VIPs as an Approach to Prepare Students to Thrive after Graduation

This article describes how Boise State University uses the National Association of Colleges and Employers’ set of eight “Competencies for a Career-Ready Workforce” as a foundation for the evaluation of its Vertically Integrated Project (VIP) program. Data was collected from both students and faculty to understand how often students had the opportunity to practice certain behaviors related to these competencies within their VIP. Results showed that VIPs do build career competencies, with both faculty and students reporting on observing these behaviors. This provides a possible framework for VIP faculty and program administrators to demonstrate alignment of the VIP program with broader institutional goals, particularly those related to career readiness and student success.