The RPI Experience (TREX)
At Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), every student has the opportunity to gain hands-on experience as part of their undergraduate journey. Through The RPI Experience (TREX), you will connect your studies with meaningful professional, research or global experiences that prepare you for what comes next.
The RPI Experience (TREX)
After completing your first year at RPI, you will take part in two required components:
Career development course: This course helps you explore career paths, build professional skills and prepare for your semester experience. You’ll receive guidance on résumés, interviews and goal setting, so you’re ready to make the most of your opportunities.
Semester experience: Next, you will complete a semester-long learning experience, with a minimum of 260 hours. This experience is flexible and designed to match your interests and career goals.
Semester experience options
You can choose from several options, all open to students in any major:
Why TREX matters
- apply classroom learning to real professional or research settings
- build confidence, skills and a stronger résumé
- explore career paths early rather than after graduation
- graduate better prepared for employment or further study
No matter which path you choose, TREX ensures you leave RPI with experience employers value.
Support every step of the way
Experiential Learning Team
100% of RPI students graduate with real-world experience.
You won’t navigate TREX alone. RPI’s Experiential Learning Team provides dedicated advising and support to help you choose, prepare for and complete your experience — from career coaching to academic planning.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. TREX is designed so every undergraduate student gains hands-on experience as part of their RPI degree.
Students can participate in TREX any time after their first year, once they have built a strong academic foundation.
Yes. You can choose from several experience options, including internships, co-ops, research, civic engagement, study abroad or a self-designed experience aligned with your goals.
Many TREX experiences are paid, especially co-ops and internships. Research and other options may be paid, for credit or volunteer, depending on the opportunity.
Yes. RPI provides advising and support to help you explore options, prepare applications and successfully complete your experience.