Defining Our Work

Defining Our Work

Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) is an educational model within experiential learning that complements academic studies with practical, real-world experiences. This method allows students to apply theoretical classroom knowledge to a workplace or practice setting, enhancing their learning and preparing them for professional careers. WIL opportunities (including internships, co-op, apprenticeships, etc.) involve partnerships among academic institutions, host organizations/employers, and students, ensuring that learning objectives are met and providing industry exposure. By integrating work experiences with academic learning, WIL helps students develop essential skills, build professional networks, and enhance their employability. It is a way to bridge the gap between classroom education and the demands of the modern workplace. We emphasize experiences that provide students industry exposure that directly relate to their career goals, promote progressive skill development in the workplace, and compensate students appropriately.

Cooperative Education (Co-op) is a structured method of combining classroom-based education with practical work experience. A cooperative education experience, commonly known as a “co-op”, provides academic credit for structured job experience. Co-op experiences are either full-time (40 hours per week) alternating periods (semester, quarter) of work and school or part-time (20 hours per week) combining work and school during the same time period. Co-op experiences are paid, supervised by a professional who has followed the same career path of the student and students complete more than one assignment (two or more) with progressive levels of responsibility.

Internship is an experience involving student’s working in their expected career field, either during a semester or over the summer. Internships may be paid or unpaid and may or may not carry academic credit. Internships are typically one-time experiences. Internships are typically connected to an academic program with course requirements designed and monitored by faculty. Internships generally have related learning outcomes and academic assignments required.

Apprenticeship, according to the U.S. Department of Labor,  is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce. It combines paid work experience, classroom instruction, and a portable, nationally-recognized credential[1]. This model helps workers gain the skills needed for highly-skilled careers and supports employers in building a skilled workforce.

For individuals working in this space, CEIA developed a list of practitioner competencies.  In the coming years, these competencies will include further definition for training and assessment.

Dr. Richard Robles (University of Cincinnati) produced a chart comparing the three forms of work-integrated learning.  This chart was presented at the 2025 CEIA Academy in Vail, CO.

Co-opInternshipApprenticeship
TimeFull-time or Part-time over the course of an academic term
Can be full-time or part-time, short termFull-time with classroom instruction
Industry / Discipline RelatedMust be related to student's academic programNot necessarily connected to student's academic programExtensive hands-on experience in industry
On-The-Job LearningEmphasis on learning and growthEmphasis on practical work experienceComprehensive, combining work experience with classroom instruction
PayPaidPaid or UnpaidPaid
DurationBased on the academic term, alternating between work and classesFrom a few weeks to the length of the academic termLong term (1 - 4 years)
FrequencyRotating, multiple terms (1 - 3 semesters)One timeLong term (1 - 4 years)
SupervisionBy industry representatives (on the job) and by faculty (course)By faculty (course only)By experienced mentors and instructors
Diven byAcademic institutions and employersAcademic programs and employersIndustry standards and employers
Academic CreditRequired by the academic program; work experience earns academic creditONLY IF overseen by faculty and allowed to count towards teh degree; not always required as part of a degreeRequired by training program; work experience earns academic credit
Industry ExposureEntry-level to experienced depth and breadthEntry-level breadthHigh with extensive hands-on experience in the industry
Job ProspectPossible pathway towards a permanent job after graduationMay or may not offer pathway to a permanent job after graduationOften leads to employment in the trade or profession
On-the-Job MentorshipStrong mentorship programsVariesProvided by experienced mentors
Research
  • Strong evidence that internships have an impact on academic outcomes (e.g., GPA, retention, attending graduate school)
  • If paid, may contribute to higher earnings after graduation
  • Helps employers maximize recruitment and training costs
  • Have positive impact on students employment and earnings
  • Have positive impact on students' career self-efficacy
  • Can be an effective economic development model to build consistent talent pipelines to industry
  • Strong evidence that internships have an impact on academic outcomes (e.g., GPA, retention, attending graduate school)
  • If paid, may contribute to higher earnings after graduation
  • Helps employers maximize recruitment and training costs
  • Enhanced skill development
  • Higher employment rates
  • Increased earnings
  • Employer benefits
  • Positive impact on academic achievement
  • Career advancement

Please cite accordingly. 

Robles, R.A. (2025).  Defining our work.  Retrieved from https://www.ceiainc.org/knowledge-zone/defining-our-work/