Student Spotlight: Edward Osei | ASU Student • Intuit Product Expert • Future Finance Pro
ASU Student • Intuit Product Expert • Future Finance Pro Student Spotlight: Edward Osei ASU Student • Intuit Product Expert • Future Finance Pro Student Spotlight: Edward Osei ASU Student • Intuit Product Expert • Future Finance Pro Meet Edward Osei, a driven student at Arizona State University who’s gaining more than just a paycheck through his role as a product expert with Intuit, which was made possible by Education at Work. In his own words, Edward credits E@W with helping him build something you can’t always learn in a classroom: true confidence. “I like to talk to people, but I didn’t know how to do it professionally. Now, I’m comfortable on the phone, helping customers, and I see the results in my performance. That confidence came from this job.” One of the most significant benefits for Edward? Work-life balance that prioritizes being a student. “They want you to be a student first and a worker second. If you have an exam or project, they support you. It’s why ‘education’ is in the name.” And when it comes to tuition assistance, Edward doesn’t hold back: “I love the tuition assistance—no lie! It’s been incredibly helpful. I’m just trying to make it through school and pursue my dreams, and E@W and Intuit provide support tenfold.” Watch Edward’s full spotlight video above to hear his story in his own words. Ready to build transferrable skills, grow your confidence, and get school support? Explore our current student job openings and apply today! 🌟 Linkedin Facebook Instagram Youtube
Transforming Education-to-Career Pathways: Education at Work President Jane Swift Featured at the 2025 ASU+GSV Summit
Transforming Education-to-Career Pathways Education at Work President Jane Swift Featured at the 2025 ASU+GSV Summit The 2025 ASU+GSV Summit, held April 6–9 in San Diego, gathered the most innovative leaders from education, business, and government to explore the future of learning and work. Education at Work’s president, Jane Swift, contributed her perspective and voice to two dynamic panels addressing some of the most pressing issues in education-to-career navigation and workforce development. Recalculating Routes… The State of Education to Career Navigation In this powerful session moderated by Julie Lammers of American Student Assistance, Jane joined leaders from ECMC, Kuder, and the Schultz Family Foundation to spotlight solutions that help students discover and pursue rewarding careers—whether through traditional degrees or alternative pathways like work-based learning and credentials. Jane shared how Education at Work’s unique model integrates paid, meaningful employment with guided skill development and mentorship. As she described, “When students in our Intuit program assist real customers during tax season, they aren’t just learning technical skills—they’re gaining confidence, building cultural capital, and navigating real workplace dynamics. That’s the kind of preparation that sticks.” She emphasized that career navigation isn’t just about coursework—it’s also about building social and professional networks, understanding workplace culture, and gaining the kind of experience that makes students stand out. “A student scanning a QR code to walk through a tax filing process isn’t just learning software,” she said. “They’re learning to explain, guide, and build trust—all essential, transferable skills.” The conversation underscored students’ challenges navigating over 1 million credentials from 60,000 providers and the growing disconnect between degrees and perceived readiness. With 81% of employers now believing that skills matter more than degrees, the panelists called for multi-sector collaboration, greater transparency, and scalable tools that help students, families, and employers evaluate and understand all post-secondary options. Forming a More Perfect Union… A Bipartisan Conversation During Tuesday’s Lightning X Lunch, Jane joined an extraordinary panel of public officials and education leaders, including former U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema, former Delaware Governor Jack Markell, and state education secretaries Katie Jenner and Aimee Guidera, for a bipartisan conversation on the power of unity in transforming education and workforce development. Moderated by Ben Wallerstein of Whiteboard Advisors, the conversation was a rare and refreshing reminder that bridging divides is possible—and necessary—when preparing young people for meaningful careers. Jane offered a compelling perspective from the nonprofit and employer-partnered side, reinforcing that real change becomes possible when industry, government, and education align. She stressed the importance of equity, access, and relevance and how collaborative work-based learning programs like those offered by Education at Work can serve as scalable, inclusive models for student success. Why It Matters These two panels showcased what Jane—and Education at Work—stand for: breaking down silos, building social capital, and helping students take the most direct and supportive route from college to career. At a time when traditional education pathways are under scrutiny, E@W is proving that innovative, hands-on, and human-centered models can offer real solutions that meet the needs of both students and employers. Let’s keep the conversation going. Follow us on our socials to hear more stories from our students, see how we’re shaping the future of work, and contact us to explore ways to partner with us. Linkedin Facebook Instagram Youtube
