Learning Beyond the Classroom
Experiential Learning helps students connect their world-class liberal arts education to life after college.
Through internships, research, applied arts, and other hands-on opportunities, students build skills, test ideas, gain practical experience, and grow in confidence.
Experiential Learning at Emory is defined by breadth, access, and impact:
- 100% of Emory undergraduate students participate in internships, research, study abroad, or the performing arts
- 53% of undergraduate internships take place in Georgia, and 90% of those are in Metro Atlanta
- Students have pursued internship experiences in 49 countries across 6 continents
- $3 million raised by alumni and parents to support student opportunities
WHY LEARNING OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM MATTERS
Whether conducting research alongside faculty, interning with leading companies, or contributing to creative and civic projects, students gain insight into their future careers through learning by doing. . These opportunities allow students to test ideas in real-world settings, build professional networks, and launch their careers after college.
Participation in experiential learning gives students a competitive edge on the job market and promotes early career success. Employers value experiential learning in candidates they recruit. Nearly all employers view U.S.-based internships as valuable, and more than 40% of employers seek candidates with on-campus student work and apprenticeship experience (NACE Job Outlook 2026).
Early career professionals who engaged in experiential learning in college have higher salaries on average, more job offers, faster than expected career progression, higher rates of career satisfaction, and higher rates of having a professional network to draw upon (NACE, 2025).
Student Impact
Julia Nagel 25C
GER Fulfillment: Internship | Pathways Internship Funding recipient
“This internship has given me the foundational knowledge and soft skills needed to be successful in arts administration. It will give me a leg up when I’m going into future roles because I already have experience that I can use to adapt to whichever organization I’m working for.”
Nagel spent her summer as an intern in the development department of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO), where she worked under Jennifer Barlament 95C, executive director of the ASO. Nagel scheduled dinners with donors, tracked responses, and drafted remarks for the executive director.
Ramis Banuri 24C
GER Fulfillment: Research | Pathways Internship Funding recipient
“I had an internship in Washington, D.C. and I received funding from the Pathways Center to support my stay there. I don’t think my summer would have been possible or nearly as comfortable if I didn’t have that funding.”
Banuri spent the summer as a congressional leadership and development fellow on Capitol Hill.
Cequyia York 27C
GER Fulfillment: Internship | D.C. Pathways Scholars Program Alumna
“As the only person in my household pursuing an undergraduate degree, I wasn’t familiar with the unspoken rules of networking or professional spaces. Pathways walked me through that process and gave me the tools to apply more confidently—a great aid for my debut into the professional world.”
York spent the summer in Washington, D.C. as an intern at the Pew Research Center, contributing to research on global religious trends and restrictions with the Global Demography of Religion team.
Learning Opportunities
Internship Funding
Pursuing the Dream | Fulfills GER
Internship funding provides financial support to students pursuing unpaid or low-paid opportunities. By covering essential expenses such as housing, transportation, and cost of living, this program ensures that all students can access transformative experiences that align with their academic and career aspirations.
Sophomore Summit
Learning from Alumni
The Sophomore Summit introduces students to the possibilities ahead by connecting them with alumni and professionals across industries. Through panels, workshops, and small-group discussions, students gain insight into career paths, build early networks, and begin shaping their professional goals.
Pathways Scholars
Real-World Experience | Fulfills GER
Pathways Scholars engage in structured experiential learning that integrates academic study with real-world application. With mentorship, guided reflection, and hands-on opportunities, students develop critical skills while fulfilling general education requirements through meaningful experiences.
Internship Funding Locations
Students pursue internships across the globe, gaining experience in diverse cultural, professional, and academic environments. Opportunities span industries and disciplines—from public service and research to business, technology, and the arts.
The interactive map highlights where students have recently completed internships, demonstrating the global reach of experiential learning. Locations are categorized by experience type, including research, internships, applied arts, and seasonal programs, showcasing the breadth of opportunities available.
Alumni Make A Difference
Alumni play a vital role in expanding access to experiential learning opportunities. Through their generosity and engagement, they help fund internships, mentor students, and open doors to new experiences.
Internship funding ensures that every student—regardless of financial background—can pursue meaningful experiential opportunities. By removing financial barriers, students are able to focus on learning, contributing, and growing in professional environments around the world.
Their support has enabled millions of dollars in funding for student opportunities, ensuring that financial barriers do not limit potential. By investing in the next generation, alumni strengthen a cycle of opportunity, impact, and connection that extends far beyond campus.