Experiential Learning
Chemistry beyond the classroom
From classroom concepts to real applications, experiential learning bridges chemistry coursework with practical experience. Students learn by doing and gain insight into how chemistry operates in professional and community settings.
On this page:
Discover how chemistry works in a global context. With more than 400 SUNY programs around the world, there’s no limit to what you can learn. You will be able to:
- Gain a broader perspective on chemistry
- Obtain international experience that employers love
- Explore opportunities outside of your major
Step 1: Explore your options
Start by browsing through more than 400 study abroad programs available through the SUNY system. Whether you're looking for a semester in Europe, a summer in Asia or a year-long adventure, there's something for everyone.
Step 2: Get expert advice
Connect with a Study Abroad advisor in 201 Talbert Hall to talk through your goals, timelines and questions.
Put chemistry into practice beyond the classroom. Through internships, you can apply what you learn in real work settings and see how chemistry shapes industries, research and communities. You will gain:
- Hands-on experience in professional laboratory or applied science environments
- Practical skills and workplace insights
- A clearer sense of potential career paths and next steps after graduation
Step 1: Explore your options
Check out the College's internship resources and look for roles that align with your interests in chemistry—whether that’s medicinal, environmental, research or something else.
Step 2: Get expert advice
Get advice for writing your resume or curriculum vitae (CV), view samples and templates, and learn how to tell your unique story.
Work one-on-one with faculty on research projects. It’s a great way to dive deep into topics you care about and build academic experience for grad school or beyond. You will gain:
- Gain hands-on experience with experimental design and data analysis
- Contribute to knowledge creation in chemistry and related fields
- Develop professional skills such as collaboration, organization and time management
Step 1: Find your research focus
Think about what interests you most. To find your research interests, ask yourself:
- Which class did you enjoy the most? Even if the whole course wasn’t your favorite, were there specific topics that stood out?
- In which class did you perform your best?
- What subject made you want to put in extra effort?
Step 2: Connect with faculty
Look into faculty research in your department (or others) and reach out using your UB email.
You can also browse available research positions through UB’s Experiential Learning Network (ELN) Project Portal, where faculty post projects open to undergraduates. As UB’s central hub for hands-on learning, ELN helps you find meaningful opportunities to gain experience, develop valuable skills and enhance your career prospects.
Step 3: Engage with faculty and secure your research spot
Meet with a facilty member and be ready to talk about:
- Why you want to work with them
- Which of their research projects caught your attention
- Your career goals and how this research fits into them
Support communities and make a difference. Through service learning, you can volunteer, help address community challenges and take part in programs like alternative breaks and the Community Work Study Scholar Program. You will gain:
- Experience working with community partners
- A deeper understanding of social and civic issues
- Leadership, teamwork and communication skills
Krista Paszkowsky
Assistant Director for Experiential Learning and Scholarships
College of Arts and Sciences
Email: kristapa@buffalo.edu
Talk with your academic advisor and our College Experiential Learning team today about how these opportunities can fit into your economics major. You never know where they might lead.
The College of Arts and Sciences offers funding to support students. Explore Funding Opportunities.