Beyond the Classroom: Revolutionizing Graduate Outcomes Through Experiential Learning

Content

Executive Summary

Highlights

Twenty-First Century Skills: From Industrial Revolution to Information Evolution

Higher Education at a Crossroads

Reimagining Value: Education as a Catalyst for Real-World Impact

The Real-World Skills Race Is On Industry and Academia Need to Align

Experience, Not Just Education, Is the Key to Graduate Outcomes

Employers Demand Experience: Skills From Day One

The Model Has Changed: The Bottom Rung of the Ladder Starts in College

Technology Employers Seek T-Shaped Skills

Elevate: Built on Decades of Experiential Learning Success, Designed with Employer Demands in Mind

The Elevate Program: What Is It?

Elevate Is Different Because Illinois Tech Is Different

Illinois Tech: Engine of Opportunity for More Than a Century

Before Elevate, There Was IPRO

The Elevate Approach: Holistic, Proactive, and Hands-On

Cultivate Social-Emotional Learning and Twenty-First Century Skills

Build, Don’t Write Your Resume

Academic and Career Progression Should Work Hand in Hand

The Best Experience Might Be Outside the Classroom

Elevate’s Best Practice Implementation: Based on a Decade of Data on Student Needs and Outcomes

Elevate Innovations

Key Innovations in Elevate

Demonstrated Value to Employers and Industry Partners

Experiences Beyond Internships

Unified Advising Model

Peer and Professional Mentorships

Journey Mapping

Graduate Outcomes: A Clear Success

Illinois Tech Graduates Do Better

Students are Choosing Illinois Tech Because of Elevate

Next Steps: Implementing Experiential Learning at Your Institution

Connect with Us

Executive Summary

IN A WORLD MARKED BY RAPID TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS AND SHIFTING ECONOMIC LANDSCAPES, traditional educational models are increasingly falling short of preparing students for the complexities of the modern workforce. At Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech), we recognize that the future of education lies in seamlessly integrating experiential learning with academic study. This approach not only equips students with essential skills but also fosters adaptability and innovation.

Our commitment to this educational evolution is embodied in the Elevate program, a pioneering initiative designed to ensure that our students are not just ready for their first jobs, but are prepared to lead and adapt throughout their careers.

THE IMPERATIVE FOR CHANGE

The landscape of higher education is at a pivotal juncture. The traditional paths carved out during the Industrial Revolution are no longer sufficient. The rise of the internet, artificial intelligence, and a global economy have transformed the nature of work. This seismic shift demands a new kind of learning—one that Illinois Tech has embraced through the Elevate program. Elevate is not merely a response to the growing demand for practical experience alongside academic knowledge; it is a forward-thinking solution to the broader challenge of future-proofing our students in an unpredictable world.

WHY ELEVATE?

Elevate was conceived from a deep understanding of the dual challenges facing today’s students: the need for rigorous academic knowledge and the necessity for tangible, real-world experience. As industries evolve and new sectors emerge, the ability to adapt and apply a broad skill set is more critical than ever. Elevate ensures that Illinois Tech students can navigate these complexities, offering hands-on experiences that integrate directly with their studies, guided by insights from industry leaders and aligned with current labor market demands.

SHARING OUR INSIGHTS

As educators, our role extends beyond imparting knowledge. It is about igniting change and preparing a new generation to tackle global challenges. Through this white paper, Illinois Tech aims to share the blueprint of the Elevate program with fellow educational leaders, offering a model that can be adapted and implemented across different contexts. Our success in enhancing student outcomes through Elevate provides a compelling case for the adoption of experiential learning as a cornerstone of higher education worldwide.

A CALL TO ACTION FOR HIGHER EDUCATION

We invite educational institutions around the globe to reflect on their own models and consider the integration of experiential learning to better prepare students for the demands of the twenty-first century. By doing so, we can collectively enhance the employability, creativity, and resilience of our graduates, ensuring that they are equipped to thrive in an everchanging world.

Highlights

THE ELEVATE PROGRAM AT ILLINOIS TECH STANDS AT THE FOREFRONT OF EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING INITIATIVES IN HIGHER EDUCATION. Designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application, Elevate equips students with the skills, experiences, and knowledge necessary to thrive in the dynamic landscape of the twenty-first century job market. This comprehensive initiative embodies Illinois Tech’s commitment to innovation in education, ensuring that students are not only prepared for their first job after graduation but also equipped for lifelong career development and success.

PUT SIMPLY: ILLINOIS TECH STUDENTS ARE GUARANTEED ACCESS TO HANDS-ON EXPERIENCES, PERSONALIZED MENTORSHIP, AND JOB READINESS THROUGH THE UNIVERSITY’S ONE-OF-A-KIND ELEVATE PROGRAM.

The success of Illinois Tech’s approach is apparent in student outcomes: 2022 alumni boast a remarkable 91% career placement rate within six months of graduation, with an impressive mean starting salary $15,000 above the national average.

SOURCE: 2022 ILLINOIS TECH FIRST-DESTINATION SURVEY, AMONG 2022 GRADUATES REPORTING

Graduates find opportunities at major corporations such as Cummins, ComEd, Microsoft, Grainger, and Deloitte, highlighting the effectiveness of Illinois Tech’s education in preparing students for successful careers in diverse industries.

“

Elevate represents a new approach to higher education—not only does this model focus on skills that are industry-ready and industry informed, it has the potential through hands-on and virtual experiences to bring opportunities for more students from all backgrounds, allowing them the chance to explore and gain industry experience at leading companies years before their peers. We hope that this new model of commitment to experiential learning and lifelong partnership with our students sets a new standard in higher education.”

— Illinois Tech President Raj Echambadi

Highlights

Elevate is different because Illinois Tech is different.

Unique Profile

 #35—Top U.S. Colleges with the Greatest Economic Diversity (New York Times)

 Recognized by Bloomberg Philanthropies in 2023 as an American Talent Initiative ‘High-Flier’ one of 28 national leaders in lower-income student enrollment

Decades of Experience

 Illinois Tech is one of the few and the first higher education institutions to make experiential learning an academic requirement

 We’ve also matched our coursework to industry requirements and certifications to ensure graduates are job-ready on day one

Data-Driven

 According to Illinois Tech’s own data, students who have completed an internship are more than 25% more likely to find full-time employment and have at least $10,000 higher median starting salary than peers who have not

 Research shows integrating career advising and experiential learning opportunities into the academic progression is especially beneficial for URM students

Clear Success

 Illinois Tech’s undergraduate career placement rate, measured six months after graduation, is consistently 90% and above

 Illinois Tech undergraduate starting salaries have been at least $15,000 higher than the national average for the past three years since Elevate was launched

 Career placement is up to 25% higher among undergraduates who completed an internship versus those who didn’t

Engine of Opportunity

 Illinois Tech measures our success as an engine of opportunity for graduates and their families

 #37 in the U.S. for Social Mobility according to the Wall Street Journal in their 2024 rankings

 #1 in Illinois in terms of moving people from the bottom 20th percentile to the top 20 percentile according to Opportunity Insights

Twenty-First Century Skills

From Industrial Revolution to Information Evolution

IN THE SHADOW OF THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION, the cornerstone of higher education was laid, structured to prepare a workforce for a world of predictable pathways and steady careers. Fast forward to the present day, and this foundation is shaking under the weight of seismic shifts in technology, globalization, and work culture. The rise of the internet, artificial intelligence, and a global economy have not only reshaped industries, but also redrawn the map of employability and career success.