Student Spotlight: Sydney Rice | ASU Freshman & Intuit Product Expert
Student Spotlight: Sydney Rice ASU Freshman & Intuit Product Expert Starting college is a big step—new classes, responsibilities, and finding a rhythm that balances it all. For Sydney Rice, a freshman at Arizona State University majoring in International Relations, the decision to take on a professional role alongside her studies might seem ambitious. However, for Sydney, working as an Intuit Product Expert through Education at Work has fit seamlessly into her college experience and provided her with skills and confidence that will stick with her well beyond her time at ASU. Gaining Real-World Skills Early On Sydney’s role at Intuit puts her on the front line of customer support, where no two days are precisely the same. Each customer brings a unique question or challenge, and it’s up to her to provide helpful solutions—sometimes on the fly. “This position has helped me sharpen my critical thinking and problem-solving skills,” Sydney shares. “Customers often call in with specific challenges, and I have to think quickly, stay calm under pressure, and find the right solution. Sometimes, that means relying on the resources available to me; sometimes, it’s about trusting my judgment. Either way, every conversation is a learning opportunity.” But beyond solving technical issues, Sydney says one of the biggest takeaways has been developing strong customer service skills—something she knows will benefit her long after this job. “Learning how to connect with customers, even when frustrated, and helping them feel supported has been huge for my growth.” Connecting Coursework with Career Goals As an International Relations major, Sydney’s coursework revolves around understanding people’s cultures and how communication plays a key role in diplomacy and leadership. She’s found that her experience at Intuit mirrors many of those same lessons. “Communication is everything in my field,” Sydney explains. “Every day in this role, I interact with people from all different backgrounds, personalities, and situations. It’s up to me to make sure they feel heard and supported, whether the conversation is easy or challenging. That experience aligns perfectly with what I’m learning in my classes.” She adds that her job has also taught her valuable lessons in patience, empathy, and adaptability—qualities she sees as essential to her future career. Flexible, Student-First Work Environment One of the reasons Sydney is eager to recommend Education at Work to fellow students is the flexibility and support built into the program. Unlike traditional student jobs, E@W understands that academics come first and balancing life as a college student requires adaptability. “I’d recommend working here to any friend looking for a job,” Sydney says. “It’s not just about earning a paycheck—although that’s a bonus. What I appreciate most is how flexible and student-focused it is. I can prioritize my classes, exams, and schoolwork and still pick up shifts that fit my schedule.” That flexibility allows Sydney to fully embrace the college experience without sacrificing valuable work experience. “You can still have a social life, hang out with friends, and enjoy all the things that make college fun while also gaining skills and experience that will help you after graduation.” Building a Foundation for the Future In addition to the hands-on skills and customer service experience, Sydney also benefits from Education at Work’s tuition assistance program, which helps lighten the financial burden of college. For her, it’s the full package—real-world experience, professional development, flexibility, and financial support—all designed to help students succeed. As Sydney continues her journey at ASU, she’s confident that the skills and knowledge she’s building will serve as a strong foundation for her future career. “This experience has been such an important part of my growth,” she reflects. “It’s setting me up for success—not just in college, but in life.” Looking for more than just a part-time job?Join a program that helps you grow, gain real-world experience, and graduate with a stand-out resume. View open student positions and apply now! 🌟 Linkedin Facebook Instagram Youtube
Voices of Student Success: Helping Gen Z Navigate Future Careers
Voices of Student Success: Helping Gen Z Navigate Future Careers Inside Higher Ed Podcast Listen to this powerful episode of The Key from Inside Higher Ed featuring Jane Swift, president of Education at Work, on preparing Gen Z for the jobs of the future — and it’s a must-hear for anyone working at the intersection of education and workforce. Work-based learning doesn’t just help students – as Jane says, “Our model fills current workforce gaps in places that companies are struggling to recruit full-time employees.” Education at Work students working part-time for Fortune 500 companies like Intuit — in roles designed to prioritize their education — aren’t just meeting expectations. They’re exceeding the performance metrics required of full-time staff and traditional outsourced models. This is what it looks like when we reimagine talent pipelines to benefit both students and employers. LISTEN TO PODCAST
Rethinking Student Employment: Key Takeaways from SXSW EDU Panel Discussion
