
  • Community and Civic Engagement Certificate Program
    9/8/16
    Give back to your community. Learn how to create positive change. Understand your role in a global society.
  • Counseling Services Training
    5/20/22
    If you’re studying social work, psychology or mental health counseling, the training programs offered through Counseling Services can help you reach your goals.
  • Diversity Advocates
    7/6/23
    Diversity Advocates (DA) are student interns committed to promoting diversity, advocacy and social justice at UB. By increasing their awareness and knowledge of diversity-related issues, DA's will create dialogue that explores the definition and perception of diversity. 
  • LEAD UB Conference
    6/29/22
    Get a deeper understanding of topics related to leadership, service and student development by attending the LEAD UB Conference.
  • Leadership House
    6/1/22
    Get access to exclusive leadership opportunities, learn how to thrive in a professional setting, and work with outstanding mentors to get the most out of your time at UB.
  • Leadership Training Camp
    9/21/23
    Thinking about improving your skills as a leader but you're not sure where to start? Attend Leadership Training Camp!
  • Micro-credentials
    8/2/23
    The Social Justice and Inclusion micro-credential program provides an opportunity for you to demonstrate your commitment to diversity and inclusion.
  • Micro-Credentials and Certificates
    9/8/16
    Gain confidence. Build interpersonal skills. Get resume-worthy experience. Discover how you can make a positive, lasting change as a leader.
  • Next Level Program
    9/8/16
    Next Level - a Leadership Mentoring Experience - is a half-day, gamified conference designed for UB student leaders. Guest mentors from all over Western New York will help facilitate this interactive experience. Next Level will look great on your resume, help you build skills employers and graduate schools are looking for, and qualify you for a Here to Career Change Agent micro-credential.
  • Off-Campus Volunteer Opportunities
    9/21/23
    Serve your local community, meet new people and get a better understanding of what it means to be a socially responsible citizen.
  • Organizational Development Badge
    9/8/16
    Grow your network. Develop your leadership skills. Learn how to lead organizations effectively.
  • Orientation Leader
    12/21/21
    Make an impact on new students, develop your leadership skills and have fun introducing people to UB.
  • QPR Suicide Prevention Training
    1/28/20
    Ask a question, save a life. QPR is an easy-to-learn process that helps you recognize the early warning signs of suicide, and get professional help for people who need it.
  • Strategic Leaders Badge
    9/8/16
    Discover the skills that can help to shape your life and boost your career. Learn how you can make a positive, lasting change as a leader at UBuffalo and beyond.
  • Student Affairs Mentoring Program and Leadership Experience (SAMPLE)
    6/1/22
    Get real-world experience from a mentor in the field of student affairs, and find out if working for a college or university is the right career path for you.
  • Student Engagement Ambassador
    8/15/23
    Gain practical, hands-on experience leading group projects. Meet new people at networking opportunities across campus and throughout Buffalo. Attend leadership conferences and other professional development events.
  • Student Leadership International Dialogue and Exchange (SLIDE)
    6/13/22
    If you’re a student interested in exploring new cultures — and learning about different leadership styles around the world — this program is perfect for you.
  • Student-Wide Judiciary Positions
    8/5/21
    The Student-Wide Judiciary (SWJ) is part of the University conduct process and is made up of Hearing Representatives and Student Justices. Each involvement opportunity is a volunteer role and requires only a small time commitment per week.
  • UBE110 Introduction to Peer Education
    1/28/20
    This course provides training in peer education following the National BACCHUS Certified Peer Education program.

Additional Opportunity Sources

Experiential Learning Network

University at Buffalo
24 Capen Hall, North Campus
Buffalo, New York 14260

Phone: (716) 645-8177

Career Design Center

Student Life

University at Buffalo
259 Capen Hall, North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260

Phone: (716) 645-2231

Student Engagement

Student Life

University at Buffalo
150 Student Union, North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260
Email: Contact form

Phone: (716) 645-6469