Education at Work, a national work-based learning nonprofit that assists businesses in tapping into the collegiate workforce, has announced an innovative pilot programme in partnership with Intuit Inc., the global financial technology platform that creates Intuit TurboTax, Credit Karma, QuickBooks, and Mailchimp. The initiative will help college students gain valuable industry experience in tax, accounting, and financial services while earning money to offset college expenses.
The programme’s first phase will begin in the fall semester of 2024, with up to 60 undergraduate students from Arizona State University working in flexible, part-time roles in Intuit’s TurboTax company. These students will not only gain valuable industry experience but also receive up to $5,250 in tuition support. Based on their performance, the students will be able to advance to roles in Intuit’s Expert Network, which connects tax specialists with consumers and small businesses.
David Graham, Senior Vice President of Intuit’s Expert Network, commented on the development:
The industry is seeing a critical shortage of certified tax and accounting professionals, and this new programme helps us strengthen our talent pipeline by making careers in tax and accounting accessible and attractive to a diverse group of students.
This programme builds on over a decade of Education at Work’s campus-based partnerships with public universities, including Arizona State University and the University of Texas at El Paso.
President of Education at Work Jane Swift stated:
For too many college students, Work is more of a burden than a benefit. We’re transforming this outdated model by offering students financially lucrative and professionally impactful career opportunities. We aim to help companies like Intuit meet critical business needs by building a college-to-career talent pipeline while helping students gain the practical experience and professional networks they need to thrive in the workforce.
Students can apply for opportunities with Education at Work and Intuit websites.
Founded in 2012, Education at Work helps students secure a high-quality first job after graduation by connecting them with flexible, paid employment opportunities with major companies. This enables them to develop in-demand skills and professional connections while earning money to fund the cost of higher education. Since its inception, the company has awarded over $107 million in combined wages and tuition assistance to nearly 8,000 students nationwide. Participating students are 25% more likely to graduate from their institution and to do so with 40% less student debt in comparison to their institutional peers. Importantly, 75% of the participating students identify as students of colour and 50% are first-generation college graduates, highlighting the diversity and inclusivity of the programme.