Reskilling Needs

44%

of Current Workers’ Core Skills Will Be Disrupted in the Next Five Years

The emergence of the internet, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation has created new industries, dissolved others, and fundamentally changed the nature of many jobs. Thanks to globalization, the scope of competition and collaboration has expanded, with companies now operating across borders with teams from diverse cultural backgrounds. And work itself is different: gone are the days when a young adult could graduate college, get a well-paying job, and stay with that company until retirement. Today’s graduates are entering a workforce defined by job flexibility, project-based work, and entrepreneurial ventures.

Today, we stand at a crossroads where traditional educational models struggle to keep pace with the rapidity of change, making the leap from passive learning to a dynamic, interactive, and continuous learning imperative for forging the path ahead.

SOURCE: “FUTURE OF JOBS REPORT 2023,” WORLD

The pace of change is not just rapid, it’s accelerating, making the adaptability and continuous learning not just advantageous but essential for success. Employers expect a labor market churn of more than 23 percent and that 44 percent of workers’ skills will be disrupted in the next five years, according to the World Economic Forum.

Skills taught in the classroom today will be irrelevant tomorrow. Passive learning, with its focus on lectures and memorization, is increasingly inadequate. The modern world demands a more dynamic, interactive approach to learning that can keep pace with the speed of change.

EMBRACE THE SHIFT: PREPARING STUDENTS FOR THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY WITH EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

As we delve deeper into this era of perpetual transformation, the spotlight turns to experiential learning as the linchpin of educational relevance and student preparedness. This “learning by doing” approach is not just an educational strategy; it’s a lifeline to adaptability, creativity, and resilience in a landscape where change is the only constant. “Learning by doing” equips students with real-world skills, adaptability, and critical thinking. It bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring that students are not just passive recipients of information, but also active participants in their learning journeys, prepared to tackle the challenges of the modern world.

This “learning by doing” approach is not just an educational strategy; it’s a lifeline to adaptability, creativity, and resilience in a landscape where change is the only constant.

It’s in response to this new world that Illinois Tech developed its oneof-a-kind Elevate program, giving students guaranteed access to the experiential learning opportunities that allow them to develop the flexibility, creativity, and resilience needed to thrive in a world where the only constant is change.

HIGHER EDUCATION AT A CROSSROADS

Unique challenges facing colleges and universities today threaten to make traditional models—and traditional universities—obsolete.

Over the last half-century, the model of learning in higher education has seen both remarkable resilience and notable shifts. Despite the profound changes in technology, society, and the labor market, many aspects of higher education have remained surprisingly consistent.

Teaching methods have traditionally been centered on lectures, where professors transmit knowledge to students, who are expected to absorb this information, memorize it, and reproduce it during examinations. This model, deeply rooted in the ideals of the Industrial Age, aimed to prepare students for careers in well-defined fields, but it fails in today’s ever-changing dynamic economy.

UNIVERSITIES NEED TO ADAPT THEIR MODELS— OR RISK FALLING BEHIND

It’s crucial for institutions of higher learning to shift to a model that prioritizes experiential learning, as the unique challenges facing colleges and universities today threaten to make traditional models—and traditional universities—obsolete.

The higher education landscape is confronting an unprecedented challenge: the “demographic cliff.” With the U.S. experiencing a 4 percent decline in birth rates in 2020, the lowest since 1979, and a continued decrease over six years, institutions are facing a daunting future. The National Center for Health Statistics highlights this trend as foretelling a prolonged period of enrollment difficulties, far surpassing the previously predicted crash around 2025. As the traditional collegeage population diminishes into the late 2030s, colleges and universities will find it increasingly challenging to maintain student numbers without a significant strategic shift in enrollment strategies.

Enrollment Projected to Drop Sharply After 2025 SOURCE:

FEBRUARY 2019

Simultaneously, a growing skepticism about the value of higher education is evident in public discourse. The combination of escalating costs, uncertain job markets, and the burden of student loans has led many to question whether a traditional college degree is worth the investment.

EAB, “WHAT THE LOOMING DEMOGRAPHIC STORM MEANS FOR YOUR STATE,” 11

REIMAGINING VALUE: EDUCATION AS A CATALYST FOR REAL-WORLD IMPACT

In this context, the emphasis on experiential learning within higher education can serve as a powerful differentiator. By providing students with tangible, hands-on experiences that translate directly to employment opportunities, institutions can demonstrate the immediate and long-term benefits of higher education. Experiential learning ensures that students gain not just theoretical knowledge, but also the critical-thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability skills that employers value, thereby reinforcing the relevance and utility of investing in higher education.

THE VALUE OF HIGHER EDUCATION IS INCREASINGLY MEASURED THROUGH CAREER SUCCESS AND ECONOMIC MOBILITY, NOT SELECTIVITY

Higher education is experiencing a fundamental shift in how the value of a degree and learning experiences offered by universities is measured. Gone are the days when selectivity and price drive the prestige of an institution or a degree. Today, the focus is on access, economic mobility, and the long-term career success and value provided to students. In the last year, the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the American Council on Education announced a more inclusive redefinition of college classifications to emphasize economic mobility. This change signals a broader recognition of the importance of education in fostering social mobility and preparing students for successful careers.

It’s crucial for institutions of higher learning to shift to a model that prioritizes experiential learning.

College rankings have followed suit. U.S. News & World Report and the Wall Street Journal are increasingly prioritizing metrics related to economic mobility— such as graduation rates, employment outcomes, and access for disadvantaged students—over traditional measures of prestige in their influential annual rankings.

These shifts in evaluation criteria signal a broader recognition that the true worth of an institution lies not in its exclusivity but in its ability to propel students of all backgrounds to lasting economic success.

Illinois Tech

#16 in the United States for Salary Impact

Wall Street Journal/College

Pulse 2024 Best Colleges in the United States

HOW CAN UNIVERSITIES IMPROVE ECONOMIC MOBILITY? MAKE GRADUATES MORE EMPLOYABLE.

So, how can university leaders demonstrate the value of higher education using these new metrics? Improving economic mobility is two-fold. Mobility metrics are about more than outcomes, such as improving graduates’ starting salaries. Mobility is about creating opportunities to provide college graduates with meaningful, relevant experiences and lifelong skills for professional readiness and success. It’s also about ensuring access to these opportunities for diverse learners from all backgrounds.

Illinois Tech has significantly improved both access and outcomes for graduates. In 2023 the tech-focused university in Chicago was recognized for its success in improving access by Bloomberg Philanthropies for its success in improving access, which named the university an American Talent Initiative (ATI) High-Flier for its high Pell share and innovative recruitment, enrollment, and retention practices. Illinois Tech was ranked #35 on the 2023 New York Times College-Access Index for economic diversity. In measuring the impact of a college’s value added to graduate earnings, Illinois Tech was ranked #16 in the United States by the Wall Street Journal for Salary Impact.

Illinois Tech’s approach to experiential learning is not just an educational strategy; it’s a catalyst for economic empowerment. By integrating academic learning with career preparedness, Illinois Tech sets its students on a path to immediate and long-term professional success and economic prosperity.

Illinois Tech’s latest initiative, Elevate, symbolizes its dedication to experiential learning. Elevate integrates job readiness into the educational journey, guaranteeing all students access to hands-on experiences and mentorship that lead to career readiness. Elevate includes internships, research projects, competitions, short courses, and other outside-theclassroom opportunities that instill problem-solving, leadership, emotional intelligence, and other twenty-first-century skills that employers demand.

By offering students hands-on learning opportunities, institutions not only enhance their standings in influential measures of higher education value, but also commit to a model of education that values practical achievement and social advancement as well as academic accolades.

THE REAL-WORLD SKILLS RACE IS ON

In the swirling currents of today’s job market, the bar is continuously being raised. Businesses across the spectrum crave not just any candidates, but those who can dive in and make waves from day one. This insatiable appetite for talent underscores a broader narrative: in a world where technological prowess can become yesterday’s news overnight, the premium on adaptable, multifaceted individuals has skyrocketed.

