Engaging in scholarly or scientific investigation under the supervision of a qualified researcher, such as a professor, principal investigator, industry scientist, or other professional with research credentials, is one of the most valuable ways to build academic skills. Research experience is helpful for any major, and it is especially important for students considering doctoral programs, which prioritize applicants with sustained, hands-on involvement in research activities. 

Examples: 

• Collaborating with a faculty member on a research project by gathering background literature, organizing information, or helping prepare materials for a study. 
• Assisting with social science research by helping recruit participants, collect data, manage interviews, or code qualitative and quantitative data. 
• Supporting laboratory‑based research in the natural sciences or engineering by conducting experiments, maintaining equipment, preparing samples, or tracking results. 
• Contributing to business, economics, or analytics projects by helping with market research, data modeling, financial analysis, or report creation. 
• Participating in education‑focused research through classroom observations, curriculum evaluations, or assessment data collection. 
• Assisting with public health or community‑based research by organizing survey responses, managing datasets, or supporting outreach components of a study. 
• Helping with research administration tasks such as preparing IRB documents, completing ethics training, or assisting with grant‑related paperwork. 
• Working on creative or humanities‑based scholarship by supporting archival research, transcribing materials, reviewing historical sources, or analyzing patterns in literature, media, or culture. 
• Joining interdisciplinary research teams that address real‑world problems—such as sustainability, human behavior, technology innovation, or economic development—through data collection, analysis, or project coordination. 
• Participating in structured summer research programs (e.g., REUs, SURF, faculty‑mentored fellowships) that provide full‑time, immersive experience on a focused research project. 

Internships and employment opportunities provide structured, hands-on ways for students to gain real-world experience in their field of interest. Through roles that involve project work, research support, client or customer assistance, and general administrative responsibilities, students can build practical skills, explore career pathways, and strengthen their readiness for future graduate study or professional roles. 

Read the different areas below to get started and be sure to utilize the resources available through Career Services and Experiential Learning for additional support and connections to high quality opportunities. 

Arts, Media, and Creative Majors 

• Graphic design, digital media, or branding work at marketing agencies, university communications offices, or local businesses. 
• Journalism, editing, or writing support at newspapers, magazines, broadcasting stations, or campus media. 
• Museums, galleries, or arts administration internships at cultural centers, community arts organizations, or university museums. 
• Film, production, or postproduction assistance with local studios, production companies, or independent creators. 
• Public relations or communications projects with nonprofits, PR firms, or corporate communications teams. 

Biology, Chemistry, and Health Sciences Majors 

• Laboratory or research assistant roles in university labs, hospitals, or biotechnology companies. 
• Clinical support, patient‑care coordination, or administrative experience at medical clinics, hospitals, or research centers. 
• Public health internships with health departments, community health programs, or nonprofit health organizations. 
• Environmental health or laboratory‑testing roles with environmental agencies, water authorities, or testing facilities. 
• Wildlife or animal‑care assistant roles with veterinary clinics, wildlife rehabilitation centers, or environmental nonprofits. 

Business, Accounting, Economics, and Management Majors 

• Marketing, communications, or brand‑strategy work at marketing firms, corporate offices, or small businesses. 
• Accounting or auditing experience at accounting firms, financial services companies, or local CPAs. 
• Human resources or business operations internships at companies, hospitals, universities, or government agencies. 
• Financial analysis, banking, or economic research roles at banks, investment offices, or consulting firms. 
• Supply chain, logistics, or project management positions with retail organizations, manufacturing companies, or distribution centers. 
• Entrepreneurial or business‑development opportunities through startups, innovation hubs, or small business development centers. 

Computer Science, Cybersecurity, and Information Technology Majors 

• Software development or QA testing roles at tech companies, start‑ups, or campus IT departments. 
• Cybersecurity support or network administration internships at IT firms, government agencies, or corporate security teams. 
• Web development or app design projects for small businesses, nonprofits, or university departments. 
• Data engineering or system‑architecture support with analytics companies or tech teams. 
• Product management or tech‑project coordination roles with technology companies or campus innovation centers. 

Education Majors 

• Classroom support or practicum experience with local schools or after‑school programs. 
• Curriculum development or educational‑program coordination with school districts, nonprofits, or museums. 
• Research assistant roles with education faculty or educational research centers. 
• Literacy, tutoring, or mentoring positions with community organizations or youth programs. 
• Early‑childhood development experience at preschools, Head Start programs, or family‑service organizations. 

Engineering Majors 

• Engineering co‑ops or rotational programs with engineering firms, manufacturing companies, or utilities. 
• Product design, prototyping, or testing roles at engineering consultancies, R&D divisions, or industrial companies. 
• Environmental or civil engineering experience with public works departments, environmental agencies, or construction firms. 
• Aerospace or defense engineering internships with NASA, defense contractors, or aerospace companies. 
• Process improvement, facilities planning, or quality‑assurance roles with manufacturing plants or logistics operations. 

Environmental Science Majors 

• Conservation, restoration, or land‑management work with nature centers, parks, or wildlife refuges. 
• Environmental field research or lab support with environmental consulting firms, university labs, or government agencies. 
• Sustainability program coordination with campus sustainability offices, nonprofits, or corporate sustainability teams. 
• Environmental education or outreach roles with nature centers, community organizations, or schools. 
• Water‑quality, air‑quality, or soil‑testing assistance with county environmental departments or labs. 

