Experiential learning is best described as learning by doing and is often acquired outside of the classroom. Some examples of experiential learning are service-learning projects, internships, field research, capstone projects, and/or study abroad programs. Here is why it super beneficial if you’re a young woman entering a STEM career:

• It helps to foster the soft skills needed in the workforce 

  As an aspiring UX Researcher, learning how to develop interpersonal communications with users in order to understand their needs and wants it critical to improving the user experience of a product. In other STEM careers, this is no different. Employers want someone who has a combination of communication, critical thinking, and collaboration skills in order to meet their business needs and objectives. 

• It provides real-world experience

   During my very first internship, I worked in the IT Department at the State’s Attorney’s Office. Working with lawyers, legal aides, and other office personnel gave me insight in what it is like to collaborate with non-tech users. That experience was really helpful as I learned how to explain issues and resolutions to them without using a lot of technical jargon. 

• Aides in learning retention

  I spent the spring semester of my junior year working on a UX project that analyzed the stigma behind mental health issues in the military while learning UX principles in the classroom. Learning about the entire UX process and applying it by working on the project simultaneously helped me retain the concepts better.