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Gain Experience

At Southwestern, hands-on experiences are built into your education. From internships and research to on-campus jobs, you’ll gain the skills and confidence that employers and graduate programs value most.

  • Your Four-Year Pirate Career Plan

    Step-by-step guidance to help you explore majors, gain experience, and prepare for life after Southwestern. Each year builds toward your future success. Explore the Four-Year Plan

    Explore the Plan

  • Major & Career Exploration

    Not sure what to study—or how your interests connect to a career? CCPD offers self-assessments, advising, and programs to help you identify majors and explore career paths.

    Discover majors & careers

  • Graduate & Professional School

    Thinking about advanced study? CCPD helps you research programs, strengthen applications, and prepare your materials.

    LEARN MORE

  • Melina Boutris '22

    Fellowships & Scholarships

    Pursue nationally competitive awards that support study abroad, research, service, or graduate education. CCPD guides you through every step—from planning to applications.

    Explore fellowships & scholarships

Internships & Campus Opportunities

Internships

Internships offer both academic (for credit) and experience-only opportunities, giving you the flexibility to explore careers and gain professional skills at any stage of your journey. Plus, through the Funded Internship Program, you may qualify for financial support to help make unpaid or low-paying internships possible. And Study Away programs in Washington, DC, and New York City combine unique coursework, internships, and on-site networking to kickstart your career

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Undergraduate Research

SU SURF (Southwestern Undergraduate Research with Faculty) is a student–faculty collaborative research program where undergraduates partner with professors across disciplines to engage in original scholarly and creative projects, with opportunities to present their work to the campus community.

Learn more

On-Campus Employment

On-campus jobs give you valuable work experience close to home. From administrative and service roles to paraprofessional positions like Resident Assistants or Writing Center Consultants, these opportunities help you build skills in teamwork, responsibility, and leadership.

Find student employment

Not sure which opportunity is right for you? CCPD staff can help you find the experience that matches your goals.

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