Build Experience

How do you build "real world" experience while attending college? Where do you start?

As a student at SJSU, you can have many opportunities both on campus and off campus to build experience. These opportunities include class projects, student involvement, research, student employment on campus, volunteering, interning, study abroad, and more.

In-Demand Skills

Did you know that you are building skills that employers want just by taking classes at SJSU? Check out the University Learning Goals (ULGs).

Are you wondering how to build more specific skills for the career that you are building towards, but you don't know where to start? To get started, check out the Build Experience Guide [pdf] which is designed to help students identify their existing skills and strengths as well as develop new career-related skills.

In addition to building your experience, it is important to develop in-demand skills and competencies. Check out the transferable skills that employers are seeking in college students and recent college graduates in the NACE 2020 report.

skills icons chart

To explore where you are with developing your transferable skills and competencies, take the Am I career ready? questionnaire on Focus2.

Create your Build Experience Action Plan using the information and activities in the Build Experience Guide [pdf].

Building Experience at a Glance

Next Steps


Now that you have built your experience, learn how to communicate that experience to potential employers in Launch Your Career.

Stay on track by following Your Roadmap to Career Success [pdf] and the Build Experience Guide [pdf]. For more help, meet with a career counselor.