Colleges and universities are increasingly collaborating with industry leaders to provide education focused on practical skills, aiming to prepare students for successful careers. These initiatives align with students' focus on achieving degrees that offer a strong return on investment, and industry leaders' demands for graduates who possess applicable skills.
The Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at the Edward J. Bloustein School for Planning and Public Policy is adapting to fast-evolving industry needs. According to Carl Van Horn, the center's director and a distinguished professor, "We’re preparing people to become successful professionals in their area of interest and that hasn’t changed that much. That’s been our mission."
Adapting to market demands involves actively incorporating feedback from students and industry leaders. Real-world learning experiences are essential, and the school's practicum Capstone course provides students with hands-on opportunities to develop marketable skills. Students work under faculty supervision on projects with local clients, managing all project aspects.
Van Horn noted, "That’s an example of how we’re giving students an opportunity to actually practice their craft before they look for a full-time job." The school aims to ensure its students are competitive nationwide, not just within New Jersey.
Van Horn highlighted the impact of hybrid learning, stating, "Hybrid learning has enabled more students who are working and studying to combine those two activities. It also enables students and classes to collaborate with each other. Now they can get on a Zoom call and get more work done as a group. It’s here to stay."
