Bridging Academia and Industry: Enhancing Workforce Readiness through Experiential Learning

Sharon Obasi (University of Nebraska at Kearney) and Beth Hinga (Newberry College)

This presentation aims to encourage universities to work with businesses and industries so that their students gain the real-world experience they need to succeed in their careers. For each suggestion, Dr. Hinga and Dr. Obasi shared their institutions’ successes as a model for experiential learning. Each example came from different departments, showcasing how the benefits of experiential learning span across the entire institution. For students, they highlighted the benefits of participating in internships and co-op programs. For faculty, they emphasized the importance of project-based learning, guest speakers and workshops, curriculum co-creation with industry partners, and engaging in industry related research initiatives and projects. Drs. Hinga and Obasi argue that student engagement with experiential learning will increase curriculum relevance, provide networking opportunities, and enhance career readiness through practical experiences.