Hospitality Majors 

• Guest services support at hotels, resorts, or vacation clubs. 
• Event planning and coordination roles with conference centers, wedding venues, or hospitality companies. 
• Food and beverage operations support at restaurants, dining services, or catering companies. 
• Tourism and travel management experience with visitor bureaus, travel agencies, or tourism boards. 
• Front‑of‑house or operations internships at theme parks, entertainment venues, or convention centers. 
• Customer experience, revenue management, or marketing internships with hospitality organizations. 

Physics, Mathematics, Data Science, and Statistics Majors 

• Data analysis, modeling, or visualization roles at tech companies, financial institutions, or research groups. 
• Research assistant positions with physics or mathematics faculty or national laboratory internships. 
• Software testing, algorithm development, or quantitative research opportunities at tech firms or engineering companies. 
• Actuarial or financial‑risk internships at insurance companies or financial services firms. 
• STEM education and tutoring opportunities with schools, tutoring centers, or educational nonprofits. 

Psychology, Sociology, and Human Services Majors 

• Community outreach or social‑services support at nonprofits, shelters, human‑services agencies, or after‑school programs. 
• Behavioral health, case‑support, or administrative roles at counseling centers, clinics, or rehabilitation facilities. 
• Youth development and mentoring positions with school districts, YMCA programs, or community youth organizations. 
• Advocacy or victim‑services support with crisis centers, domestic‑violence organizations, or county social‑service departments. 
• Research assistant roles with university labs or faculty research projects. 

Joining a student organization at UCF is an excellent way to connect with peers who share your academic and career interests, gain insight from professionals in your field, and strengthen your overall preparation for graduate school or future employment. These organizations often provide opportunities for community service, leadership development, networking, and hands‑on experiences that help you build valuable skills and explore potential career paths. To find groups related to your major or areas of interest, be sure to browse KnightConnect and take advantage of the many ways to get involved on campus. 

Leadership means taking responsibility for guiding, supporting, or organizing others toward a shared goal. You can show leadership in many different settings—through school involvement, campus jobs, community organizations, faith based groups, or any role where you help others succeed and move a project or team forward. 

Examples: 

• Serving as a club officer (president, vice president, treasurer, secretary). 
• Leading a committee, project team, or event planning group. 
• Coordinating volunteers for service events or community programs. 
• Mentoring new members in a student organization or academic program. 
• Supervising peers in a campus job, tutoring center, or residence hall. 
• Facilitating study groups, workshops, or training sessions. 
• Coaching youth sports or leading activities in after‑school programs. 
• Organizing fundraising efforts or awareness campaigns. 
• Leading small groups in faith‑based organizations or community groups. 
• Managing logistics for conferences, retreats, or large student events. 

Involvement in a service activity without compensation. 

Examples: 

• Helping environmental organizations with water‑quality testing, habitat restoration, or sustainability outreach. 
• Supporting accessibility‑oriented nonprofits by helping create adaptive devices, ramps, or low‑cost assistive tools. 
• Assisting food banks or donation centers with inventory tracking, distribution logistics, or volunteer coordination. 
• Volunteering with mental‑health nonprofits to assist with community workshops, outreach campaigns, or support‑group logistics. 
• Helping nonprofit organizations with marketing, outreach, data entry, or event promotion. 
• Helping youth development programs with mentoring, homework help, or after‑school enrichment activities. 

Unique or unexpected experiences that fall outside the typical student path and help an applicant stand out. These activities show creativity, individuality, and personal growth, giving admissions committees a fuller picture of who you are beyond academics and clinical work. 

Examples: 

• Joining a Student Organization or Association: Getting involved in clubs, professional associations, cultural groups, or special‑interest organizations. 
• “Distance Traveled” Experiences: Life circumstances that shaped your journey, such as overcoming financial hardship, being first‑generation, navigating immigration, balancing work and school, or managing major family responsibilities. 
• Sports or Athletics Involvement: Playing on club, intramural, or varsity teams; coaching youth sports; or maintaining long‑term athletic commitments. 
• Arts, Dance, or Music Participation: Performing, choreographing, composing, painting, acting, or participating in creative arts communities. 
• Study Abroad or Global Learning: Engaging in international programs, cultural immersion, language study, or global service experiences. 
• Business or Entrepreneurial Experience: Running a small business, freelancing, managing finances, or taking on leadership roles in work settings. 
• Mission Trips: Participating in service trips, community development projects, or cultural exchange programs abroad or domestically. 
• Cultural Competency Experiences: Working with diverse communities, learning new languages, supporting multicultural programs, or engaging in cross‑cultural dialogue. 
• Hobbies and Personal Interests: Activities that show passion, discipline, or creativity, like hiking, gaming, baking, coding, crafting, or writing. 
• Artistic Endeavors: Photography, digital art, theater, creative writing, design, or other expressive projects. 
• Multiple Research Publications: Contributing to published papers, abstracts, or posters across different disciplines. 
• Military Experience: Service that builds discipline, leadership, teamwork, and resilience. 
• Significant Life Experiences: Personal events or responsibilities that shaped your character, values, or motivation to pursue a health profession. 

Topics:

• Verbal Reasoning
• Quantitative Reasoning
• Analytical Writing

Duration:

• ~ 2 Hours

Topics:

• Verbal Reasoning
• Quantitative Reasoning
• Data Analysis

Duration:

• ~ 2.5 Hours