Paid micro-internships are reshaping how institutions prepare adult learners for the workforce in the US, says Shannon McCarty (Calbright College) in an interview for the evoLLLution. McCarty explains that short, flexible, remote internships allow learners to apply skills in real-world settings, bridging the gap between theory and practice. McCarty emphasizes that micro-internships promote equity, support skills-first hiring, and offer accessible pathways for learners balancing work and caregiving. In conclusion, she calls on institutions to embed experiential learning as a strategic imperative and to co-design programs with employers to ensure relevance and workforce alignment. “Partnerships in education must evolve from transactional to transformational,” said McCarty. “That means shifting from simply offering internships to truly co-architecting student experiences with industry and employers.”
