Date Approved

4-27-2026

Graduate Degree Type

Project

Degree Name

Education-Higher Education (M.Ed.)

Degree Program

Education Leadership & Counseling

First Advisor

Karyn E. Rabourn

Academic Year

2025/2026

Abstract

Research has shown that undergraduate business students are not prepared for the workforce upon graduation. When it comes to career readiness, there is a gap between employers, universities, including Grand Valley State University, and students. This project investigates employers' expectations of universities and graduates, as well as the critical skills and strategies that graduates require to be employable after graduation. A comprehensive experiential learning course must address academic, career, and personal readiness while acknowledging the complexity of this transition, including the change from college to the workplace. The Business Internship Course is intended to assist undergraduate business students in their junior and senior years of school in developing a solid foundation of skills and competencies for future employment. It includes purposeful content on soft and technical skills, personal development, networking, and workplace navigation to help students think critically about their future employment goals. This course strikes a balance between the necessity of career readiness and the significance of higher education institutions and students developing strong connections with employers in order to empower students to take charge of their college experience and future career paths.

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