This essential part of the The RPI Experience (formerly The Arch) allows you to take a dive deep into your field of study, develop valuable on-the-job skills, grow personally, and build meaningful professional connections. Paired with the ILEA 4400 LMS online course, The Discovery Semester helps you maximize your experiential learning journey.
Through internships, co-ops, civic engagement, research, and self-designed experiences, RPI students made a remarkable impact around the globe. With 717 RPI employer partners, students secured experiences in 14 countries, across four continents, and in 40 states during the 2024-25 academic year.
Top employers included General Dynamics, NYS Offices, Regeneron, GS Precision, Western Digital, Amazon, GE, GlobalFoundries, Johnson & Johnson, and MassDOT.
Planning and Registration
Please access the step-by-step guide below and access Handshake here. You must register your Discovery Semester experience by the Add/Drop Date.
*Students must register their Discovery Semester experience for summer in Handshake and complete the necessary assignments associated with ILEA 4400.
Steps for Registering Your Discovery Semester
- Student Action – Secure Plan
Ensure you have secured your plans for your Discovery Semester. For co-op, internship, civic engagement, and research, your offer letter or letter of support should contain the following:- Start and end date
- Hours per week
- Rate of pay, if applicable
- Description of work
- Supervisor’s name and contact information
- Student Action – Handshake
Complete the Handshake template for the correct designation and upload your offer letter or letter of support, if applicable, along with your resume. - CCPD Approval
Your plan is reviewed by the CCPD Experiential Learning team, and you will be notified if it is approved.
No student action is needed unless you are contacted by email. - Student Action – Registration
If approved, students will receive an email from CCPD with instructions for self-registration for ILEA 4400, including the CRN code. Students must register by the add/drop deadline for their Discovery Semester. - Student Action – LMS Course
If you have successfully registered, there is an LMS course attached to each designation. There are mandatory assignments that must be completed to receive a satisfactory grade in ILEA 4400, which is a graduation requirement. Failure to complete all assignments will result in an unsatisfactory grade.
Discovery Semester Experience Options
Enhance your professional portfolio and competitive edge through work-related experience, whether domestic or international, in a field aligned with your academic major and career goals.
Through civic engagement, contribute your time, skill set, and unique talents to help communities in need. A minimum of 260 hours of experience is required during a semester and should be related to your field of study or career interests.
Become immersed in faculty-led research while gaining professional, hands-on experience in a topic that aligns with your academic interests. Opportunities are available to work full-time for a semester with RPI faculty or at other institutions. Opportunities are also available at Albany Medical School, Mount Sinai, and more for pre-health students seeking medical research experience.
Through a self-design plan, you will have the opportunity to innovate, explore, and expand your boundaries. This personalized option allows you to design a unique and meaningful Discovery Semester experience that combines your professional goals and interests.