Experiential Education
Learning Beyond the Classroom
At Johnson & Wales University, we believe that learning by doing is one of the most effective and high-impact ways to learn — which is why experiential learning has been woven into all aspects of our education, in and out of the classroom, for more than 100 years.
From collecting and analyzing data through research and fieldwork to volunteering with companies and events related to your field of study, JWU’s experiential education program will help you build a strong résumé — and a successful personal life — before you graduate.
JWU’s experiential education program puts you on the path to making effective career choices, identifying and pursuing internships, securing employment and navigating lifelong career direction.
Work with Leading Companies
Internships
JWU has strategically partnered with national businesses and local community organizations that offer academic internships.
- Thousands of employers post internship opportunities on JWU’s recruitment platform, Handshake.
- Last year, JWU connected students to 874 internship sites in 43 states.
- JWU partners with industry sites across the globe. Explore 20 international internships in 12 countries, including Canada, Curacao, London, China and The Virgin Islands.
- Internships are designed to enhance your problem solving and communication skills, work ethic, professionalism and collaboration.
- 96.5% of students said internships strengthened their confidence in academics and their career.
74.7% Of internships are paid
77.6% Offered employment after paid internship
95.3% Of employers rate JWU’s internship program as Good or Exceptional
Project-Based Learning
Directed Experiential Education (DEE)
This unique semester-long class invites students from different majors to collaborate on a real-world project.
- Set project goals, attend client meetings and engage in fieldwork throughout the semester.
- Use the skills you’ve learned in and out of the classroom to complete a project for a nonprofit or for-profit partner.
- Gain insight into possible career paths through an industry-based or functional-area-based project.
- Highlight the project on your résumé to demonstrate experience to potential employers.
DEE Students Produce Inspiring DocuseriesDEE Students Plan Annual SEEM Forum
Get Career-Ready
Career-Focused Programs
Gain real-world experience and network with professionals in your industry through one of JWU’s career programs.
- Take advantage of #HireJWU to browse thousands of jobs and internships posted just for JWU students.
- Develop your skills for an easier transition from college to career with JWU’s career management course.
- JWU’s workshops offer résumé building assistance and interview tips from career experts.
- 89.2% of students completing their career management course showed improved confidence in their career planning skills.
95.4% Career Outcomes Rate* (11.3% higher than national average)**
75.8% Employed (15.6% higher than national average)**
58.5% Knowledge/Response Rate (3.8% higher than national average)**
*For an explanation of the career outcomes rate and other information, visit JWU Student Consumer Information.
**National Average source from National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) First Destination Survey Class of 2021; based on JWU bachelor’s degree graduates.
Engage with the Community
Volunteerism
- Connect with the community while gaining real-world experiences.
- Volunteer opportunities include providing services to local shelters, planting trees in local neighborhoods, volunteering at the American Red Cross and more.
- Serve the community or volunteer to learn about social responsibility, ethics and leadership.
Volunteering in Providence Volunteering in Charlotte
“At Momofuku, I worked with a lot of great chefs and learned how to time-manage. I worked as garde manger and in the raw bar. I shucked lots of oysters!”
-MICHAEL LIU, CULINARY NUTRITION
