Webinar recap: “Work-based learning in the Arts & Humanities: Strategies & learnings.”

On December 3, 2024, Riipen hosted a thought-provoking webinar titled “Work-based learning in the Arts & Humanities: Strategies & learnings.” The session, led by Melissa Carr Rowe, Riipen's Director of Partner Innovation, showcased practical strategies, shared challenges, and celebrated success stories of integrating work-based learning (WBL) into arts and humanities curricula. The panel featured Jennifer Dearden, Interim Provost and Dean of the Faculty at Allegheny College, Dr. Emily Carpenter, Associate Vice President for Experiential Impact at Nazareth University, and Dr. Ron Serino, Director of Interdisciplinary Studies at The University of Memphis.

The importance of work-based learning in the arts and humanities.

Melissa Carr Rowe opened the webinar by highlighting the unique value WBL brings to arts and humanities students. Skills like creativity, critical thinking, and adaptability are highly sought after in today’s job market, but translating these skills into career success can be challenging without hands-on experience.

Panelist Jennifer Dearden from Allegheny College emphasized the importance of helping students recognize and articulate their transferable skills. “It’s crucial for students to identify the skills they’re gaining through their liberal arts education and understand how they apply beyond graduation,” she said.

Key takeaway: Work-based learning helps arts and humanities students see the relevance of their academic skills in real-world settings, increasing their confidence and employability.

Strategies for implementing work-based learning.

The panelists emphasized that integrating work-based learning (WBL) into arts and humanities programs requires thoughtful planning, faculty support, and alignment with student and institutional goals. By leveraging faculty enthusiasm, addressing diverse student needs, and designing scalable initiatives, institutions can create impactful experiences that bridge academic learning with real-world applications. The discussion also highlighted the importance of adaptability and creativity in tailoring WBL projects to fit within existing curricula.

Each panelist shared actionable strategies for integrating WBL into their programs:

• Start with supportive faculty: Dr. Carpenter recommended working with faculty eager to embrace new teaching methods, often described as "go with the goers."
• Match projects to student needs: Panelists discussed selecting projects that align with course objectives while addressing student goals. For example, Nazareth students worked on branding designs and social media campaigns, providing professional-grade deliverables to real-world clients.
• Focus on scalability: Dr. Serino highlighted the benefits of incorporating smaller, classroom-based projects for students needing more time for traditional internships.

Key takeaway: Aligning WBL projects with faculty expertise and student needs creates meaningful learning experiences that prepare students for diverse career paths.

Success stories from the panelists.

The panelists brought work-based learning (WBL) to life by sharing real-world examples that showcased the tangible impact these experiences have on student development. These stories illustrated how WBL projects help students bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application, allowing them to develop transferable skills while contributing to meaningful outcomes for their partners. Each example highlighted the creativity and adaptability required to integrate WBL into diverse disciplines, from art and design to healthcare.

The panelists shared compelling examples of how WBL has transformed student learning:

• Art & graphic design at Nazareth University: Students developed branding for a men’s razor product, simulating the workflow of a professional design agency.
• Photography at Allegheny College: Students partnered with a nonprofit to curate a diversity-focused photo collection, collaborating with the organization’s CEO throughout the project.
• Medical Spanish translation at The University of Memphis: Students created Spanish-language content for a healthcare organization, bridging cultural and linguistic gaps in patient care.

Key takeaway: WBL provides students with hands-on opportunities to apply their classroom knowledge, fostering skills like teamwork, communication, and professionalism.

Overcoming challenges and lessons learned.

Implementing work-based learning (WBL) comes with its share of challenges, but these hurdles provide valuable lessons for improving future initiatives. The panelists reflected on their experiences, offering practical insights into navigating common obstacles and highlighting strategies for building more effective WBL programs. Their stories underscored the importance of planning, flexibility, and clear communication in creating successful partnerships between educators, students, and external organizations.

The panelists candidly shared the challenges they faced in implementing WBL, including:

• Time constraints: Faculty often underestimated the time needed to identify suitable projects and partners.
• Managing expectations: Balancing partner needs with course objectives requires clear communication and flexibility.
• Student preparation: Providing students with additional teamwork and professional communication training enhanced their project outcomes.

Key takeaway: Setting clear expectations and providing support for faculty and students ensures smoother implementation of WBL projects.

Advice for educators considering work-based learning.

Embarking on work-based learning (WBL) can feel daunting, but the panelists provided encouraging advice to help educators get started. They emphasized the importance of starting small, building supportive partnerships, and aligning projects with course goals to create meaningful and manageable experiences. By fostering collaboration and focusing on incremental growth, educators can seamlessly integrate WBL into their curricula, benefiting both students and faculty.

When asked to share advice, the panelists agreed that starting small and seeking supportive partnerships are key to success. Jennifer emphasized, “If you can answer the question, ‘What can you do with a [specific discipline] degree?’ you’re already most of the way to implementing work-based learning.”

Key takeaway: Begin with manageable projects that align with your course goals, and let faculty and students build confidence over time.

Access the webinar material.

Want to dive deeper into the strategies and success stories shared in this webinar?

• View the full recording.

Ready to transform your arts and humanities programs?

Riipen helps institutions integrate work-based learning into their curricula, connecting educators, students, and employers through real-world, project-based opportunities.

To learn how Riipen can support your institution, book a chat with our team today: https://www.riipen.com/book-a-demo

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