Publication Details

Abstract

 In this study, we examined the relationship between work-integrated learning (WIL) participation and securing job offers. We used a sample of 18,966 graduation survey responses collected over 7 years at a large public research institution in Florida. Specifically, we investigated how this relationship may have changed post- COVID. In the 2016–2017, 2017–2018, and 2019–2020 surveys, we observed a negative relationship between WIL participation and securing a job offer; this relationship became positive in 2020–2021, however, and remained positive through the latest cohort, 2022–2023. We examined possible factors of this change, such as how students from different backgrounds engaged in WIL and how institutional policy affected them. These findings will be used by institutional research professionals to make suggestions for decisions regarding various programs at the institution as well as policies that are meant to support the post-graduation success of students. Beyond the emphasis of informing policy and practice on this specific campus, our intention for this study is to encourage further inquiry into the relationship between WIL experiences and postgraduate employment outcomes for students in other institutional contexts. 

Authors:

• Cassandra R. Kepple
• Samantha Nix
• Andrew Brady
• Jeckson de Andrade Silva

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