Why your institution needs curriculum-embedded internships for students.

Updated July 2026

While experiential learning programs (e.g. internships, co-op programs, project-based learning, etc.) are not new, they are now taking center stage at leading colleges and universities. No longer relegated to the career center as a recommended career-readiness opportunity, forward-thinking educators are integrating curriculum-embedded internships into their courses.  

Below, we’ll explore the benefits of this trend and explain how educators can launch their own curriculum-embedded internships to help their students and institutions thrive.   

Gain real-world experience.

Today’s economic realities have more young people than ever questioning the value of a college degree. And while many believe it is still the best path to a successful future, they want assurances that their degree will translate into a job after graduation.

While there are no guarantees, curriculum-embedded internships can help. They give students the opportunity to apply the academic knowledge and technical skills they learn in the classroom to real-world projects. This hands-on experience enhances their employability since hiring managers can see evidence that the student can make an immediate contribution. 

Dr. Ruhai Wu at McMaster University’s DeGroote School of Business has been offering curriculum-embedded internships in his marketing classes for years to help his students secure jobs upon graduation. The program has been a success. “In fact, every year, some companies recruit my students,” he shared.      

Develops durable skills.

The jury is still out on the impact of AI on future jobs, but we’ve seen that some technical skills, like programming and copywriting, can be performed by computers. And many educators and workforce development experts predict that entry-level jobs are in jeopardy.

To help future-proof student careers, educators can introduce durable skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability into their courses. These skills are critical in workplaces and can’t easily be automated. Providing curriculum-embedded internships allows students to practice and fine-tune these skills in a professional environment.   

Build professional networks.

Another key benefit of student internships is the opportunity to make contact with industry professionals. Whether it is potential employers or mentors who can provide advice based on their own experiences, young people are actively looking to meet people with industry knowledge. 

In fact, according to a 2025 Student Voice survey by Inside Higher Ed, building professional networks was one of the top two goals students had for internships. Educational institutions can facilitate these connections by embedding internships into their courses. 

Enhance course content.

Institutions can also benefit from connections with industry professionals. By fostering deeper relationships with employers, educators can learn what skills are most in demand, the latest industry trends and insights, and how to enhance their course content to better prepare their students for successful careers.

By continuously improving and refining their courses, institutions will not only better serve their current students but also develop a reputation that will help attract future students to their courses and institutions. 

Provide equitable career readiness education.

Students who participate in internships and other experiential learning opportunities gain valuable experience and career readiness skills. Yet many students are unable to participate in traditional in-person internship programs because of work schedules, transportation issues, or family obligations.

Some educators are incorporating curriculum-embedded internships into their courses to expand access to these valuable opportunities. By requiring all students to participate and supporting them through virtual platforms and tools, asynchronous projects, and class time to complete the work, every student can benefit.

Implementing curriculum-embedded internships. 

Now that you understand the many benefits of curriculum-embedded internships, you may wonder what it takes to start a program of your own. For many educators, the biggest challenge is sourcing enough employer partners for their students.

That was the case for Dr. Wu. Although he has an extensive personal network of contacts, he struggled to find enough organizations interested in working with web design and paid advertising interns. So he partnered with Riipen, an experiential learning platform.  

“Riipen really surprised me,” he shared. “It was much easier to find companies. All I had to do was post my project, and I received quite a lot of companies interested in collaborating.”

Through the platform, Dr. Wu connected his students with 5 to 10 companies each semester, relieving the administrative burden of finding employers and allowing him to focus on teaching and learning outcomes. 

To meet an institution's unique course needs, Riipen offers a variety of programs, including Labs, Level UP, and FuturePath, that support curriculum-embedded internships in our student journey. 

Connect with us to learn how you can implement and scale the right program for your institution.

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About the author:

Carol Chin is a communications consultant specializing in content creation, storytelling, and thought leadership in the education and workforce development sectors. A passionate advocate for lifelong learning, she held senior leadership roles at global education and talent development companies including Pearson, Ellucian, and Stride before starting her own company to partner with mission-driven organizations. Her work informs, inspires, and empowers learners and professionals about key issues and trends in education, career readiness, and jobs of the future.

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