Employers now look beyond the resume, scouting for professionals who bring a cocktail of technical acumen and soft skills—critical thinking, stellar communication, agility in the face of change, and an unquenchable thirst for lifelong learning. This seismic shift places a spotlight on higher education’s role: it’s not just about imparting knowledge anymore, but about forging warriors for the modern workforce.

Companies across various industries are increasingly looking for new hires who can hit the ground running, equipped with a robust set of skills and the ability to apply them effectively from day one. This trend reflects the fast-paced, competitive nature of the global economy, where technological advancements and market dynamics can quickly change the landscape of work. Employers are seeking individuals who not only possess the technical skills relevant to their fields, but also exhibit strong soft skills, such as critical thinking, communication, adaptability, and the capacity for lifelong learning.

It’s not just about imparting knowledge anymore, but about forging warriors for the modern workforce.

The demand for job-ready graduates has placed additional pressures on higher education institutions to provide students with more than just theoretical knowledge. Employers expect new hires to understand the practical aspects of their jobs, necessitating an education that is closely aligned with industry needs and trends.

This alignment requires an emphasis on experiential learning, which allows students to gain real-world experience and develop practical skills in their chosen fields. Such experiences not only enhance a graduate’s resume, but also equip them with the problemsolving and teamwork skills essential for success in today’s workforce.

Top soft skills employers are looking for

SOFT SKILLS ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER, PARTICULARLY FOR STEM STUDENTS

Communication

Leadership

Teamwork

ProblemSolving

Adaptability

With technology changing so rapidly, employers increasingly value soft skills. The computer programming languages and engineering software that college students are learning today will be obsolete early in their careers. It’s clear: the soft skills once relegated to the background have now taken center stage. The hard truths? The coding languages and software tools dotting the curriculum vitae of today’s graduates will soon be relics of a bygone era. What remains timeless, however, is the ability to articulate ideas, collaborate across cultural divides, spearhead initiatives, and navigate the learning curves of life and work with grace.

That’s why the ability to communicate effectively, work collaboratively in diverse teams, direct one’s own learning as an adult, and exhibit leadership potential are critical factors for career advancement.

The emphasis on skills and readiness reflects a broader shift in the job market toward outcomes-based hiring, where the focus is on what candidates can do and achieve rather than solely on their educational credentials. This shift is partly driven by the recognition that the challenges businesses face today are multifaceted and require a workforce that is versatile, innovative, and capable of thinking on its feet.

This evolution toward a skills-centered hiring ethos reflects a deeper, more fundamental shift. No longer is the job market a mere exchange of credentials for opportunities; it’s a complex arena where capability, creativity, and impact hold the reins.

This is the crux of the new educational paradigm: transforming passive learning into a vibrant, interactive quest for knowledge, skills, and impact.

INDUSTRY AND ACADEMIA NEED TO ALIGN

As the tides change, the call for academia and industry to lock arms has never been louder. This partnership is not just beneficial but essential, ensuring that the educational voyage is not just a journey of intellectual discovery but a voyage toward real-world impact and employability.

This alignment is critical for molding a generation that’s not only knowledgeable, but also ready and equipped to tackle the multifaceted

challenges of our time. For students, it means embracing educational pathways that are theoretical as well as vibrant, complete with practical learning experiences, ensuring a toolkit that’s as diverse as the challenges they’ll face.

This changing landscape presents challenges and opportunities for both educators and learners. It underscores the need for higher education institutions to closely engage with industry partners to ensure curricula are responsive to the evolving demands of the job market. For students, it highlights the importance of seeking out educational experiences that offer practical learning opportunities and the development of a broad skill set that is adaptable to various contexts.

As the gap between educational outcomes and employer expectations narrows, the potential for graduates to seamlessly transition into impactful and fulfilling careers increases, benefiting not just the individuals, but also the economy and society as a whole.

Choosing Between Equally Qualified Candidates: Influence of Attributes

*On a 5-point scale, where 1 is no influence at all, 2 is not much influence, 3 is somewhat of an influence, 4 is very much influence, and 5 is extreme influence

SOURCE: JOB OUTLOOK 2024, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND EMPLOYERS

Survey data provides compelling evidence of the changing landscape of employment, indicating that internships are now considered the “new interview” in the job search process for both students and employers alike. According to data from National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), employers rank relevant internships as the number one booster to a recent college graduate’s application.

EXPERIENCE, NOT JUST EDUCATION, IS THE KEY TO GRADUATE OUTCOMES

In fact, employers are less and less likely to use GPA when screening candidates. Four years ago, nearly three-quarters of respondents in NACE’s survey did so, while in 2023 it was just 37 percent.

In a landscape increasingly defined by what you can do rather than what you know, internships have emerged as the gold standard—the new rite of passage into professional life. They’re not just experiences; they’re auditions for the future, offering both a glimpse into the professional world and a chance to make a mark.

The message is loud and clear: the future belongs to those who are not just students of the world, but also people who actively shape the world through their actions. As the traditional metrics of academic achievement such as GPAs recede into the background, the spotlight turns to tangible, impactful experiences that define a candidate’s readiness for the challenges of tomorrow.

SEIZING THE MOMENT: ILLINOIS TECH’S BLUEPRINT TO ELEVATE GRADUATE SUCCESS

Adapting to this monumental shift, Illinois Tech’s Elevate program isn’t just an educational strategy; it’s a manifesto for the future—a pledge to bridge the chasm between theory and practice. Through hands-on projects, industry partnerships, and a curriculum that’s as dynamic as the marketplace it serves, Elevate ensures that students don’t just dream of making an impact; they’re primed to do it from day one.

Adopting an educational model that seamlessly integrates experiential learning, universities can transform theoretical knowledge into practical skills. By prioritizing hands-on projects, industry partnerships, and problembased learning within the curriculum, colleges and universities can ensure that students not only understand theoretical concepts, but also can apply them in real-world situations. This methodology fosters a deeper connection between students and the material, allowing them to go past the mere acquisition of information and to spark true wisdom.

This is what Illinois Tech has done with Elevate.

Skills From Day One Employers Demand Experience

EARNING AN UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE is supposed to help young adults develop the skills needed for the workplace. Yet, according to a December 2023 survey by Intelligent.com of 800 U.S. managers, directors, and executives who are involved in hiring, recent Gen Z college graduates are struggling with many aspects of professional life, making them less desirable to hire.

38% of employers avoid hiring recent college graduates in favor of older employees

58% say recent college graduates are unprepared for the workforce

63% of employers who’ve worked with recent college graduates say they frequently can’t handle their workload

SOURCE: INTELLIGENT.COM, “NEARLY 4 IN 10 EMPLOYERS AVOID HIRING RECENT COLLEGE GRADS IN FAVOR OF OLDER WORKERS,” DECEMBER 2023

It’s not just the accelerating pace of technological and economic change that has prompted a rethink in higher education and employer demands. Massive global events such as the pandemic have taken a toll on current college students’ (Gen Z) education and career goals. Forty-six percent of Gen Z in a 2021 survey said that the pandemic has made pursuing their educational or career goals more difficult.

THE MODEL HAS CHANGED: THE BOTTOM RUNG OF THE LADDER STARTS IN COLLEGE

Historically, the workforce was characterized by a remarkable level of stability and predictability. It was common for individuals to embark on a career, remain in a singular field, and often with the same company, throughout their entire working life.

This linear career trajectory facilitated a deep specialization in one’s field, with employers investing significantly in the training and development of their employees, confident in the likelihood of a long-term return on this investment. The expectation was clear: loyalty and stability were the norms, and the career ladder was well defined and relatively static.