Rethinking Student Employment Key Takeaways from SXSW EDU Panel Discussion Discover key insights from SXSW EDU’s panel on rethinking student employment and how scalable work-based learning models, like Education at Work, are reshaping the college-to-career journey. Learn how innovative partnerships are breaking barriers and preparing students for career success. At this year’s SXSW EDU, an annual event showcasing innovation in education, the conversation around work-based learning took center stage during a dynamic panel discussion titled “Learning While Earning: Rethinking Student Employment.” Moderated by Iris Palmer, Director of Community Colleges at New America, the panel featured expert insights from: Jane Swift, President of Education at Work Les O’Reilly, Director of Expert Sourcing Strategy & Partnerships, Intuit Louie Rodriguez, J.D., Vice Provost for Professional Development, Engagement, and Strategic Initiatives, University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) Together, they explored how new student employment models can disrupt broken college-to-career systems and expand access to meaningful work experience for more college students. Why Work-Based Learning is Critical For many college students, working while studying is not just an option—it’s a necessity. Forty percent of full-time undergraduates are employed, working between 20 and 34 hours a week. First-generation college students face more significant challenges, often juggling longer work hours with fewer opportunities to secure career-boosting internships. Yet, internships remain a crucial stepping stone for students’ career success. Research from Strada Education Foundation and Handshake reveals that students overwhelmingly want internships, but barriers like time, finances, and accessibility prevent many from participating. Competition for these coveted opportunities is increasing– internship postings on Handshake declined by 15% between January 2023 and January 2025, making it even harder for students to gain relevant experience. Meanwhile, businesses are also struggling. Six in ten hiring managers report gaps in new grads’ skills, and many have fired Gen Z workers in the past year due to a lack of job readiness. So, how can we bridge the divide? The Education at Work Solution: A Scalable Model for Work-Based Learning During the panel discussion, Jane Swift highlighted how Education at Work (E@W) redefines student employment by connecting college students with flexible, paid roles at Fortune 500 companies. This enables them to earn a paycheck, gain durable and technical skills, and graduate with real-world work experience—all without sacrificing their education. Unlike traditional on-campus jobs or unpaid internships, E@W partners directly with universities and businesses to create work opportunities that integrate with students’ academic schedules while providing industry-aligned skills training. “This is about removing barriers for students,” Jane explained. “We need solutions that work for students who are already balancing work and school and also meet businesses’ needs for talent development.” How Can Work-Based Learning Be Scaled? How to scale work-based learning beyond pilot programs and isolated partnerships was a key topic of discussion, and the panelists explored several policy solutions at both the state and federal levels, including: ✔ Expanding federal work-study eligibility to support more off-campus, career-relevant employment opportunities✔ Incentivizing employer partnerships to increase paid work-based learning programs✔ Investing in intermediary organizations like Education at Work, which help facilitate scalable solutions for students and employers Looking Ahead The conversation at SXSW EDU emphasized that the current student employment model isn’t working for most students or businesses seeking skilled talent. New approaches, like Education at Work’s model, demonstrate that earning while learning doesn’t have to be a choice between a paycheck and a career path—it’s a way to achieve both. As the workforce continues to evolve, the need for scalable and accessible work-based learning programs has never been greater. We’d love to connect if you’re a university, employer, or policymaker looking to help students bridge the gap between education and career success. Contact Us to learn more about how Education at Work is shaping the future of student employment. Linkedin Facebook Instagram Youtube
College degree? Why your first job may matter more
College degree? Why your first job may matter more UniversityBusiness.com In a recent op-ed in University Business, Education at Work President Jane Swift explores why early work experiences are just as critical as a degree—and how forward-thinking employers and higher education institutions can partner to create career-connected learning opportunities that truly prepare students for the workforce. READ ARTICLE
Work-based learning can better prepare college students for the workforce – A conversation with Jane Swift, president, Education at Work
Work-based learning can better prepare college students for the workforce – A conversation with Jane Swift, president, Education at Work WorkingNation: Work in Progress Podcast Education at Work president Jane Swift joins WorkingNation‘s Work in Progress podcast with Ramona Schindelheim to talk about our mission, the importance of work-based learning in preparing college students for careers, and how it can solve talent gaps across industries. LISTEN TO PODCAST
Unlock Your Future: Get Hired and Craft Your Career Story!
