Strategic Collaborations: Advancing Higher Ed with Corporate Partners

There are many reasons why higher education institutions should create relationships with corporate partners.

As higher education marketers, we’re tasked with more than just boosting enrollment numbers—we’re shaping the future workforce. 

One of the most pressing challenges facing universities today is the growing disconnect between the skills students develop in college and the needs of the modern workforce. 

Corporate partnerships offer a valuable solution, helping institutions strengthen their workforce pipelines while providing students with real-world opportunities that prepare them for meaningful careers.

The need for stronger workforce pipelines has never been more urgent. 

According to Bill Spiker, President of the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC), 80% of students entering college today have never held a job. 

This lack of work experience leaves many graduates unprepared for the demands of the job market, and corporations are feeling the effects. 

Companies are increasingly seeking candidates with hands-on experience and job-ready skills, yet many graduates leave school with theoretical knowledge but little understanding of how to apply it in real-world settings.

This is where corporate partners come into play. 

In this episode of The Higher Ed Marketer podcast, Bill Spiker outlines how OFIC is using corporate partnerships to bridge the gap between academia and industry, helping both students and companies thrive.

The Role of OFIC: Bridging Colleges and Corporations

At the heart of OFIC’s mission is the commitment to support independent colleges through both fundraising and talent development initiatives. 

Founded in 1950, OFIC partners with 32 independent campuses across Ohio, focusing on raising scholarship funds and building connections between students and corporate Ohio.

While OFIC has a long history of scholarship fundraising, Bill discussed how the organization is expanding its role by launching initiatives like “Talent for Ohio.” 

This program aims to connect graduating students from member colleges with corporations looking for fresh talent, creating a mutually beneficial relationship between the higher ed sector and the workforce.

We’re looking for ways to raise not just funds, but awareness about the talent emerging from our campuses and how they can contribute to Ohio’s economy.

With over 70,000 students enrolled in OFIC’s member institutions, there is a significant opportunity to match skilled graduates with Ohio’s workforce needs.

Addressing the Employment Gap: Preparing Students for Careers

As mentioned earlier, one of the most eye-opening statistics Bill shared is that 80% of incoming college students have never held a job during their high school years. 

This lack of work experience presents a challenge for both students and employers. 

80% of them have not held a job during their high school years. They don’t know what it’s like to work. You also have to factor in there that we had a couple of horrible years with the pandemic.

The reality is that a very high percentage of students have not had a job outside of going to school. That is the population coming into our campuses. 

So how can we make sure that corporate Ohio is aware of what the potential is?

There’s also the student side. Because they’ve not held a lot of jobs, a lot of [them] just aren’t aware of the opportunities they’ll have when they graduate with a degree. They sort of know what they’re going to do, but they really don’t.

According to Bill, many students are entering college with limited knowledge of the workforce, which is why OFIC is stepping in to help bridge that gap.

OFIC’s efforts focus on creating stronger connections between students and corporate Ohio, with initiatives such as internship programs, co-ops, and career readiness support. 

These opportunities allow students to gain valuable work experience while still in school, better preparing them for their post-graduation careers.

“It’s not just about the first job,” Bill notes, “it’s about building a foundation for a successful career path, starting with internships and co-op experiences that lead to full-time employment.”

Corporate Philanthropy and Strategic Talent Development

In addition to scholarships, OFIC works closely with corporations to connect with strategic partners that serve both philanthropic and workforce development goals. 

Bill highlights two successful corporate partnerships that have led to positive student outcomes:

1. Fifth Third Bank: Through the Charlotte Schmidlapp Fund, Fifth Third Bank provides scholarships for women pursuing STEM fields, helping to address a critical need for more women in these high-demand areas.
2. Shook Construction: The company offers scholarships to engineering students and provides internship and co-op opportunities, which have led to full-time job offers for scholarship recipients.

These partnerships illustrate how corporations can go beyond financial contributions to actively shape their future workforce. 

By aligning scholarship criteria with corporate talent needs, companies are able to invest in students who are likely to become future employees.

Corporate Partners Innovating for Talent Development

As part of its ongoing evolution, OFIC is launching new programs to keep pace with the changing landscape of higher education and workforce development. 

One of the most exciting initiatives on the horizon is the Manufacturing Expo Plus, supported by a $25,000 planning gift from Honda of America.

The Manufacturing Expo Plus initiative will give students, faculty, and career center staff an inside look at the modern manufacturing industry. 

The goal is to dispel outdated perceptions of manufacturing and highlight the advanced opportunities available in fields like engineering, business, and technology.

Bill emphasizes the importance of adaptability in higher education partnerships: “We can’t keep doing the same things and expect different results. We have to innovate and listen to the needs of both our students and corporate partners.”

Taking Back the Narrative on Higher Education

Towards the end of the conversation, Bill touches on a critical issue—we need to reclaim the narrative around the value of a college degree!

While popular opinions may suggest that college isn’t for everyone, Bill argues that higher education is important for economic and social mobility.

“Higher education is not for everyone, but for those who pursue it, the value is undeniable,” Bill says, pointing to data that shows the lifetime earnings of college graduates significantly outpace those without a degree. 

He also highlights the role that independent colleges play in fostering civic engagement and leadership, noting that graduates of these institutions are more likely to vote and participate in community activities.

The Need for Corporate Partnerships in Higher Ed

Bill Spiker’s insights underscore the growing importance of corporate partners in higher education. 

As organizations like OFIC continue to evolve, the focus will be on creating even stronger connections between students, colleges, and corporations, ensuring that both Ohio’s economy and its graduates thrive.

Whether through scholarship funding, internship programs, or strategic talent development, the future of higher education will depend on innovative partnerships that meet the needs of both students and employers.

By building closer relationships with businesses, universities can help students gain practical skills through internships, co-ops, and mentorship programs. 

In return, corporations benefit by shaping a workforce that aligns with their specific needs, ensuring they have access to qualified candidates who are ready to contribute from day one.

Listen to our full interview with Bill Spiker to get even more insights into:

• Fundraising and talent development with independent colleges
• Making corporation connections aware of college happenings
• Why scholarships are shifting toward more of an investment
• How organizations like OFIC evolve to meet changing needs

Looking to Build Your Team’s Marketing Skill Sets?

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• Generative AI in Higher Education, 
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Through engaging talks, our CEO and founder, Bart Caylor, can provide your team with practical tools and actionable insights on how these tools can be integrated to enhance educational strategies and overcome industry challenges. 

Each session is tailored to meet the specific needs your team may have, lasting between 60-90 minutes, and is designed to inspire educators and administrators alike. 

For more information, please contact us today!

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Featured image via ofic.org