At Widener it is a graduation requirement that you complete at least 2 credits of experiential learning. These can be satisfied through participation at the clinic, an externship, or practicum. It may seem unnecessary or like extra work for the school to require this, but these experiences are so important to your growth as a student and as a future professional in this field. These experiences teach you things that the classroom environment cannot. They help you build future connections and teach you the real day-to-day aspects about your potential career field.  While the classroom environment teaches you the law and prepares you to take the Bar exam, an externship will prepare you for the real world after the Bar exam.

I’ve been fortunate enough to intern at the Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office for a little over a year, and the experiences that I have gained through this placement is something that a classroom could have never given me. I have learned how a criminal case works from the moment it’s charged to the time the jury gives its verdict. I have been able to successfully handle multiple non-jury trials. I have also become more confident speaking in front of the Court and opposing attorneys. While learning the Rules of Criminal Procedure or Evidence is necessary, the real experience and knowledge comes with being in a courtroom and objecting to questions or writing 404(b) motions. These experiences are how you take what you learned in the classroom and apply it. My biggest piece of advice would be to take these externships and clinics seriously and try to soak in as much information possible because there is no better opportunity to learn. It would be difficult to be a successful attorney based off knowledge and education alone. Real life and first-hand experiences are arguably just as, if not more, important than information learned in the classroom. While our school does a great job preparing us to take the bar, these outside experiences are what prepare us for life after the bar. 

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