Benefits of work-integrated learning for students

Jackson, Denise and Cook, Elizabeth J. (2023) Benefits of work-integrated learning for students. In: The Routledge International Handbook of Work-Integrated Learning :. Routledge, London. ISBN 9781003156420

Abstract

The authors aim to assist work-integrated learning (WIL) stakeholders in identifying and understanding the broad range of evidenced benefits for engaging in WIL. The chapter features a synthesis of empirical higher education research on the benefits of WIL across various dimensions of student employability. The introduction briefly considers the meaning of WIL and employability, as both are considered in this chapter, and discusses the scope and framing of the synthesis informed by a review of the relevant literature. The gathered literature is summarized in tabular form across the dimensions of employability and then discussed through the lens of Tomlinson’s graduate capitals model, which defines five types of capital (human, cultural, social, identity, and psychological) as they relate to employability. The discussion elaborates on caveats associated with the documented evidence and considers employment, often used as a proxy for employability, in relation to WIL. The chapter concludes with insights gained in respect to future research.