Work experience is a valuable aspect of your personal and professional growth. It helps you build your resume and strengthen your position as a candidate. It’s quite demanding to balance both work and education simultaneously, which is why many students choose to leave work experience on the back burner.
The reality, however, is that you will benefit a lot from working and gathering relevant experience in your industry or field. Here are some of the most significant benefits and advantages of gaining work experience for students, especially those at the undergraduate or graduate level:
It gives you a ton of practical knowledge
Work teaches you much practical knowledge and gives you firsthand experience in things that your classroom can’t teach you. You can learn all about a subject’s principles, but applying them is only something you’ll pick up while doing it, which is what work allows you to do. Even the most well-planned associate degree programs and certifications can’t teach you the same knowledge that you gain by doing.
Work allows you to network with others
One valuable aspect of work involves a lot of networking. As you enter the workplace and connect with professionals in your field, you also get the opportunity to extend your reach to other relevant individuals. It’s one of the most valuable benefits of working in a professional environment, so you can build a network of professionals who may open career opportunities, jobs, and mentor-ship.
Firsthand experience will help you make a decision
While you may have had a desire or dream to work in a certain industry, the reality of it may be far less glamorous and pleasant. Working directly in that job as a full or part-time employee, intern, or consultant may help you decide whether that field or job industry is worth pursuing and whether you’re the right fit. This allows you to explore more options and alternatives and be confident in your decision to work in that field, and decide whether a career in it is worth your while.
You apply many of the theories you learn
Theory-based learning is very common in most educational experiences, especially when pursuing an online undergraduate or graduate, or online certificate program. This is why hands-on work experience teaches you to use many of those theories in the real world. You understand how to work with them in the most efficient and relevant manner and connect what you’re learning to what you’re doing.
Additionally, work experience gives you a ton of confidence, maturity, and independence to think, work, and apply yourself.
How Lakewood University can help you
Lakewood University offers students the opportunity to complete a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). Students who complete the PLA can turn their real-world work experience into college credits and thus earn their degrees faster. They complete a portfolio to prove their expertise and knowledge earned from experiences such as work, military, and other trainings. Students can earn up to 15 credits for an associate’s degree and up to 30 for their bachelor’s.
Work opportunities and experiences can help students strengthen their resumes and profile as a candidate. You can explore the incredible opportunities our online certificate programs offer or register for our associate’s degree programs online. Lakewood University is giving you the chance to get a degree or certification online while pursuing your career simultaneously. Contact us to know more about our services and how we can help you!
