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Florida National University Rolls Out Virtual Work-Based Learning Opportunities

Florida National University is partnering with online learning marketplace platform Riipen to provide its business students with work-based learning opportunities that connect classroom learning to career skills.

The Riipen platform enables college students to take on real-world projects from employers, via a virtual model that provides more flexibility than traditional internships. Faculty can embed employer-created projects into courses and activities, giving students an opportunity to work on projects that are aligned with their learning objectives while developing their professional networks and boosting their economic mobility, the company explained in a news announcement.

"Career relevance and access to work experience are non-negotiable for our students, all of whom enroll seeking to launch or advance their careers," said Dr. Ernesto Gonzalez, head of business and IT academic programs at FNU, in a statement. "Too often, traditional internships don't provide the flexibility students need, especially for those with demanding schedules, family obligations, or a lack of local options. This is about redesigning business education to make work experience more accessible and relevant for students — connecting classroom learning with real, hands-on opportunities to engage with employers in high-demand industries."

Students in FNU's business program will begin using the platform in the spring semester, the university said. Over time, FNU may expand the offering to other disciplines such as humanities, allied health, and social and behavioral sciences.

"Students aren't satisfied with abstract coursework divorced from the labor market, and understandably so," commented Dana Stephenson, co-founder and CEO at Riipen. "They want experiences that reflect the genuine article: projects with real companies, real deliverables, real incentives and real stakes. FNU's business program is a powerful example of connecting students to opportunities where they solve real problems, build a portfolio of meaningful work, and develop the confidence to be market-ready from day one."

About the Author

Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].

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