Besides the "in class" and "out of class" experiences, there are other things that you are involved in which might not be connected directly to Penn State. These might include your previous work experience or travel with friends or family.

Work Experience

Many students have jobs either during the semester or over the summer. Your job may or may not be in a field related to your major at Penn State. In addition, many students work at jobs that might be in a related field that are not a part of an official internship, field work or co-op. All parts of this work experience is valuable. There is so much to learn on the job. Getting tasks accomplished, handling responsibility and making decisions are all good 'real world' experience.

Make the most of every work experience. Look for opportunities to showcase what you can do, or opportunities to experience new things. Now is your chance to find out how the organization works and the kinds of skills and attributes that it takes to succeed or advance.

Community service activities are similarly valuable. These work experiences can also be looked at as an opportunity to explore something new. Meet new people and find out more about yourself!

Travel

Travel is a wonderful way to broaden one's perspective. Whether it is to another part of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or to another country, you get a chance to investigate a new part of the world and engage with people who live there. Travel is a wonderful way to increase your variety of experience. Take advantage of these opportunities and meet as many people as you can. Talk with them and listen to what they have to say. It will be interesting to compare their viewpoints with your own.

Travel can also help you when you return to Penn State. A visit to an urban, culturally different, or a scientifically significant area might provide you with a new and better informed perspective that you can use to enhance your involvement in coursework or organizations outside of class. Your questions and comments in class always mean more to you when they are based on personal experience.

Conversely, as your interests become better defined because of the activities you are involved in or the courses you take, use this to suggest travel plans to places which will give you a chance to explore your interests even more!