Supporting student participation and intended outcomes

VCU’s Relevant, Experiential, and Applied Learning Initiative (REAL) was established by presidential direction in 2017 to ensure that every student engages in high-quality, transformative, career-building activities as part of their VCU education. REAL builds on VCU’s investment in student success and positive post-graduation outcomes.

There are three established barriers to student participation in high-level career-focused activities:

• Financial barriers
• Information equity 
• Disconnection between academic studies and knowledge of career options

These barriers have a disproportionate impact on first-generation and Pell-eligible students, who comprise a significant proportion of VCU’s student body. 

In order to address these barriers, the following parameters must be considered:

• Sustainable internship funding
• Experiential learning opportunities
• Academic and career advising
• NACE Curriculum integration
• Internship support

Among undergraduate seniors about to graduate or within six months following graduation:

• 56% reported that they participated in internships while at VCU
• 81% reported that they engaged in experiential learning while attending VCU
• 16% the percentage more likely that they were able to be employed full-time within six months of graduation if they participated in an internship

High-impact experiential learning will continue to be an increasingly important priority in an economy where full-time roles do not require a bachelor’s degree to secure and advance are steadily decreasing. Employers are making entry-level hires often by making interns convert to full-time employees. With internship funding, support, and accessible career-related resources, more students will be able to create a pathway to post-graduate positions. VCU students will then acquire a greater advantage in the competitive 21st-century job market.