Practical experience: meaning, definitions and examples

🏋️‍♂️
Add to dictionary

practical experience

 

[ ˈpræktɪkəl ɪkˈspɪəriəns ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in education

Hands-on learning acquired through real-life situations or work, rather than through studying or theoretical knowledge. Practical experience is often valued by employers as it demonstrates the ability to apply knowledge in a practical setting.

Synonyms

applied experience, hands-on experience, real-world experience.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
practical experience

Duplicate entry. Refer to the first item for details.

hands-on experience

Implying a very active engagement with tasks or activities, this term emphasizes the physical involvement and direct handling of materials or tools.

  • The workshop provided hands-on experience with the latest technology
  • Doctors need hands-on experience during their training to become proficient
real-world experience

Emphasizes experience gained in actual working environments outside the controlled settings of education or training, highlighting its relevance and applicability to everyday situations.

  • She has real-world experience from managing her own business
  • Real-world experience is essential for understanding market dynamics and customer needs
applied experience

Similar to practical experience, it refers to the direct application of knowledge or skills in real-life situations, often in specific fields or professions.

  • His applied experience in software development makes him a valuable team member
  • In the job market, applied experience can sometimes outweigh academic qualifications

Examples of usage

  • Internships offer students practical experience in their field of study.
  • Having practical experience in addition to a degree can boost your employment prospects.
Context #2 | Noun

general

The knowledge and skills gained from actually doing or performing something, rather than just reading about it or watching others do it.

Synonyms

applied skills, experiential learning, practical knowledge.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
practical experience

Best used when referring to hands-on experience gained directly through real-life situations or work. Often used in professional settings to highlight experience that is directly relevant to a job or task.

  • She has several years of practical experience in software development
practical knowledge

Refers to understanding how to do something effectively based on real-world experiences and practice. It is often used to contrast with theoretical knowledge.

  • His practical knowledge of machinery made him an invaluable member of the team
applied skills

Refers to the ability to use learned skills or theory in practical, real-world tasks. Often used in educational or professional settings to indicate that someone is capable of implementing what they've learned.

  • The training program focuses on developing applied skills that students can use in their future careers
experiential learning

Common in educational settings, this term emphasizes learning through direct experience, often through activities like internships, field work, or hands-on projects.

  • The university offers plenty of opportunities for experiential learning through internships and community service projects

Examples of usage

  • Her practical experience in project management made her the ideal candidate for the job.
  • Practical experience is often more valuable than theoretical knowledge in certain fields.

Translations

Translations of the word "practical experience" in other languages:

🇵🇹 experiência prática

🇮🇳 व्यावहारिक अनुभव

🇩🇪 praktische Erfahrung

🇮🇩 pengalaman praktis

🇺🇦 практичний досвід

🇵🇱 doświadczenie praktyczne

🇯🇵 実践的な経験

🇫🇷 expérience pratique

🇪🇸 experiencia práctica

🇹🇷 pratik deneyim

🇰🇷 실무 경험

🇸🇦 خبرة عملية

🇨🇿 praktická zkušenost

🇸🇰 praktická skúsenosť

🇨🇳 实际经验

🇸🇮 praktična izkušnja

🇮🇸 verkleg reynsla

🇰🇿 тәжірибелік тәжірибе

🇬🇪 პრაქტიკული გამოცდილება

🇦🇿 praktiki təcrübə

🇲🇽 experiencia práctica

Etymology

The term 'practical experience' originated in the mid-19th century, emphasizing the importance of hands-on learning and real-life application of knowledge. It has since become a key component in various fields, particularly in education and professional development.