Learning by doing: Why ‘experiential learning’ is so important at uni

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By Mark Lee (Career Advisor, Graduate Futures, Northumbria University's Career Service) 

At university, you’ll get lots of opportunities to learn through practical experiences, from work placements and projects with industry, to practice simulations and laboratory learning. It’s called ‘Experiential Learning’, which just means ‘learning by doing’. 

We caught up with Mark Lee, a Careers Adviser from Graduate Futures, Northumbria University’s Career Service, to discover five things experiential learning helps you do. 

 

1. Connect learning to real-life

Studying at university is all about learning new things, but it’s about preparing for a career when you graduate too. When you first start university, it might not be obvious how what you learn in lectures connects to the real-world. Experiential learning bridges that gap by showing how your new knowledge applies to the world of work. 

Take one of our students, Ahmad, for example. He took a year in industry with Network Rail and it helped him understand how lectures about electrical engineering translated into public safety by maintaining crossing signals.

Once he saw how his degree fitted into his future plans, his motivation soared, he got a First Class degree, and scored a job offer from the company where he had his placement. Result!

 

2. Build real-world skills

Employability isn’t just about what you know, it’s about what you can do. The specialist knowledge and technical skills you get from your degree are really important, especially in professional roles like law and healthcare.

But employers also look for something called ‘soft skills’, like communication, teamwork, and time management.

Experiential learning is a great way to gain both. Adult Nursing student Emma said that her work placements have helped develop her practical skills, like taking observations, as well as her confidence working with patients and fellow healthcare workers.

 

3. Find your perfect fit

You might not know what you want to do after university yet. You might not even be AT university yet! But when you’re ready to start thinking about it, experiential learning can really help.

Like Sports Management students Matthew D, Matthew P, Oliver, Jack, and Dylan. They took part in a group project to organise a charity colour run.

After experiencing the challenge and reward of managing a mass participation sporting event, Matthew D and Oliver are more sure than ever that this is what they want to do after uni. And they now have the practical experience to talk about at interview too. 

 

4. Practice being professional

University life can be casual and relaxed, but the working world tends to be more formal. You’re usually expected to dress, talk, and behave a certain way. It’s called professionalism and it’s not something you learn at school or even in uni lectures.  

But experiential learning is a great way to get it. When you take part in experiential learning, whether it's a work placement in industry or a simulated environment, it’s the perfect time to practice your professionalism.  

Turn up on time, communicate politely, work with others, meet deadlines… The more you practice, the more naturally it will come when you start applying for jobs. And the better you’ll look to employers.

 

5. Get career confident

When students come to Graduate Futures, we can often tell who’s taken part in a project, placement, or other hands-on experience without even looking at their CV. They have an air of confidence that comes from having challenged themselves and pushed beyond their comfort zone.

They often have a better understanding of themselves, their skills, and their career goals, plus a stronger focus on their next steps. And if we can spot it, employers can too. Experiential learning gives you that opportunity to grow and glow with confidence. 

 

Discover experiential learning opportunities at Northumbria University

From placements and projects with industry to internships, simulations and more, Northumbria University offers a variety of experiential learning opportunities to students. Visit the Experiential Learning Hub to find out more. 

Visit the Experiential Learning Hub.