Shaping What's Next

The University of Delaware is preparing students for the current and future world of work

BY DR. RACHEL COPPOLA AND R. LYNN SYDNOR EPPS | PHOTOS BY KIRK SMITH

IN A RAPIDLY EVOLVING WORLD of work shaped by technological disruption, shifting employer expectations, and the accelerating demand for adaptable talent, colleges and universities are rising to the challenge. Institutions are not only reevaluating how they prepare students for the workforce, but are also embracing new models of education, partnerships, and lifelong learning. The University of Delaware (UD) offers a compelling case study in how higher education is transforming to meet both present and future demands.

EMBEDDING CAREER READINESS INTO THE CURRICULUM

At the University of Delaware Career Center (UDCC), career readiness is woven into the student experience. Through a comprehensive UD Career Center Canvas site, all undergraduates have access to a structured curriculum of career-focused modules. These include practical tools and guidance for job and internship searches, professional communication, and personal development activities based on Life Design principles. Beyond these online modules, UDCC staff actively collaborate with faculty to embed career development directly into academic coursework, ensuring that students connect their studies with real-world applications early and often.

EMPHASIZING INTERDISCIPLINARY AND FLEXIBLE LEARNING

The modern workplace demands a blend of technical know-how and soft skills. To support this, as well as the learning that is already happening in the classroom, UD has made LinkedIn Learning available to all students, offering thousands of instructional videos in areas ranging from data analytics to communication and leadership. Curated online resources are also integrated into the UD Career Center’s Canvas site, creating a cohesive ecosystem of flexible, just-in-time learning opportunities, empowering students to stay ahead of labor market trends.

PARTNERING WITH EMPLOYERS AND INDUSTRY

Strong industry partnerships are foundational to preparing students for meaningful careers. The UD Career Center maintains a team of employer liaisons who offer industry-specific expertise and serve as a bridge between the university and the labor market. These liaisons work closely with career educators, faculty, and an events team to create targeted recruitment and engagement opportunities throughout the year. The recent relaunch of the UDCC’s Employer Advisory Committee further strengthens this work, providing ongoing insight to align educational outcomes with evolving market demands. Additionally, specialized career services within colleges, such as the Lerner College of Business and Economics and the College of Arts and Sciences, ensure tailored industry connections for students across disciplines.

EMBRACING TECHNOLOGICAL LITERACY AND AI READINESS

As artificial intelligence reshapes the workplace, UD is leading the way in preparing students and faculty for this future. In 2023, the university launched an AI for Teaching and Learning Working Group to develop innovative teaching practices and policy guidelines for ethical AI integration. The library created an AI literacy tutorial, and the UD Career Center released a guide to help students explore how generative AI can support career preparation and Life Design. These efforts, along with UD’s participation in the national Ithaka S+R initiative, “Making AI Generative for Higher Education,” and its AI Center of Excellence, reflect the university’s commitment to leading and learning to integrate AI responsibly.

INVESTING IN CAREER SERVICES TRANSFORMATION

The UD Career Center partners across campus to embed career development into the full student journey. Through platforms like Handshake, students receive personalized job recommendations and access a wealth of career content. Tools such as Big Interview and Forage offer on-demand virtual interview practice and real-world project simulations. These platforms create a scalable, inclusive, and personalized approach to career readiness that meets students where they are, whenever they need support.

SUPPORTING LIFELONG LEARNING AND UPSKILLING

The pace of change in the workforce means that education cannot stop at graduation. UD supports lifelong learning through its Graduate College and Division of Professional and Continuing Studies, which offer advanced degrees, certifications, and custom upskilling programs in partnership with employers. These programs serve both regional professionals and national audiences, ensuring that UD remains a hub of learning and innovation well beyond the traditional college years.

As the world of work continues to shift, universities must act as both educators and workforce accelerators. The University of Delaware exemplifies how a comprehensive, integrated, and future-focused approach can prepare students not just for their first job, but for a lifetime of meaningful work. Through curricular innovation, technology integration, industry partnership, and a steadfast commitment to student success, UD is not just adapting to the future of work, it is helping to shape it.

Rachel Coppola, Ph.D. is the director of life design and career integration (LDCI) and R. Lynn Sydnor Epps is the director of career connections and experiences (CCE) at the University of Delaware Career Center.