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Experiential Learning

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Experiential learning at byu, and why it matters

One of the things we do exceptionally well here at BYU is expose our students to relevant, real-world experiences that prepare them for career success.

So whether you’re writing for The Daily Universe, working directly with organizations like Burger King and Nike in the AdLab, creating strategic messaging for clients in the PR Intelligence lab, or using cutting-edge technologies in the BioComms Lab, you will graduate having not just studied communications, but also having experienced it.

And that experience matters.

According to the 2024 Job Outlook report by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), internship experience is the top deciding factor when employers are choosing between two equally qualified candidates. In addition, experiential learning exposes you to the realities of a field, helping to ensure you pursue a career you know you’re going to enjoy.

Experiential Learning

Professional Labs
E-Portfolios
Internships
Mentorships
Learning Resources

Student Stories

Our students are creative powerhouses, having won numerous Student Emmys, ADDYs, Clios, ADCs, and other prestigious awards. View a sample of their works and get ready to be inspired…
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Intellect

BYU animation, AdLab students claim top Student Emmy honors for fifth consecutive year

By Abigail Degn
April 01, 2026 08:49 AM
Seventeen BYU students earned five nominations across three categories, standing out among more than 185 entries submitted by colleges nationwide.
4 Min Read
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Intellect

BYU’s 2025 awards season honors student standouts

Tyler Stahle
By Tyler Stahle
May 15, 2025 09:29 AM
Rise and shout! Across various disciplines, BYU students have been recognized for their world-class accomplishments.
5 Min Read
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Intellect

BYU animation, AdLab students shine once again at Student Emmys

Tyler Stahle
By Tyler Stahle
April 08, 2025 10:11 AM
Students take top national honors in animation and commercial categories at the 44th College Television Awards
1 Min Read
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Intellect

Notable achievements and scholarship wins highlight BYU awards season 2024

Tyler Stahle
By Tyler Stahle
May 10, 2024 09:28 AM
While it’s impossible to recognize every award-winning student, these highlights capture the considerable work and creative capabilities of our Cougars during the past academic year.
6 Min Read
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Intellect

BYU animation, AdLab students win Student Emmys

Tyler Stahle
By Tyler Stahle
April 18, 2024 09:43 AM
BYU continues to be well-represented at the College Television Awards.
1 Min Read
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Intellect

From campus to cinema: BYU students win Coca-Cola Refreshing Films contest

Tyler Stahle
By Tyler Stahle
April 17, 2024 02:33 PM
The next time you settle into a recliner at your favorite movie theater and the pre-movie ads start rolling, be on the lookout for a Coca-Cola Refreshing Films branded spot created by BYU students.
2 Min Read
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Intellect

Awards season 2023: BYU students honored with prestigious scholarships, first-place finishes

Tyler Stahle
By Tyler Stahle
May 09, 2023 07:26 AM
Rise and shout! Across various disciplines, BYU students are being recognized for their world-class accomplishments.
7 Min Read
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BYU Communications Students Celebrate End Of Year Achievements with Awards Luncheon

By Maddie Wehrli
April 24, 2023 11:33 AM
The BYU School of Communications Recognizes Student Academic Achievements With Awards Luncheon
2 Min Read
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Intellect

BYU students shine at 42nd College Television Awards with multiple top accolades

Tyler Stahle
By Tyler Stahle
April 05, 2023 03:02 PM
The Television Academy Foundation announced the winners of the 42nd College Television Awards or “Student Emmy’s” earlier this week and BYU students once again claimed the top spot in the best animation series and the best commercial.
2 Min Read
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Intellect

BYU AdLab students collaborate with Utah Jazz to create a film debuting at All-Star weekend

Tyler Stahle
By Tyler Stahle
February 17, 2023 03:51 PM
As the basketball world descends on Utah this weekend for the NBA All-Star game, basketball enthusiasts will have a chance to watch a short film created and produced by BYU AdLab students and the Utah Jazz organization.
1 Min Read
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Experiential Learning Opportunities

Whether it’s putting together ad concepts for Jeep, analyzing data for your next marketing campaign, interning with PBS Utah, or traveling the globe to film a documentary, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to put your classroom learning into action and gain the skills you need to build a successful and meaningful career.
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e-Portfolios

The best way to demonstrate your skills is through a comprehensive professional portfolio that showcases your work. Lucky for you, crafting one is part of the curriculum.
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Internships

Do you know what the #1 deciding factor is when employers are choosing between two equally qualified candidates? Internship experience.
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Mentorships

With 85% of jobs found by networking, an opportunity to connect and be mentored by a professional in your area of interest is an experience you won’t want to pass up.
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Professional Labs

Hands-on learning begins right here on campus with our four state-of-the-art labs, all of which have been designed to enhance student learning and provide invaluable professional and academic experiences. No matter which program you choose, you'll have unlimited access to everything these facilities have to offer.
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ADLAB

Professionally mentored, student-led advertising agency
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BIOCOMMS LAB

Cutting-edge biometrics laboratory, including eye-tracking, facial recognition, galvanic skin response, and virtual reality.
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PR INTELLIGENCE LAB

Faculty-led, student-run public relations laboratory.
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DAILY UNIVERSE

Student-produced online news and sports site, magazine, and state-of-the-art broadcast lab.
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Students with laptops, books, notebook. Focus student is writing notes.

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