In contrast, today’s industries and businesses, especially smaller firms and startups, operate under a vastly different paradigm. The luxury of investing extensive time and resources into training new hires on both the specifics of their roles and the broader industry context is increasingly untenable.

Helpful Characteristics of a ‘Well-Rounded’ Education

Hands-on application of ideas

Hands-on application of ideas

Encouragement to think for oneself

Encouragement to think for oneself

Independent inquiry

Independent inquiry

Skill development, along with knowledge of specific theories and methods

Exposure to a wide variety of academic topics and disciplines development, along with knowledge of specific theories and methods

Exposure to a wide variety of academic topics and disciplines

Community-based experiences

Community-based experiences

Importance of types of knowledge to be effective workers

All Employers

66%

Knowledge gained from addressing real-life problems, regardless of discipline

53%

Knowledge gained from thinking across disciplines (i.e., interdisciplinary thinking)

49% Knowledge of STEM field (i.e., science, technology, engineering, and mathematics)

36% Knowledge of disciplines in the liberal arts (e.g., arts, humanities, and social sciences)

This shift is driven by several factors, including the rapid pace of technological change, the globalization of markets, and the lean operational models that prioritize agility and efficiency. For many companies, especially those in emerging sectors or operating on thin margins, the onus is on finding employees who can hit the ground running, bringing with them not only a foundational knowledge of the field, but also the ability to quickly adapt and apply their skills in dynamic and often unpredictable environments.

The current job market reflects these changes, with employers placing a premium on a blend of hard and soft skills. Beyond the technical know-how, there’s a growing emphasis on competencies such as teamwork, leadership, critical thinking, and the capacity for lifelong learning. These soft skills are increasingly seen as crucial for navigating the complexities of modern work environments, where collaboration across disciplines and cultures is the norm. Employers are looking for individuals who are both proficient in their areas of expertise and adaptable, innovative, and capable of learning and evolving alongside the industry.

The fluidity of today’s job market means that people frequently change jobs and careers, presenting a significant challenge for employers in terms of worker retention and the continual loss of institutional knowledge and skills. This reality underscores the importance of experiential learning in higher education as a means to equip students with a robust set of transferable skills.

Through internships, cooperative education, project-based learning, and other hands-on experiences, students develop not only the technical skills relevant to their fields, but also the soft skills that are so highly valued by employers.

SOURCE: ASHLEY P. FINLEY, AAC&U, “THE CAREERREADY GRADUATE: WHAT EMPLOYERS SAY ABOUT THE DIFFERENCE COLLEGE MAKES,” 2023

Held a job or work-study position

Held a job or work-study position

Completed an internship or apprenticeship

Completed an internship or apprenticeship

Held a leadership role

Developed a portfolio of work showcasing skills and integrating college experiences

Held a leadership role

Developed a portfolio of work showcasing skills and integrating college experiences

Worked with people from diverse backgrounds or cultures

Worked with people from diverse backgrounds or cultures

Served as a peer mentor or adviser

Completed a comprehensive senior project, such as a thesis or capstone project

Served as a peer mentor or advisor

Completed a comprehensive senior project, such as a thesis or capstone project

Took multiple courses that required significant writing

Took multiple courses that required significant writing

Engaged with a community organization or on a community-based project

Engaged with a community organization or on a community-based project

Undertook a research project in collaboration with a faculty member

Undertook a research project in collaboration with a faculty member

This preparation is crucial in a landscape where the ability to seamlessly transition between roles, adapt to new technologies, and collaborate effectively with diverse teams is essential for long-term career success.

Completed a project or experience focused on addressing a global issue

Completed a project or experience focused on addressing a global issue

Experiential learning, therefore, stands out as a critical component of modern education, aligning closely with the needs of both students and employers. By fostering a learning environment that emphasizes practical experience, problemsolving, and teamwork, institutions can prepare graduates who are not only ready to contribute to their fields, but also equipped to navigate the complexities and opportunities of a rapidly changing world.

TECHNOLOGY EMPLOYERS

SEEK T-SHAPED SKILLS

T-Shaped Skills

Breadth of Experience, Knowledge and Skills

Breadth of High-Level Expertise in One Discipline

In today’s rapidly evolving job market, technology employers are increasingly seeking individuals with T-shaped skills. This concept refers to individuals who possess a deep expertise in a specific field (the vertical bar of the “T”), along with a broad understanding of various other disciplines (the horizontal bar of the “T”). The demand for T-shaped skills arises from the need for employees who can effectively collaborate, adapt, and solve complex problems in multidisciplinary teams.

Employers in the technology sector recognize the potential of professionals with T-shaped skills to drive innovation and overcome challenges. While specialized technical skills are crucial in areas such as software development, data analysis, and cybersecurity, companies also value candidates who can bridge the gap between different areas of expertise. Professionals with T-shaped skills bring diverse perspectives and can communicate effectively with colleagues from various backgrounds, facilitating collaboration and fostering creativity within the organization.

SOURCE: SOURCE: ASHLEY P. FINLEY, AAC&U, “THE CAREER-READY GRADUATE: WHAT EMPLOYERS SAY ABOUT THE DIFFERENCE COLLEGE MAKES,” 2023

According to LinkedIn’s 2018 U.S. Emerging Jobs Report, the top three emerging jobs in the tech industry were artificial intelligence specialist, data scientist, and full stack developer. All three of these jobs require not only technical expertise, but also a broad understanding of various other domains, which is a hallmark of T-shaped skills. This trend has continued in subsequent years.

Attributes Employers Seek on a Candidate’s Resume

Employers value six “soft skills” that students can pick up with real-world experience over technical and analytic/quantitative skills that are taught in the classroom.

In a survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, employers ranked teamwork and problem-solving ability as the top two skills they look for in new hires. Both of these skills are integral to T-shaped skills, which emphasize cross-functional collaboration and the ability to solve complex problems in multidisciplinary teams.

T-shaped skills are also highly valued in scrum and agile development methodology. Scrum is a popular framework for managing complex software development projects, and it emphasizes collaboration, selforganization, and flexibility. As such, scrum teams require individuals with T-shaped skills who possess the ability to work across different functional areas and contribute to the team’s success in multiple ways.

According to the Agile Alliance, the values of agile methodology include “individuals and interactions over processes and tools” and “responding to change over following a plan.” These values align with the principles of T-shaped skills, which prioritize collaboration, flexibility, and adaptability. As such, individuals with T-shaped skills are well-suited to agile development environments, where they can contribute to a team’s success in various ways and adapt to changing project requirements.

In addition to the technical abilities required for a specific role, T-shaped skills encompass a range of transferable skills that are essential in the technology industry. These skills include critical thinking, problem-solving,

SOURCE: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND EMPLOYERS (NACE), JOB OUTLOOK 2024

ELEVATE: BUILT ON DECADES OF EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING SUCCESS, DESIGNED WITH EMPLOYER DEMANDS IN MIND

communication, adaptability, and a willingness to continue learning and acquiring new knowledge. As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, employees with T-shaped skills are better equipped to navigate change, learn new technologies, and contribute to innovation within their organizations.

While the development of T-shaped skills involves a combination of formal education, practical experience, and continuous professional development, higher education institutions play a crucial role in laying the foundation for these skills. By integrating interdisciplinary coursework, fostering collaborative projects, and providing opportunities for experiential learning, universities can help students develop a broad skill set that complements their technical expertise. Moreover, initiatives such as internships, co-op programs, and industry partnerships can bridge the gap between academia and industry, enabling students to gain practical experience and hands-on exposure to real-world challenges.

