Work-based projects are preparing my students for their futures

This story originally appeared on the state system's The Power and Promise of PASSHE site.

Bridging the gap between classroom knowledge and real-world application is a key goal for any effective educator. I am committed to helping students apply what they have learned in the classroom to a workplace setting, enabling them to see the relevance of their studies and perform better in their classes. My goal is to prepare them for future employment, introduce them to various career opportunities, and assist them in planning their careers.

I am in my sixth year at Commonwealth University, teaching accounting courses at both introductory and advanced levels. Work-based learning is a vital aspect of the Zeigler College of Business culture. Our faculty members highly value this approach and often incorporate it into classroom instruction and extracurricular activities.

In the fall of 2019, I started incorporating work-based learning into my classroom. For example, in my federal tax accounting classes, students prepared tax returns, including Form 1040 for individuals and Form 1120 for corporations. In my intermediate accounting class, students analyzed the financial statements of Fortune 500 companies. These hands-on experiences helped students develop the essential skills necessary for a successful career in accounting.

In the fall of 2024, the PASSHE Foundation connected me with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue and the Pennsylvania Auditor General. During our meetings, we discussed ideas for work-based learning, the skills our students need for the workplace, and potential collaborations with Pennsylvania agencies to enhance our students' education and prepare them for future employment.

By December 2024, we finalized plans to implement a project in my two accounting classes for the spring semester. The results of these partnerships were outstanding. In my Intermediate Accounting 3 class, representatives from the Pennsylvania Auditor General's office presented their audit responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of government auditing and the audit process. They created an assignment focused on the performance audit of Pennsylvania’s Lottery, which aimed to enhance students' reading, writing, and research skills while providing insights into the role of the Pennsylvania Auditor General.

In my Advanced Federal Tax Accounting class, representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue introduced their responsibilities, including sales and use taxes, and provided valuable tax resources. They developed a simulated case study project focused on state sales tax research, helping students build essential tax research skills.

These partnerships allow us, as faculty, to identify the skills and competencies that state agencies desire in future employees. This alignment helps us continuously refine our curriculum to reflect workplace trends, ensuring our students are better prepared for employment and maximizing the value of their degrees.

Additionally, many of our students intend to work in Pennsylvania after graduation, so collaborating with state agencies allows them to learn more about local job opportunities. By understanding the specific responsibilities of these agencies, students can explore their interests and begin planning their careers early.

Work-based learning continues to grow across PASSHE, and it’s wonderful to observe its positive effects on both students and employers. This approach not only enhances our partnerships but also greatly improves student employability. By connecting classroom knowledge with real-world experiences, we help students succeed academically while acquiring essential skills for their future careers. It’s a win-win for everyone involved!