Jonathan Komperda discusses ‘improving student job placement’ at SparkTalks
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Clinical Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies Jonathan Komperda presented the three-minute talk “The intersection of industry and the classroom: Where education becomes practice” during the recent Sparktalks at UIC.
Komperda explained how hands-on or project-based experience significantly improve student job placement, especially when their scope and duration are substantial. However, classroom-based industry engagement is also critical for preparing students for the working world. Integrating industry partners into curricula through real-world projects and mentorship – exemplified by the MIE senior design program – strengthens career pipelines, enhances student readiness, and enables faculty to adapt programs to evolving industry needs.