The Elevate program was meticulously designed to align with the demands of today’s employers. By closely working with industry partners and alumni, Illinois Tech ensures that the skills and experiences provided through Elevate meet the evolving needs of the job market. This alignment is evident in the opportunities offered through the program, which incorporate emerging technologies, industry-standard practices, and the soft skills crucial for professional success.

Through its comprehensive approach, the Elevate program at Illinois Tech not only prepares students for successful careers, but also instills in them a mindset of continuous learning and adaptation. Graduates of the Elevate program emerge as highly competent professionals, ready to contribute meaningfully to their fields and to navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing world. This initiative underscores Illinois Tech’s role as a leader in experiential learning, demonstrating the transformative power of integrating academic rigor with practical experience.

What Is It? The Elevate Program

AT ILLINOIS TECH, THE ELEVATE PROGRAM REPRESENTS MORE THAN JUST AN EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVE; it embodies our commitment to transform student potential into real-world success. Crafted from decades of experiential learning success, Elevate is uniquely designed to guarantee Illinois Tech students not only access to hands-on experiences and personalized mentorship, but also a comprehensive preparation for job readiness, ensuring adaptability and growth throughout their careers.

ELEVATE is a comprehensive program based on decades of success in experiential learning that guarantees access to hands-on experiences, personalized mentorship, and job readiness to prepare Illinois Tech students for a lifetime of adaptability and growth in their chosen fields.

ELEVATE IS DIFFERENT

BECAUSE ILLINOIS TECH IS DIFFERENT

DISTINCTLY ROOTED IN OUR MISSION

From its inception during the Industrial Revolution to its evolution in today’s Fourth Industrial Revolution, Illinois Tech has stood as a vital bridge over the divide between technological advances and inclusive education. Established to empower the children of Chicago’s laborers with quality education to become future engineers and scientists, today, Illinois Tech confronts the disparities of the digital age, ensuring that our students are not left behind.

A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP IN EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

Illinois Tech was one of the first universities to integrate experiential learning into the academic fabric, mandating participation in our Interprofessional Projects (IPRO) program nearly three decades ago. This foresight has established a foundation where coursework not only meets but anticipates industry standards, ensuring our graduates are equipped to excel from day one.

INNOVATIVE INTEGRATION OF LEARNING AND INDUSTRY

The Elevate program is engineered to sync seamlessly with the professional world. It incorporates industry-aligned coursework and certifications, innovative course designs, and a unified advising model that marries academic guidance with career counseling. This holistic approach is augmented by peer and alumni mentorships that enrich students’ educational journeys with social and emotional learning, keeping them engaged and proactive in their career planning from the onset.

“ We all know that learning doesn’t begin at convocation and end at commencement. We have looked deeply at the students of today and the market demands of tomorrow and took the opportunity to tailor our academic offerings by focusing on student success before, during, and after their time at Illinois Tech. We’re working to shift the definition of what it means to truly bring value to our students throughout their careers.”

— Mallik Sundharam, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs

EARLY AND CONTINUOUS EXPOSURE

Unlike traditional models that introduce career counseling in the junior year, Elevate engages students from their first week, encouraging them to start building their professional experiences early. Through journey mapping, students personalize their educational and career trajectories, visualizing and planning their paths with clarity and purpose.

PROVEN SUCCESS IN STUDENT AND ECONOMIC OUTCOMES

Elevate has proven its efficacy with impressive outcomes: our graduates consistently achieve 90-plus percent career placement rates and command starting salaries significantly above the national average. Following the launch of Elevate, Illinois Tech has seen substantial increases in enrollment, demonstrating the compelling value proposition of our program. Moreover, we continue to excel in promoting economic and social mobility, with national rankings that affirm our mission of transforming lives through education.

Elevate is not just a program but a promise—a promise of engaging education, enduring skills, and excellent outcomes. As we continue to adapt and innovate, the Elevate program stands as a beacon of Illinois Tech’s enduring commitment to being an engine of opportunity and a leader in experiential learning.

At Illinois Tech, the Elevate program represents more than just an educational initiative; it embodies our commitment to transform student potential into realworld success.

Illinois Tech

An Engine of Opportunity for More Than a Century

RECOGNIZING THE EVOLVING DEMANDS OF THE WORKFORCE and the critical importance of experiential learning, Illinois Tech embarked on a mission to create a program that would seamlessly integrate academic knowledge with practical, real-world experience. That mission is foundational to Illinois Tech’s ethos, and it didn’t start with Elevate.

MILLION DOLLAR SERMON

The story of Illinois Institute of Technology’s founding is one deeply rooted in inspiration and vision, epitomized by the Million Dollar Sermon. In 1890, a sermon delivered by Frank Wakely Gunsaulus, a visionary educator and clergyman, laid the groundwork for what would become Illinois Tech. In his sermon, Gunsaulus expressed the bold idea that with a million dollars, he could build a school where students from all backgrounds could learn to apply science and technology to improve the world. Inspired by this vision, Philip Danforth Armour Sr., a leading industrialist, provided the necessary funds, leading to the establishment of Armour Institute, one of the forerunners of today’s Illinois Tech.

This foundational story is more than a historical footnote; it symbolizes the ethos of innovation, accessibility, and practical impact that continues to drive Illinois Tech. The Million Dollar Sermon reflects the university’s enduring commitment to making education accessible to learners from all walks of life and to preparing students to make tangible contributions to society through their knowledge and skills.

The Elevate program is a contemporary embodiment of Gunsaulus’s vision, designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application. By providing students with experiential learning opportunities such as internships, Elevate ensures that Illinois Tech students are not only proficient in their fields of study, but also adept at applying their knowledge in practical, impactful ways. This initiative aligns closely with the university’s mission to develop technology-centered solutions that advance society and improve the quality of life on a global scale.

BEFORE ELEVATE, THERE WAS IPRO

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Nearly 30 years ago, Illinois Tech pioneered experiential learning with its Interprofessional Projects (IPRO) program. The IPRO program, launched in the mid-1990s, was one of the first of its kind, breaking new ground by integrating real-world project experience directly into the academic curriculum.

Illinois Tech is one of the very few higher-education institutions to make experiential learning mandatory for undergraduate students.

of Illinois Tech undergraduates participate in the experiential learning Interprofessional Projects (IPRO) program, which is an academic requirement

According to a 2016 Chronicle of Higher Education and Ellucian joint report, just 15 percent of colleges make experiential learning an academic requirement for students.

IPRO distinguishes itself by bringing together students from various disciplines to work on interdisciplinary projects that tackle real-world problems. These projects range from designing sustainable urban gardens to developing software solutions for nonprofit organizations, offering students a wide array of opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills in a collaborative setting. The essence of the IPRO experience lies in its emphasis on teamwork, innovation, and problem-solving, mirroring the interdisciplinary collaboration that is increasingly prevalent in the global workforce.

The success of IPRO undoubtedly contributed to Illinois Tech’s success in improving graduate outcomes and helped inspire Elevate.

The Elevate Approach

Holistic, Proactive, and Hands-On

ELEVATE WAS BUILT TO GIVE ILLINOIS TECH STUDENTS a more complete education and to give them a leg up in the job market, and it was designed based on a nuanced understanding of the skills today’s employers demand.

CULTIVATE SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING AND TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY SKILLS

A core element of Elevate is cultivating resilience, adaptability and promoting other so-called “soft” skills that are critical to ensuring longterm success in the workforce.

Social-emotional learning (SEL) is an educational approach that focuses on the development of a whole range of skills necessary for emotional intelligence, including self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making. This holistic approach to education is designed to equip individuals with the ability to understand and manage their emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.

SEL is not just beneficial for personal development: it plays a crucial role in preparing college students for the professional world, enhancing their academic success, and fostering their social and cultural competence. By integrating SEL into the curriculum, higher ed institutions can contribute significantly to improving students’ mental health and well-being.

