Learning in the classroom is importnat, and ultimately you will need to apply the knowledge and skills you develop. After all, you will learn even more about the subject matter and develop some useful experience in the process. Internships, study abroad programs, research experiences, and many other programs offer opportunities for you to apply your knowledge and skills.

Meeting the Challenge

To meet this challenge, you will need to join, apply for, or make a plan to apply for an opportunity. The following examples are just some of the options that could complete this challenge:

• Applying for a study abroad program with CIPA
• Engaging in research through programs like SURE and SIRE
• Applying for an internship or fellowship opportunity
• Attending a student panel for internships, study abroad opportunities, or more
• Working part-time in a field related to your major
• Taking a leadership role in student health groups, like Sexual Health Awareness Group (SHAG), Alliance for Sexual Assault Prevention (ASAP), or Student Health Advisory Committee (SHAC)

Helpful Resources

• CIPA advisors
• Academic departments or other campus offices that might have information on related opportunities
• Faculty members who work closely with specific programs
• Academic adviors
• Health Education and Promotion
• Other students already involved with or pursuing opportunities you are interested in

What comes next?

Pursuing opportunities like these might help in several other areas.

• Find out about your peers. Other students you meet may be engaged in related activities that you might also enjoy.
• Update your resume. Many opportunities like these are a great addition to your resume.
• Consult an advisor to learn about what to do next. The experience you gain from such an experience could help an advisor recommend more advanced or exclusive opportunities.
• Meet the faculty who make the program possible. Many research or study abroad opportunities are supported by faculty members with whom you could build relationships.
• Understand how this experience impacts you. Study abroad opportunities can be life-changing experiences, giving you a perspective on how other parts of the world live and think.
• Be self-reflective about your experiences. Internships are a great opportunity to gauge how well you perform or how much you enjoy working in a given field, and understanding those experiences can help guide your career decisions.