What is a WBLE?
A Work-based Learning Experience (WBLE) is a hands-on experience in an applied context that increases knowledge and skills necessary for discipline-focused career readiness. To qualify as a WBLE, the experience must:
- Increase field-related knowledge and skills identified at the beginning of the experience
- Be supervised by a professional in the field who provides oversight and guides the student’s experience
- Occur in a context beyond a class. This can include experiences:
- in which a faculty member serves as the site supervisor (for example, with research or teaching assistant work)
- in a course that requires students to complete a semester-long project for external partners or companies
NOTE: WBLEs may be paid or unpaid, for-credit or not, and in-person or virtual. They may include internships, research, practicums, clinicals, or student teaching.
Is your Course a Work-Based Learning Experience?
WBLE Course Checklist
Each WBLE should include:
- Supervision by a professional in the field (*faculty may serve as the supervisor)
- Defined learning outcomes
- Structured reflection opportunities
- Mentorship and feedback
- A meaningful duration, including start and end date, aligned with learning goals (defined by weeks or hours, such as 15 weeks or 150 hours)
Resources
For Students
Resources
For Employers and Community Partners
University Career Center
