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Experiential Learning – Learn by Doing!

Campus Internships and Service Learning

Experiential Learning is simply “learning by doing”. It lies at the intersection of theory and practice, providing participants a means of acquiring and applying knowledge. UC Berkeley’s commitment to experiential learning is demonstrated in the many internship and service learning opportunities available through campus.

Explore new opportunities that can enrich your time at Cal, as well as contribute to your resume, professional growth, and career readiness. 

Government, Policy, & Public Service 

  • Cal in the Capital (CITC): Summer internships in Washington, D.C., focusing on public service and policy 
  • Public Service Center: Provides leadership and service learning opportunities for students through a variety of programs and internships such as East Bay Community Builders, Cal in Local Government, and Peter E. Haas Public Service Leaders Program.
  • UC Berkeley Washington Program (UCDC): Experience our nation’s capital during a semester in Washington DC. Program includes full-time coursework, an internship in a field of interest, and professional conferences and seminars.
  • UC Center Sacramento Program (UCCS): Operated by UC Davis, UCCS offers distinctive academic programs in public policy and public-affairs journalism to students from throughout the university’s 10-campus system. UCCS is a teaching, research and public-service site located one block from the State Capitol and provides students with an opportunity to study through seminars and internships in Sacramento.
  • Matsui Local Government Fellowship: Offers students the opportunity to gain firsthand municipal experience and provide direct service from the ground up.
  • Cal-in-Sacramento Fellowship: Hosted by the Institute of Governmental Studies (IGS), this program places 30 Cal students in summer internships within California state government offices who must also complete a 30unit course. 
  • Leonard D. Schaeffer Fellows in Government Service: In partnership with The Matsui Center, this program supports undergraduate students pursuing careers in government. Fellows complete a high-level summer internship at the local, state, and federal level. 
  • Democracy Camp: A multi-day intensive program hosted by the Institute of Governmental Studies and The Matsui Center for undergraduate students interested in enhancing our democracy through public service. There are two programs, Democracy Camp in Berkeley and Democracy Camp in DC (an alternative spring break).
  • Jon Gardner Public Service Fellowship Program: Opportunity for outstanding graduating seniors with the goal of creating meaningful, postgraduate leadership experiences. 
  • Labor Summer Internship: UC Berkeley Labor Center hosts a co-sponsored intensive 8-week internship program designed to train the next generation of labor, worker center, and community organizers.

 

Research & Academic Programs 

 

Entrepreneurship, Innovation, & Design

  • Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship & Technology (SCET): Offers “Challenge Labs” and Entrepreneurship Certificate. Highly hands-on courses, often involving interdisciplinary teams building startups or solving industry-partnered problems. 
  • Berkeley SKYDECK: Get a front-row seat to the Silicon Valley startup ecosystem by interning, scouting, or assisting. They also have the Accelerating Careers in Entrepreneurship (ACE) program, a certificate track for students. Check out their campus partners for additional hands-on learning opportunities.
  • Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation: The interdisciplinary hub for learning and making at the intersection of design and technology offers highly hands-on courses. They offer a Berkeley Certificate in Design Innovation (BCDI) for undergraduates and house the Masters of Design (MDes) programs along with Jacons Innovation Catalyst Grant program and their Berkeley Engineering Design Scholars Program.
  • CITRIS Invention Lab: Focuses on the intersection of technology and society, offering a variety of programs, tools and mentorship for students.
  • Pi2 Scholars Program: For undergraduate physics and physical science majors. It provides dedicated summer funding for students to work on experimental design, building scientific tools, and conducting hardware/software research under physics faculty mentors.

 

Campus & Community Support

  • Gender Equity Resource Center Internships: GenEq is a fast-paced and dynamic work environment that promotes brave spaces for dialogue and mutual understanding. Interns must be registered students at UC Berkeley and should possess those personal qualities that will aid in effectively and affably relating to those who seek assistance.
  • Student-to-Student Peer Counseling: Develop communication and counseling skills by serving as a Peer Counselor.
  • Professional Student Organizations: Berkeley has a unique ecosystem of professional student organizations that function similarly to real-world firms, offering student-led hands-on and/or project-based learning opportunities. Examples include Berkeley Consulting, SCiPP program with GSPP, projects like CalSol or Berkeley Formula Racing team, etc. 
  • Stiles Hall: A local nonprofit agency closely connected to campus that offers volunteer opportunities in youth mentoring, tutoring, sports, and elder companionship.
  • Student-to-Student Peer Counseling: Peer counselors undergo training and create supportive environments where students can openly discuss their challenges. 

 

Global & Other Specialized Opportunities 

 

This is not an extensive list. Check with your peers, academic advisors, and department for additional opportunities.