SOURCE: NATIONAL ALUMNI CAREER MOBILITY SURVEY, “THE HIGH IMPACT CAREER MOBILITY CAMPUS,” AUGUST 2020

It’s the ability to collaborate, communicate, and solve problems, combined with technical knowledge, that forms the basis of twenty-first century skills, which are crucial in today’s job market—and which many adults are lacking.

These Skills Are Broken Up Into Three Catagories Foundational Literacies

The application of core skills to everyday tasks, enabling students to adapt and apply knowledge in various contexts Competencies

The skills required to approach complex challenges effectively

Character Qualities

Qualities that help students adapt to change and handle adversity

Twenty-First Century Skills

Foundational Literacies

How students apply core skills to everyday tasks

 Literacy

 Numeracy

 Scientific literacy

 ICT literacy

 Financial literacy

 Cultural and civic literacy

SOURCE: WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM, “NEW VISION FOR EDUCATION: FOSTERING SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING THROUGH TECHNOLOGY,” MARCH 2016

Competencies

How students approach complex challenges

 Critical thinking/ problem-solving

 Creativity

 Communication

 Collaboration

Character Qualities

How students approach their changing environment

 Curiosity

 Initiative

 Persistence/grit

 Adaptability

 Leadership

 Social and cultural awareness

Research has shown that SEL and twenty-first century skills are crucial for success in today’s world. Research has shown that students who participate in SEL programs manage stress and depression better, have better attitudes about themselves and others, and succeed in school and in the workforce. A report by the World Economic Forum highlights how twenty-first century skills are lacking in the workforce and that employers are increasingly seeking candidates with strong social-emotional skills alongside traditional qualifications.

As technology evolves, workers will need to solve increasingly complex problems, and as the workforce becomes more global, social and cultural competencies will be more valuable. It’s crucial that institutions of higher education equip their graduates with SEL and twenty-first century skills to succeed.

“

We know that the most effective resumes aren’t merely written in their senior year of college, but are built through a series of meaningful experiences during their precious time with us.”

— Mallik Sundharam

BUILD, DON’T WRITE, YOUR RESUME

Elevate was designed with this insight in mind: the job-seeker who started writing their resume on the day after graduation won’t do as well as their peer who began crafting a blueprint on the first day in their first year of college.

Employers agree. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, new job-seekers are advised not to study, study, study, but to network and make connections, seek experiences in the real world, and forge one’s own path in an evolving workplace.

ACADEMIC AND CAREER PROGRESSION SHOULD WORK HAND IN HAND

Resumes are more than a collection of dates, job titles, and duties. Instead, they narrate a story of growth, learning, and the proactive pursuit of opportunities that align with one’s career aspirations. Every volunteer position, internship, part-time job, and extracurricular activity is a chapter in this story, showcasing skills, adaptability, and the ability to collaborate and lead.

Building a resume, therefore, is an ongoing process. Reflecting on each experience will bring students closer to their professional goals, and each experience will make them a more desirable candidate for employers. By strategically selecting opportunities and intentionally developing skills, students can craft a plan that will leave them with a skill set that is both broad and deep.

SOURCE: “THE HIGH IMPACT CAREER MOBILITY CAMPUS,” AUGUST 2020, NATIONAL ALUMNI CAREER MOBILITY SURVEY

National Alumni Career Mobility Statistics

Life isn’t made up of independent, discrete domains, and neither is higher education. Academic counseling and career counseling must work hand in hand—and with financial aid, student life, mental health services, alumni mentorship, and more. The link between academic advising and career counseling is paramount as colleges and universities reconsider how what goes on in and out of the classroom is connected to career relevance.

Research has found that integrating career advising into existing structures can boost students’ career success, especially for URM students. It’s important, therefore, to reconsider the entire advising model: career counseling cannot be in a separate, small department that students can easily ignore—or never even realize exists. It must be readily available to all students, and be a regular part of the advising process.

The top 25th percentile on alumni career mobility are 1.7x as likely to say their institution helped them to interact with employers

In the top 25th percentile on alumni career mobility

92.7% received helpful career advice

The top 25th percentile on alumni career mobility are 1.8x as likely to have create a career plan with help from their alma mater

Alumni who report that they received any career advice report better career mobility, according to the National Alumni Career Mobility survey. Alumni who received helpful career advice reported greater educational satisfaction, career pathway preparation, career satisfaction, and economic mobility.

THE BEST EXPERIENCE MIGHT BE OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

The design of Elevate is built on the understanding that real-world experiences are critical for applying theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom to practical situations.

These experiences—such as internships, co-op programs, service learning, research projects, and global exchanges—provide invaluable opportunities for students to develop professional skills, gain insight into their chosen fields, and make meaningful connections with professionals and peers alike. By engaging in real-world experiences, students can understand the complexities of their professions, adapt to changes, and innovate in response to real-world challenges.

Real-world experiences also increase employability. The top attribute employers are looking for in an applicant is a relevant internship, especially one within the hiring organization. Employers responding to NACE’s Job Outlook 2023 survey indicate that when considering two equally qualified candidates for a job opening, employers give the edge to the candidate who has internship experience. While employers rate internship experience with their organization as the most influential attribute, any internship experience in the industry is also a top deciding factor.

Even when an internship doesn’t work out, it’s an invaluable learning experience for the student, who may have gained a new idea about their career paths and what they want to contribute to the world.

Real-world experiences allow students to build networks and make connections, improve their communication and teamwork skills, and become true professionals.

Elevate’s Best Practice Implementation

Based on a Decade of Data on Student Needs and Outcomes

THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ELEVATE PROGRAM is the culmination of more than a decade of meticulous assessment of the student journey, encompassing experiences, successes, and career outcomes, drawn from decades of successful implementation of experiential learning.

This extensive research led to the creation of a sophisticated data model that delves deeply into the variables contributing to student success. The Elevate program was then created as a bespoke plan designed to nurture and accelerate students’ academic and career growth.

Illinois Tech’s own data shows the role that hands-on experience plays in promoting successful outcomes: students who have completed an internship are more than 25 percent more more likely to find full-time employment and have at least $10,000 higher median starting salary than peers who have not completed an internship (2023, Illinois Tech, based on 2022 undergraduate career placement rate measured six months after graduation).

The development and implementation of Elevate is strategically phased to ensure a comprehensive and impactful integration of experiential learning within the university’s educational offerings. This process can be simplified into four phases:

1Needs Assessment and Initial Design:

The inception of the Elevate program began with a thorough needs assessment and program design phase. This critical first step involved an in-depth analysis of the educational landscape, labor market trends, and the specific needs of Illinois Tech students and the industries into which they would graduate. Surveys, focus groups, and consultations with industry experts, faculty, and students were conducted to gather insights into the skills and competencies most sought after by employers, as well as the types of experiential learning that would best prepare students for their careers. Armed with this information, the program architects designed the Elevate program to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application, ensuring that students would gain not only the technical skills required in their fields but also the soft skills essential for success in a rapidly changing job market.

2

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Development:

Illinois Tech actively sought out and cultivated relationships with industry leaders, businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, other universities, and alumni to secure a wide array of experiential learning opportunities for students. These partnerships were essential for providing students with access to internships, co-ops, and project sponsorships that offered real-world challenges and learning experiences. Engaging stakeholders in this way not only expanded the breadth of opportunities available to students, but also ensured that the experiences were directly relevant to current industry standards and needs.

3Building Infrastructure and Support Systems:

Illinois Tech invested in building robust infrastructure and support systems. This included developing a centralized platform for managing experiential learning opportunities, enabling students and faculty to easily access and track participation in various components of the program. Additionally, the university enhanced its advising services, creating a unified advising model that provides students with comprehensive guidance on integrating experiential learning into their academic and career plans.

