Hands-On Learning at UWM
A well-rounded education doesn’t come from textbooks alone.
We encourage all UWM students to build on what they learn in class with hands-on experiences and community connections. Our students travel to other countries, do research, create startups, teach in Milwaukee classrooms and more. No matter what you choose to study, you can get experience in your field, connect with others and graduate from UWM with a valuable degree and impressive resume.
3,700+partnerships with businesses, nonprofits and more
33,000hours volunteered by UWM students in 2021
Experiential Learning Opportunities
Discover your passion and future career — in a laboratory, a city overseas or right in your neighborhood.
1,000+ Research Opportunities Offered Each Year
No matter your major, you can research side by side with faculty, gain valuable work experience and start contributing to your field even as a first-year student.
View Undergraduate Research Info
Alternative Spring Break, Study Abroad, Outdoor Education
Get college credit as well as a life-changing experience while studying abroad in another country or doing an alternative spring break.
View Study Away Info
Resident Assistants, Peer Mentors, Campus Ambassadors, Student Athletes
Fuel your drive to lead others and learn valuable skills along the way. Hone your talents here, and you’ll be able to tap into them long after college.
View Leadership Experience Info
Internships, Student Employment Programs, University Legal Clinic Paralegal Program
Take advantage of our home city and get a true taste of what working in your future field might be like. On-campus work opportunities are also available.
View Internships / Work Experience Info
Performance Arts, Entrepreneurial Programs, Story Experience Program
Share your creativity with the world through performances and community partnerships, or take your ideas to the next level with campus entrepreneurship programs.
View Creative / Entrepreneurial Info
Course-Based Applied Projects, Community-Based / Service-Learning Courses, Nonprof-IT
Service-learning courses invite you take what you’ve learned in the classroom and use it to help a community, neighborhood or nonprofit with an established need.
View Service Learning Info
Clinical Experiences, Cooperatives, Field / Practicum Experiences, Student Teaching
Explore your career, learn the culture and not only fulfill your passion but also earn credits toward your degree.
View Professional Info
Apprenticeships, Vocational Training
You’ll have a chance to focus on building your skills in a specific area, and then leverage that knowledge right away in the workplace.
View Technical / Vocational Info