Unlock Your Future: Get Hired + Craft Your Career Story! Missed Our Virtual Event? Watch the Recording Here. If you weren’t able to join us live for Unlock Your Future: Get Hired and Craft Your Career Story on February 27th, don’t worry—the recording is now available! This powerhouse panel discussion features insights from top industry leaders who know what it takes to stand out and succeed: Jane Swift, President of Education at WorkParas Doshi, Global Client Director at LinkedInJessie Van Arman, Head of Marketing at MetaFord Coleman, Founder & CEO of Runway Moderated by Elena Agaraimova, Co-Founder of Shift and Kamina Singh, Founder of HumanUPtions. They break down the exact steps you can take right now to: Leverage internships, mentorships, and networking opportunities to gain a competitive edge Craft a compelling career story that resonates with employers Crush your next interview and get hired before graduation Don’t miss this opportunity to learn directly from those shaping the future of hiring and career development. Whether you’re a student, a recent grad, or just starting to map out your career journey—this recording is packed with practical tips you can apply today. Watch the full event now and take the next step toward your future! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kf-ZF5yOLjw Linkedin Facebook Instagram Youtube
Empowering Talent Development in the Age of Automation
Empowering Talent Development in the Age of Automation In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are not just buzzwords—they’re reshaping how organizations approach talent development. As industries evolve, so must the strategies for training, developing, and retaining a skilled workforce. AI brings unprecedented opportunities, from personalized learning journeys tailored to individual strengths and goals to predictive analytics forecasting skill gaps and optimizing workforce planning. Beyond enhancing engagement, automation eliminates administrative bottlenecks, freeing HR and talent teams to focus on what matters most—unlocking human potential. This article explores how organizations can embrace AI and automation to future-proof talent development strategies and stay competitive in a rapidly changing landscape. Personalized Learning Experiences AI enables the creation of personalized learning paths by analyzing individual employee skills, strengths, and areas for improvement. This tailored approach ensures that training is relevant and practical, enhancing employee engagement and accelerating skill acquisition. For instance, AI tools can assess a worker’s competencies to design customized development programs, optimizing the learning process. Predictive Analytics for Talent Management Leveraging AI-driven predictive analytics allows organizations to anticipate skill gaps and workforce needs proactively. AI can forecast future talent requirements by analyzing data trends, enabling strategic planning and informed decision-making. This foresight is crucial for maintaining a workforce that aligns with evolving business objectives. Automation of Administrative Tasks Automation streamlines administrative functions, reducing the burden of repetitive tasks on HR professionals. This efficiency allows HR teams to focus on strategic initiatives that drive organizational growth. For example, automating employee training processes can enhance learning experiences and improve training return on investment (ROI). Addressing the Fear of Becoming Obsolete (FOBO) As AI and automation become more prevalent, employees may experience anxiety about job displacement. To mitigate this fear, organizations should invest in continuous upskilling and reskilling programs, ensuring that employees remain valuable contributors in an AI-augmented workplace. Mandatory and strategic training initiatives can help workers adapt to technological advancements, fostering a culture of lifelong learning. Embracing AI for Future-Proof Talent Strategies Integrating AI into talent development strategies is not just a trend but a necessity for future-proofing organizations. By embracing AI, companies can create more dynamic, responsive, and effective talent development programs that align with the fast-paced changes of the modern business environment. This proactive approach ensures that the workforce remains agile, skilled, and ready to meet future challenges. In conclusion, adopting AI and automation in talent development revolutionizes how organizations approach workforce training and management. By leveraging these technologies, companies can provide personalized learning experiences, utilize predictive analytics for strategic planning, and automate administrative tasks, all of which contribute to a more efficient and future-ready workforce. Linkedin Facebook Instagram Youtube
Gaining Confidence and Real-World Experience: Martin Hristov’s Journey at Intuit
Gaining Confidence and Real-World Experience: Martin Hristov’s Journey at Intuit E@W Student Spotlight Starting college is a time of exciting new opportunities and big decisions about the future. For Martin Hristov, a freshman at Arizona State University majoring in finance, one of those key decisions was to start building his career experience early—by working as a product expert for Intuit through Education at Work (E@W). While many college students might wait until later in their academic careers to pursue professional roles, Martin immediately recognized the value of getting hands-on experience. “I value the chance to work for a large company like Intuit so early on,” he shares. “I know this experience will help me in the future since I’ll be able to put on my resume that I’ve worked directly with customers, helping them with their tax forms and addressing financial issues.” However, the benefits of Martin’s role go far beyond what he can list on his resume. Since joining Intuit, Martin has had the chance to sharpen key professional skills—skills that aren’t always developed in a typical classroom setting. “This job has helped me improve my problem-solving and communication skills,” he says. “I’ve learned how to approach complex questions, explain financial concepts clearly, and work with various people. I am much more confident since working here.” For Martin, one of the most valuable aspects of working at E@W is the community and support system it offers. “It’s not just a job—it’s a professional network,” he adds. “I’ve met a lot of peers who are also balancing school and work, and it feels good to be part of a real-world corporate setting outside of my classes. It’s given me a sense of belonging and helped me understand how a large company operates.” Balancing work and school can be challenging, but Martin appreciates how E@W’s partnership with Intuit is designed with students in mind. One standout feature is the flexibility in scheduling, which allows students like Martin to succeed academically and professionally. “A key benefit to working for E@W over other companies offering tuition assistance is the flexibility,” he says. “I can prioritize my classes and still gain valuable experience without feeling overwhelmed.” As Martin continues his studies in finance, he’s already laying a strong foundation for his future career. Through his role with Intuit, he’s building real-world skills, expanding his professional network, and gaining the confidence to take on whatever challenges lie ahead. His advice for other students? Don’t wait to get started. Opportunities like Education at Work allow students to earn a paycheck, receive tuition assistance, and develop career-ready skills—all while balancing life as a college student. Education at Work isn’t just a job—it’s a launchpad.Like Martin, you can earn a paycheck, gain valuable skills, and set yourself up for long-term success.Browse current student openings and apply now! 🌟 Linkedin Facebook Instagram Youtube