4Continuous Reevaluation:

The final step in the process was establishing a system for the continuous reevaluation of the Elevate program. This involved regular assessment of program outcomes, including student feedback, employer feedback, and career placement data, to measure the effectiveness of the experiential learning initiatives. Insights gained from these evaluations are used to make iterative improvements to the program, ensuring that it remains responsive to the evolving needs of students and the demands of the job market.

THE CORE ELEMENTS OF WHAT ELEVATE OFFERS STUDENTS were designed based on an understanding and approach developed over the course of decades of experiential learning success.

ELEVATE IS NOT MERELY A SET OF OPPORTUNITIES; it is a comprehensive experiential learning program that reshapes how education meets real-world challenges. This program provides students with unique, hands-on learning experiences that are seamlessly integrated into their academic curriculum, ensuring that they are prepared for a lifetime of adaptability and growth in their chosen fields.

1. DEMONSTRATED VALUE TO EMPLOYERS AND INDUSTRY PARTNERS

Elevate aligns closely with industry needs, providing students with internships and experiential learning opportunities that make them highly sought after in the job market.

2. EXPERIENCES BEYOND INTERNSHIPS

The program offers a range of hands-on learning activities that extend beyond traditional internships, including research opportunities, study away programs, and competitive projects that challenge and build students’ capabilities.

3. UNIFIED ADVISING MODEL

This model integrates academic and career counseling to ensure that students receive comprehensive support throughout their educational journey, enhancing their readiness for their future careers.

4. PEER AND PROFESSIONAL MENTORSHIP

By pairing students with experienced mentors, Elevate fosters a supportive learning environment that encourages personal and professional growth.

5. JOURNEY MAPPING

This process helps students visualize and plan their academic and career paths from day one, promoting a proactive approach to personal and professional development.

DEMONSTRATED VALUE TO EMPLOYERS AND INDUSTRY PARTNERS

The hallmark of the Elevate program is the experiences it provides. Every Illinois Tech student is guaranteed access to the opportunity to participate in Elevate.

According to Illinois Tech’s own data, students who have completed an internship are more than 25 percent more likely to find full-time employment and have at least $10,000 higher median starting salary than peers who have not.

With a massive network of companies in virtually every industry, there’s no shortage of opportunities for Illinois Tech students to find their place.

A crucial component of cultivating these opportunities for students is demonstrating the value of creating internships and experiential learning opportunities for employers.

Employer Benefits

 Support, inspire, and employ the next generation of leaders and innovators

 Create early pathway to highly skilled employees

The apprenticeship model of career progression in white collar fields has shifted and there isn’t the same incentive as there once was for an organization to invest in internships and training programs; today’s typical career path is more likely to include lateral and diagonal moves rather than a vertical climb up a ladder within one company.

However, there is still very real value to employers in connecting with higher education to create experiential learning opportunities, including connection to a pipeline of uniquely educated talent, early branding and name recognition opportunities for the organization, and an outlet to make a social impact and improve their triple-bottom-line accounting.

EXPERIENCES BEYOND INTERNSHIPS

At the heart of Elevate is the Elevate experience.

An Elevate experience at Illinois Tech is a distinctive, hands-on learning opportunity designed to transcend traditional classroom boundaries and immerse students in real-world professional and research settings. This innovative approach to education combines internships, research

In addition to in-person internships, virtual internships allow students to work anywhere in the world in a format that has become an integral component of the work.

opportunities, study away programs, and competitive projects, each crafted to enrich the student’s academic journey with practical, impactful experiences.

The essence of an Elevate experience lies in its commitment to preparing students not just for the challenges they will face after graduation, but also for a lifetime of adaptability and growth in their chosen fields.

INTERNSHIPS: At the heart of the Elevate program are its robust internship offerings. These opportunities allow students to gain hands-on experience in their field of study, working alongside professionals in real-world settings. Internships that are connected to the Elevate program are integrated into a student’s curriculum, ensuring that the work experience is not only relevant, but also recognized academically. This integration allows students to apply classroom theories to practical challenges, enhancing their learning and making them more valuable to employers.

In addition to in-person internships, virtual internships allow students to work anywhere in the world in a format that has become an integral component of the work.

RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES: Elevate also offers students the chance to engage in cutting-edge research, working directly with faculty members on projects that push the boundaries of current knowledge and technology. These research opportunities are tailored to the student’s interests and career goals, providing a deep dive into specific areas of study and fostering a spirit of inquiry and innovation.

STUDY AWAY PROGRAMS: The Elevate experience embraces the concept of global learning through its study away programs. These opportunities enable students to broaden their perspectives, understand diverse cultures, and engage with global challenges. Whether it’s studying urban development in a bustling international city or participating in an environmental conservation project in a remote part of the world, study away programs are designed to enhance the student’s academic and personal growth, fostering a global mindset.

COMPETITIONS: Competitive projects are an exhilarating aspect of the Elevate experience, allowing students to test their skills, creativity, and knowledge against those of peers from Illinois Tech and other institutions. These competitions can range from engineering design challenges to business strategy contests, offering a platform for students to showcase their innovation and

teamwork. Participating in competitions not only enhances the student’s resume, but also builds confidence, communication skills, and a spirit of collaboration.

PROJECT-BASED LEARNING:

Students engage in collaborative projects that address real-world problems, often in partnership with industry leaders. These projects are designed to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills, all of which are highly valued in the modern workplace. By tackling real challenges, students learn to navigate the complexities of professional environments, manage projects from inception to completion, and deliver tangible results.

An Elevate experience is more than just a supplement to traditional education; it is a transformational journey that prepares students for the complexities and opportunities of the modern world. Through internships, research, study away programs, and competitions, students develop a robust set of skills, a portfolio of accomplishments, and a network of professional contacts. They learn to navigate new environments, adapt to changing circumstances, and apply their knowledge in meaningful ways.

UNIFIED ADVISING MODEL

The unified advising model represents a transformative approach to student guidance and support, seamlessly integrating academic advising with career counseling, peer and alumni mentorship, and more to offer a holistic educational experience. This model is predicated on the understanding that academic success and career readiness are intrinsically linked, and that students benefit most from an advising system that addresses both elements comprehensively.

By fostering a cohesive relationship between a student’s academic journey and their professional aspirations, the unified advising model ensures that students are not only prepared to excel in their studies, but are also equipped with the skills and experiences necessary to thrive in their chosen careers.

The unified advising model also assures that career counseling is available to all students—ensuring that they receive the economic benefits that come with it.

With an eye toward equity and inclusion, this model guarantees that no Illinois Tech student falls through the cracks.

PEER AND PROFESSIONAL MENTORSHIP

Elevate integrates mentorship as a cornerstone of its educational approach. Students connect with peer mentors who have navigated similar paths, providing a personalized support system that helps students navigate Illinois Tech and feel like they belong to a community. Students learn from one another—everything from effective study strategies to the latest professional development opportunities.

By engaging in meaningful relationships with their mentors, mentees practice core components of SEL, including communication, empathy, and emotional regulation. These interactions not only prepare students to navigate the complexities of interpersonal relationships, but also equip them with the emotional intelligence required to thrive in professional environments. Additionally, the program fosters twenty-first century skills such as creativity, teamwork, and digital literacy, as mentors often incorporate technology and innovative methods in their guidance. Through this holistic approach, the Elevate program ensures that students are both academically proficient and well-rounded individuals who are ready to make significant contributions in their future careers and communities.

