Learn by Doing at Marion Tech

Real Experience. Real Confidence. Real Results.

We believe the best way to prepare for a career is to step into it—before you graduate. That’s why hands-on, real-world training opportunities are built into every program we offer. Through internships, clinicals, and practicums, our students don’t just learn about their future professions—they live them.

Our "Learn by Doing" approach gives you a competitive edge. Here’s how we make it happen:

Internships: Learn the Ropes in a Professional Setting

Internships offer students the chance to work directly in their field, gaining real experience while building a professional network. These structured, supervised experiences help students apply classroom knowledge in actual workplaces—from corporate offices to manufacturing floors.

Required for business, IT, engineering and criminal justice.
For academic credit, with more than 80% paid.
A bridge to full-time employment opportunities.
You choose a location you prefer. Marion Tech’s Career Services is happy to assist you in finding internships that meets your program requirements.

Tips on finding internships

Look for desired employers. You're dream job could begin with an internship!
In some cases, an internship can be completed with your current employer.
Treat your internship as a "long-term interview" that could potentially result in full-time employment.
Use resources like Handshake and LinkedIn to find internships near you.

Clinicals : Practice Patient Care in Real Healthcare Environments

Clinicals are designed for students in health-related programs. You’ll work alongside licensed professionals in hospitals, clinics, or long-term care facilities, interacting with real patients in real-time.

Required for most healthcare programs and assigned to you by your program.
Follows strict professional standards and safety protocols.
Supervised by instructors and clinical site staff.

Practicums: Apply Skills in a Structured Learning Environment

Practicums combine classroom theory with direct application in the field. These are often shorter-term experiences that focus on developing specific competencies under the guidance of a mentor or instructor.

Emphasizes observation, reflection, and skill development.
Provides hands-on experience without the full scope of an internship.
Practicums are assigned and determined by your program of study.

Experiential Learning: Job Shadowing and Career Exploration

Experiential learning provides the opportunity for students to “shadow” professionals as they complete their work in the real world. Job shadowing is integrated into many degree programs as a way spark your interest for potential careers. Some experiences include simulation-based instruction that mimics on-the-job tasks. By engaging directly with the challenges and tasks of potential careers, students develop the confidence, problem-solving abilities, and comfortability working in a professional setting.

Experiences, simulations and lab work that mimic workplace scenarios.
Learning on-site with real clients or community partners.
Collaborations that build soft skills like communication and leadership.
Provides insight into a career and the option to adjust your program major to a field that interests you the most if your experience isn’t a good fit for you.
Our JobsXP program offered by Career Services can connect you to experiential learning opportunities based upon your career interests and schedule.

Why It Matters

You won’t just walk away from Marion Tech with a diploma—you’ll graduate with real-world experience that sets you apart. Employers want job-ready grads. We make sure you're one of them.

Ready to Learn by Doing?

Explore our programs and discover how you can turn knowledge into action—starting on day one.

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