Experiential Learning
Build on your classroom learning with hands-on experiences.
In every field of study, you know that gaining practical experience is what will set you apart, giving you the skills you need to get into the work you want, achieve your career goals and reach your full potential.
That’s why 100% of Sheridan's full-time programs include opportunities to participate in experiential learning.
What is experiential learning?
Experiential learning is best described as learning by doing.
As a Sheridan student, you'll have opportunities to get hands-on experience that's directly relevant to your program of study and supports your career and work goals.
These opportunities can take place inside or outside the classroom, and are led by an instructor, a Sheridan professional, or an industry partner in the community.
Key features of experiential learning at Sheridan
| Course-Integrated Experiential Learning | Work-Integrated Learning | Co-Curricular Recognition | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Builds professional skills and competencies | |||
| Applies program knowledge or essential employability skills | |||
| For academic credit | — | ||
| In a workplace environment (paid or unpaid) |
— | Activity dependent | |
| In an academic environment | — | — |
“Through my program, I have completed four co-op work terms at KPMG, one of the big four global accounting firms. There, I have had the opportunity to take on progressively more responsibilities with each co-op, be exposed to so many different areas within the field of accounting and develop a wide range of new skills.”
– Akashdeep Singh, Honours Bachelor of Business Administration (Accounting), 4th year
How will experiential learning help me?
Experiential learning allows you to:
- Get hands-on experience that helps build your understanding of work expectations and enables you to stand out in a competitive job market.
- Develop leadership, technical and professional skills that employers are looking for, so that you’re ready to transition directly to the workforce once you graduate.
- Explore your interests and clarify your career goals.
- Make important networking connections to kickstart your career.
Examples of experiential learning:
- Practicing career catalysts in a laboratory or simulated workplace.
- Working in a studio to experiment, design or develop a product.
- Participating in capstone or research projects.
- Work-integrated learning (cooperative education and internship, field placement and mandatory professional practice, and apprenticeship).
- Co-Curricular Recognition (student life and leadership development programs, community engagement activities, clubs, athletics, committee participation, etc.).
Experiential learning at a glance
In the 2022–2023 academic year:
24,000+
students gained hands-on learning through experiential learning courses. *
7,000+
students gained professional experience through work-integrated learning activities.
175+
co-curricular recognition opportunities allowed students to build skills and gain experience.
* course-integrated experiential learning as defined by Sheridan College