JOURNEY MAPPING

Journey mapping plays a critical role in personalizing students’ educational experience, guiding them through a reflective and strategic planning process tailored to their individual goals and aspirations. This innovative component empowers students to visualize their academic and career trajectories in a cohesive, step-by-step roadmap, integrating both short-term objectives and long-term ambitions. By identifying key milestones, potential challenges, and resources available, journey mapping facilitates a deeper understanding of the path ahead, fostering a proactive approach to personal and professional development.

With effective journey mapping, students can make the most of their college careers and emerge as graduates who are well-rounded and job-ready.

A Clear Success Graduate Outcomes

ILLINOIS TECH’S COMMITMENT TO EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING through the Elevate program has significantly enhanced our graduates’ career prospects and economic mobility. The metrics speak volumes about the tangible impact of our innovative educational approaches on our students’ success.

ILLINOIS TECH GRADUATES

DO BETTER

SOURCE: ILLINOIS TECH DEVELOPED DASHBOARD TO SHOWCASE THEIR STUDENT SUCCESS, AVAILABLE AT: ELEVATE.IIT.EDU/UNDERGRADUATES-OUTCOMES

First Destination

The vast majority of our graduates obtained full-time employment or decided to continue their education through graduate studies.

Learn more about the percentages of our graduates employed fulltime, part-time, in graduate school, serving in the military, or pursuing volunteer opportunities.

STUDENT SUCCESS

Illinois Tech graduates consistently achieve remarkable outcomes in the job market:

CAREER PLACEMENT: Our undergraduate career placement rate, measured six months after graduation, consistently exceeds 90 percent. This high placement rate is a testament to the effectiveness of our Elevate program in preparing students for the workforce.

STARTING SALARIES: Illinois Tech graduates’ starting salaries have been at least $15,000 higher than the national average for the past three years—a notable increase from a $10,000 advantage prior to the launch of Elevate. This salary advantage underscores the value of our hands-on, real-world approach to education.

INTERNSHIP IMPACT: Data shows that career placement is up to 25 percent higher among undergraduates who completed an internship, highlighting the critical role that practical experience plays in enhancing employability.

Illinois Tech is ranked #37 in the United States for Social Mobility by the Wall Street Journal in their 2024 rankings, emphasizing our commitment to transforming the economic prospects of our graduates.

INSTITUTIONAL RECOGNITION

The success of our graduates is paralleled by significant growth in our enrollment figures and enhanced institutional recognition.

From the Wall Street Journal to U.S. News & World Report, Illinois Tech’s innovative efforts have propelled it to a high rank among the nation’s elite institutions.

In the Wall Street Journal/College Pulse 2024 Best Colleges in the U.S. list of the 400 top colleges in the United States, Illinois Tech ranks #23 in the nation, #1 in Illinois, and second in the entire Midwest region. Illinois Tech is also #1 in Illinois and #16 in the nation for salary impact relative to the cost of attendance. According to U.S. News & World Report’s annual Best National University Rankings, Illinois Tech ranks #29 on its Best Value Schools list, #98 on its Best National University Rankings, and in the top 100 for engineering, computer science, and social mobility.

ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL MOBILITY

Aligned with our foundational mission, we measure our success not just by immediate job placement and salary metrics but also by our role as an engine of opportunity for graduates and their families.

The Elevate experience is crucial for understanding Illinois Tech’s success in improving graduates’ economic mobility.

According to Opportunity Insights (2018), Illinois Tech is the #1 university in the state and #32 in the nation for lifting students from families in the bottom 20 percent of income to the top 20 percent.

“ The Elevate experience helped me realize that college is much more than just taking exams and passing your classes. It gave me the opportunity to explore new interests and get prepared for the real world.”

— Theo Guidroz (2022, Bachelor in Computer Science and Master of Artificial Intelligence)

STUDENTS ARE CHOOSING ILLINOIS TECH BECAUSE OF ELEVATE

Incoming freshmen and their parents are increasingly choosing where they study based on their career prospects.

The overwhelming majority (85 percent) of respondents agreed that a “very important” reason for attending college was to get a better job, according to The Higher Education Research Institute’s 2018 Survey on the American Freshman, published in 2019, which records the attitudes of incoming freshmen attending four-year public and private universities.

Illinois Tech is experiencing skyrocketing enrollment growth, with a 23 percent increase over last year’s enrollment and the highest fall enrollment in more than 30 years. This surge in growth represents the most significant overall undergraduate and graduate enrollment in more than three decades—with a more than 35 percent increase in undergraduate applications and 37 percent growth in graduate applications received for this fall semester—and coincides with Illinois Tech’s jump in national rankings, due in part to the extraordinary career outcomes for its graduates.

Top Reasons Freshmen Attend College

To learn more about things that interest me

To

Among those who chose to enroll at Illinois Tech, “preparation for career and job opportunities” was selected as the most influential factor by nearly half (48 percent) of respondents in a recent survey; also among the top reasons, 37 percent said “internships and other applied and experiential learning” was a persuasive reason to choose Illinois Tech.

Illinois Tech’s enrollment growth is bucking national trends. According to the latest National Student Clearinghouse Research Center data, Illinois Tech’s 2023 undergraduate enrollment growth is three times higher than the national average and four times higher than the national average for private, nonprofit, four-year colleges.

The decision of incoming freshmen to choose Illinois Tech increasingly hinges on career prospects. A substantial majority of incoming students and their parents recognize the direct correlation between our experiential learning opportunities and career success. In short, Elevate and experiential learning is a persuasive reason for students to enroll.

The success of the Elevate program at Illinois Tech illustrates the profound impact that a well-integrated experiential learning framework can have on both individual lives and broader societal outcomes. By continuously adapting our educational models to meet the evolving needs of the workplace and our students, we ensure that our graduates are not only ready to meet the challenges of today but are also equipped to lead innovations for tomorrow.

Next Steps

Implementing Experiential Learning at Your Institution

AS WE NAVIGATE THE SHIFTING LANDSCAPES OF HIGHER EDUCATION and the global job market, the critical role of experiential learning in preparing students for the complexities of the modern workforce cannot be overstated. This educational approach—seamlessly bridging theoretical knowledge with practical application—is essential for equipping students with the skills necessary for lifelong success.

Institutions looking to enhance their educational offerings and better prepare their students are encouraged to consider the integration of experiential learning into their curricula—and to use Illinois Tech’s Elevate program as a model.

Elevate is a prime example of how institutions of higher learning can innovate to meet the educational demands of the twenty-first century. Incorporating internships, research opportunities, project-based learning, and more into every aspect of the university experience may be a daunting task, but Illinois Tech and Elevate prove that such a program can be adopted and implemented. Illinois Tech has provided a blueprint for preparing students for this rapidly changing world.

Illinois Tech has provided a blueprint for preparing students for this rapidly changing world.

CONNECT WITH US

FOR INSTITUTIONS INTERESTED IN TAKING THE NEXT STEPS, WE INVITE YOU TO CONNECT WITH US.

Our team is ready to share insights, strategies, and best practices developed through the Elevate program to help you tailor an experiential learning framework that meets your institution’s unique needs and goals. Together, we can prepare the next generation of students for the challenges and opportunities of the future, ensuring they are not just job-ready, but also equipped with the skills to lead, innovate, and thrive.

ABOUT ILLINOIS TECH

Based in the global metropolis of Chicago, Illinois Tech was born to liberate the power of collective difference to advance technology and innovation for all. It is the only tech-focused university in the city, and it stands at the crossroads of exploration and invention, advancing the future of Chicago and the world. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering, computing, architecture, business, design, science and human sciences, and law.

Illinois Tech students are guaranteed access to hands-on experiences, personalized mentorship, and job readiness through the university’s one-of-a-kind Elevate program. Its graduates lead the state and much of the nation in economic prosperity. Its faculty and alumni built the Chicago skyline. And every day in the city’s living lab, Illinois Tech fuels breakthroughs that change lives.