The Experience Lab gives students a chance to gain hands-on experience from the first semester they enroll in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications at UNL. Working with faculty liaisons and professional mentors, students will build their academic skill set while exploring their professional interests in one of the college's media outlets.
More Details
- Students earn 1 credit and work 4-6 hours per week; they fulfill some of these hours outside of the required meeting time.
- Day-to-day projects vary depending on the program area.
- Student leaders provide mentoring and manage day-to-day operations.
- All students must complete three semesters in Experience Lab: JOMC 197, 297 and 397.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will I learn?
Our Experience Lab programs are designed as student-led media outlets and agencies. They will provide you with hands-on experience working in media.
How much credit will I earn?
The Experience Lab is one credit.
How much work is required for the Experience Lab?
Students must attend class once weekly and commit an additional 3 hours outside of class to the Experience Lab
What programs can I work for?
When enrolling in the Experience Lab, students can choose between 90.3 KRNU, Heartland Pulse, Nebraska Nightly, Production House, Unlimited Sports, Buoy and the Nebraska News Service.
What kinds of projects will I work on?
Day-to-day projects vary by program
Is an application required?
No
How do I register for the Experience Lab?
To register, select JOMC 197, 297 or 397 in MyRed.
How many semesters do I have to take the Experience Lab?
Students must take the Experience Lab for three semesters.
Can I join the Experience Lab without registering?
Students who have already completed JOMC 197, 297 and 397 can join the Experience Lab without registering. Contact the co-directors for more information.
When does the Experience Lab meet?
Meeting times vary by program. Check the class schedule in MyRed for meeting times.
Who will I work with in the Experience Lab?
In the Experience Lab, you will work with:
- Other Students
- Student Leads, who manage the day-to-day operations of each program
- Faculty Liaisons, who offer advice and guidance to the programs
- Professionals-in-residence, who mentor students and provide guidance and feedback
The Experience Lab programs in my major are full. What do I do?
There are opportunities for all majors within each of the seven Experience Lab programs. Talk with our academic advisor about which open program best fits your interests.
The Experience Lab Programs
An Agency for Nonprofits
Buoy
T 3:30-5:15 p.m. | R 3:30-5:15 p.m.
Students will work for real-world clients who are looking for services in advertising and public relations. Buoy provides services for non-profit organizations or other purpose-driven community partners.
Visit Buoy's Instagram Page
A Nebraska-focused Lifestyle Brand
Heartland Pulse
T 3:30-5:20 p.m. | R 3:30-5:20 p.m.
The Heartland Pulse is a lifestyle brand. Students will work to produce digital content that showcases how young adults live, work, and play in Nebraska.
Visit Heartland Pulse
Statewide Wire Service
Nebraska News Service
M 8:30-10:20 a.m. | W 8:30-10:20 a.m.
Nebraska News Service is a state news wire service that provides stories written by UNL student journalists to more than 100 community news organizations.
Visit Nebraska News Service
A Video Production Team
Production House
M 8:30-10:20 a.m. | W 8:30-10:20 a.m.
At Production House students work for real-world clients who are in need of video, photo and digital media services, including motion graphics.
Visit Production House's Instagram Page
Live News Show
Nebraska Nightly
T 3:30-5:20 p.m. | F 1:30-5:20 p.m.
Nebraska Nightly is a student-produced recorded show. Students will work to produce video and audio content for Lincoln and Nebraska audiences.
Visit Nebraska Nightly
Nebraska Sports Reporting
Unlimited Sports
M 8:30-10:20 a.m. | W 8:30-10:20 a.m.
Unlimited Sports is an online student-led sports program that produces stories covering sports in the community.
Visit Unlimited Sports
The Campus Radio Station
90.3 KRNU
T 3:30-5:20 p.m. | R 1:30-5:20 p.m.
The student-led radio station provides entertainment and highlights important events happening in the local community.
Visit 90.3 KRNU
Professionals-in-Residence
Partner organizations from throughout Nebraska have donated the time of their talented staff to support students in the Experience Lab. These dedicated professionals provide mentorship and guidance to students. We are incredibly grateful for the support and dedication of these outstanding professionals and their organizations.
The Experience Lab is powered by the generous support of our sponsors.
Have Questions? The Co-Directors Are Here to Help
If you have questions about the Experience Lab or navigating the program, contact us.
