Online Learning

2U Students, Faculty Get LinkedIn, WeWork Perks

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 03/05/19

Digital academic program management provider 2U is collaborating with LinkedIn and the We Company to give students and faculty in its partner institutions access to new resources. 2U contracts with institutions including Emerson College, Fordham University and Pepperdine to develop and deliver full degree and professional development certificate programs online.

The agreement with LinkedIn will provide graduate students enrolled in 2U programs with access to Premium Career, which provides LinkedIn members with extra features and benefits when researching and applying for jobs. For example, students can see who's checked out their LinkedIn profiles, gain salary insights, find out how they stack up against other applicants in skill areas, learn new skills online and use three "InMail" messages each month to reach out to people not in their immediate business network.

"2U has always been committed to investing in our university partners and delivering world-class digital education programs that lead to career-advancing outcomes for their students," 2U Co-founder and CEO Christopher "Chip" Paucek said in a statement. "Working with LinkedIn is a unique, exciting and purposeful way for us to empower graduate students — many of whom are working full-time — to take greater control over their careers and strengthen their alumni and professional networks."

2U has also expanded its existing partnership with the We Company, which will provide faculty leading classes in 2U's degree and short-course programs the ability to use WeWork co-working locations around the world.

Last year, the two organizations launched a similar program for students, granting them memberships that offer desks and conference rooms at 425 WeWork locations in 100 cities and 27 countries. Under the new agreement, active faculty will receive the same perk. As a release explained, the co-working space is expected to be used for lesson planning, grading or office hours, as well as WiFi and printing, "that will make teaching and engaging with students more convenient," said Andrew Hermalyn, 2U president of university partnerships and services.

"We believe in being students of life, for life, and extending our strong partnership with 2U is a testament to this commitment. By opening WeWork locations around the world to both students and now faculty in 2U-powered programs, we're able to bring our two communities together to support those looking to change the world and their lives," said WeWork President and Chief Financial Officer Artie Minson.