Learn in the classroom. Apply it in the real world.
Why Work-Based Learning Matters for Your Career
Work-based learning (WBL) connects your coursework to real workplace experiences.
It's a chance to build hands-on skills, explore career paths, connect with employers,
and strengthen your resume, all while earning college credit.
CCRI offers 90+ WBL courses across programs — from employer panels and projects with professionals to internships
and clinicals.One example is LIBA 1010: Cooperative Work Experience Seminar I, which lets you earn college credit by completing an internship in your field. Browse
the full list of WBL courses in the Course Catalog.
"I enjoyed learning how one's education could lead to whole new pathways in one's
career." — COMM 1010: Communication Fundamentals Student
"I enjoyed getting to interact with real people from the business world. It definitely
boosted my confidence about networking and next time I go to an event like that I
won't be as nervous." — Student in BUSN 2050: Principles of Management
"I loved the access to experienced officers in the variety of enforcement fields." — Student in CJUS 1010: Exploring Criminal Justice
"I liked hearing about the potential jobs in the field from people well experienced
in the field. I also enjoyed hearing about the impact of education in getting jobs
and going up the chain in engineering." — Student in ENGR 1010: Introduction to Engineering and Technology
An education experience that is connected to real-world, work situations. Think of
WBL as a chance to gain hands-on experience, connect with employers in your field
of interest, built your resume, and explore career paths while earning college credits!
Build the skills employers actually want. WBL helps you develop the career-ready skills that employers look for most: communication,
critical thinking, teamwork, leadership, professionalism, technology, and more. These
are sometimes called "essential skills" and they transfer across every industry and
role. (Jobs for the Future, 2016)
Connect what you're learning to real career options. WBL bridges the gap between the classroom and the workplace, helping you explore
how your coursework connects to actual jobs and opportunities in your field.
Gain professional experience built into your coursework. You don't have to find extra hours in your week. WBL happens within your courses,
making it one of the most accessible ways to build real experience, especially if
you have a busy schedule.
Grow your professional network. WBL involves networking with professionals, a key job-search strategy.
Boost your confidence and career clarity. Research shows that WBL can boost students' confidence, while also helping you to
discover career interests and define your career goals. them discover their career
interests and define their goals. (Office of Community College Research and Leadership,
2016)
Each WBL course meets certain criteria, including:
Engaging professionals
Incorporating reflection
Tying to key employability skills
WBL activities can vary. They depend on the rigor of the course and the learning outcomes
of the course. Samples include:
Panels with professionals
Employer tours
Workplace projects
Internships
Case studies with businesses
Service learning projects
Resume reviews or mock interviews with employers
Clinicals
Job shadowing
Fieldwork
And more
Let's start the conversation!
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL):CPL pathways are opportunities for students to provide evidence of their college-level
learning for college credit. Prior learning may have been gained through a variety
of contexts, such as military training. work experience, and more. Reach out to their office for questions.
Using Existing Internship/Job in a Course: If you are currently working in a role related to your field, your current placement
may count toward an internship, field experience, or other applied-learning course
in your program. Reach out to your faculty member to find out if your current job
or internship qualifies. If you are enrolled in or interested in LIBA 1010: Cooperative Work Experience Seminar, contact Career Services directly at [email protected].
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Contact Career Services
Career Services collaborates with and prepares our diverse student population to make
well-informed career decisions through professional readiness, exploration, and work-based
learning opportunities.
