REAL Portal
- About
- Resources
More information to come!
Revisit this site throughout Fall 2025 as guides, best practices, and more will be shared for the relaunch!
The newly consolidated Research Experience and Applied Learning (REAL) Portal - is a one-stop platform that brings together all experiential learning (EL) opportunities in a single, easy-to-use system. This upgraded portal replaces the separate Co-Curricular Record (CCR) catalog, the Academic Internship Program (AIP) InternLink platform, and the original REAL site, providing a streamlined experience for students, staff, and faculty alike.
Students will be able to navigate the REAL Portal to:
- Discover EL opportunities (revamped REAL) that connect to research, internships, service-learning, clinical labs, and other applied learning experiences affiliated to UCSD.
- Enroll in Academic Internship Programs (AIP) courses to gain real-world experience, explore career interests, and work with a faculty advisor to bridge classroom learning with professional practice.
- Capture and showcase their involvement through the Co-Curricular Record (CCR)
- Reflect on your learning and skill development of Career Readiness Competencies
Learn more about each program below, and please reach out to elt@ucsd.edu with any questions.
Resources
REAL (Research Experience and Applied Learning) opportunities allow you to apply academic knowledge in real-world settings. There are many places to find research and applied learning opportunities if you are proactive in your search. Here are some ideas and resources to help you get started.
Guides
As the new REAL Portal is launched, we will be adding new guides (videos available) for various aspects of the portal, from navigating the different catalogs to how employers can post an opportunity. Check back periodically as new guides are added!
Recently added:
- For students:
- For employers:
The Co-Curricular Record (CCR)
The Co-Curricular Record (CCR) is an official record that captures participation in on-campus jobs, sports teams, student organizations, internships and more. The CCR can be used as a tool for reflection when writing cover letters or resumes as well as an official record you can cite when applying for jobs or any further schooling opportunities.
The CCR incorporates the 12 UC San Diego Competencies are the transferable skills you gain in and out of the classroom which are useful to the workforce and graduate schools. See details on each competency at the Experiential Learning Competencies page.
Quick tips from Faculty
Contact your professors and other faculty by email or during office hours to discuss or express interest in their work
- Make a list of faculty members with whom you have taken courses and whose work has influenced your academic interests
- Attend lectures on campus to familiarize yourself with faculty members outside your major
- Check departmental websites for up-to-date information on faculty research and publications
- Look at recent course listings for both undergraduate and graduate in relevant departments to find out what faculty members are teaching
- Do your homework before you go to office hours to understand the faculty member's interests. Read an article and think of a couple of interesting questions.
Other Campus Resources
Career Center
The Career Center is a great resource for narrowing down your opportunity search and getting further advice and guidance in your journey to experiential learning opportunities.
The career center can coach you on how to find that ideal job, internship or experiential outcome. Boost your skill set and become better prepared now.
Writing and Communication Learning Services
The Writing Hub is a great resource for getting help writing, editing, and targeting resumes and cover letters.
The Writing Hub, a unit within the Teaching and Learning Commons, supports all writers on campus- every writer, any project-and promotes writing as a tool for learning.
