Opinion: How businesses can partner with universities to develop talent pipelines

Mike Rakes

It was just another November evening – until it wasn’t.

New York City thrummed with its usual rhythm as the workday ended, a symphony of chaos and order. Office workers spilled out of skyscrapers, loud chatter blending with the metallic screech of subways below. Yellow taxis darted through crowded streets, their horns punctuating the five o’clock hour. Everything ran with unbroken predictability, the city’s invisible power grid making life effortless – until it didn’t.

Then, in an instant, it all collapsed.

The Northeast blackout of 1965 plunged more than 30 million people into darkness. Power grids failed, traffic lights flickered out and the great NYC – so accustomed to its invincibility – was paralyzed. What had been a seamless, self-sustaining system turned fragile when its underlying infrastructure proved ill-equipped to handle an unexpected surge in demand.

The economy lost millions overnight, businesses sat idle, rural homes and farms were all impacted and for 13 long hours, people were reminded that even the most advanced systems can fail when they lack resilience.

The modern workforce is facing its own kind of blackout. In an era defined by technological acceleration, global market volatility and the rise of artificial intelligence, the need for a structured talent pipeline between higher education and business has never been more urgent.

Just as energy is the universal currency of organizations, businesses depend on a continuous flow of fresh energy to remain competitive. Employees are the conduits of that energy, driving innovation, problem-solving and adaptability. However, for this energy to have real impact, it must be transformed into a usable force that advances an organization’s mission.

This is why stronger partnerships between industry and universities are critical. College students and graduates are not just new hires; they are catalysts of innovation and momentum. Armed with the latest best practices, cutting-edge insights and a global perspective, they inject fresh thinking, efficiency and problem-solving abilities that fuel long-term business success.

We live and work in an experience economy and the academy changes and finds new ways to collaborate to strengthen our local businesses.

Beyond technical expertise, young professionals and adult learners bring optimism and a strong drive to succeed. Just as a power grid relies on a steady flow of energy, businesses thrive when they strategically integrate upskilled adult learners and college students – even before graduation.

Through internships, summer research programs, onsite education and entry-level roles, companies benefit from early engagement with emerging talent.

At Evangel University, we are committed to aligning our efforts with the evolving needs of our business community’s workforce. There are critical life skills every graduate needs to succeed, including a strong work ethic, positive attitude and teachable spirit. These are the qualities that make graduates valuable contributors in any workplace.

Our goal is to connect graduates with companies in meaningful ways, embedding fresh energy into an evolving marketplace and driving long-term growth for both organizations and individuals.

This fall, my office will host two listening sessions to shape and enhance our New Bridge program, an initiative designed to strengthen connections between students and the workforce. These sessions will focus on three key areas:

1. Industry collaboration: Developing active partnerships with local businesses to align our curriculum with current industry needs, ensuring our graduates are well-prepared for the evolving job market.

2. Onsite micro credentials: Providing students with scholarships and academic credit for hands-on workplace experience, integrating real-world learning into their education.

3. Summer apprenticeships and internships: Creating direct talent pipelines for careers such as accounting, manufacturing and education, equipping students with practical skills and professional networks before graduation.

These conversations will be an opportunity for key stakeholders to contribute insights and help shape a program that benefits both students and employers.

Mike Rakes is the president of Evangel University. He can be reached at president@evangel.edu.