A head with gears and a person. The gears appear to be a bicycle and a person is riding the bicycle.

Experiential Learning: CLS Support for Site Exploration

While the Center for Careers, Life, and Service (CLS) is not a placement service, we can offer resources and guidance to help you explore, connect with, and navigate potential volunteer, internship, or practicum opportunities that align with your personal or academic goals.

What CLS Advisors Can Help You With:

  • Explore Your Interests: We’ll work with you to clarify your interests, helping you identify the kinds of volunteer, internship, or practicum opportunities that might align with your goals.
  • Navigating Databases: We offer guidance on using platforms like Handshake and our Community Partner Database to find relevant opportunities.
  • Outreach Support: We can coach you on how to approach potential sites—whether it’s crafting a cold email, making a phone call, or presenting yourself effectively.
  • Interview Preparation: CLS advisors offer mock interviews to help you build confidence and practice your responses for volunteer, internship, or practicum interviews.
  • Application Materials: Get feedback on your resume, cover letter, or personal statement/essay to help make a strong impression with potential sites.

What CLS Advisors Cannot Do:

Guarantee Requirements are Met: It is your responsibility to ensure that the experience meets the specific academic, professional, or personal criteria you are working toward. CLS advisors can guide you, but we cannot guarantee that an experience will fulfill these requirements.

Make Direct Introductions: We do not make personal introductions to specific organizations or sites. However, we can advise you on how to reach out and network effectively.

Vet Organizations or Experiences: CLS does not formally vet or endorse specific volunteer or internship sites. It’s up to you to research and evaluate the suitability of an organization for your needs.

Place You in Opportunities: While we offer resources and guidance, we do not place students in volunteer, internship, or practicum positions.

Guarantee Placement: We cannot guarantee that you will secure a volunteer, internship, or practicum position. Securing a placement depends on factors like availability, qualifications, and site-specific criteria.