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From Classroom to Career: JWU is Shaping Charlotte’s Workforce
In this editorial, JWU Charlotte staff and alumni explore the university's hands-on learning approach and its ability to provide students with the skills needed to succeed in today's job market.
Charlotte’s Growing Industry Needs
Filling job openings with qualified candidates requires time, resources and a deep understanding of workforce needs and community priorities. This challenge is particularly pronounced in rapidly growing industries in Charlotte, such as hospitality and tourism, with projections for 115,000 jobs by 2030 and an economic impact of $11.94 billion, up from 95,000 jobs and $7.9 billion in 2024 as reported by the Greater Charlotte Hospitality and Tourism Alliance.
Johnson & Wales University (JWU) is meeting this demand head-on, ensuring students are not only academically prepared but also equipped with real-world experience through hands-on learning, internships and strong industry partnerships. JWU’s career services department is the university’s hub for connecting employers and students.
Real-World Learning: Internships That Open Doors
Students and families see college as an investment, expecting it to provide job opportunities, employer connections, and resume-building hands-on learning experiences. They want assurance that graduates will gain the skills and relationships needed for career success.
JWU delivers on this promise by providing hands-on learning experiences that lead directly to career success. Adam Speer ’22 is a great example – turned his prep cook job at Best Impressions Caterers into an internship, leading to a full-time role. He advanced to Sous Chef in 2023, where he now hires and oversees internships. “Internships build essential skills beyond the classroom. At Best Impressions, this impact is clear—nearly our entire kitchen is made up of current or former JWU students,” shares Reese Fullwood, recruiter with Best Impressions Caterers.
This success story is just one example of how JWU’s commitment to experiential learning prepares students for the workforce.
Connecting Students with Industry Leaders
“At Johnson & Wales University, we believe that learning by doing is one of the most effective and high-impact ways to learn — which is why experiential learning is woven into all aspects of our education, both in and out of the classroom,” shares Deb Langenstein, director of experiential education and career advising at Johnson & Wales University.
From their first day at JWU, students are immersed in their field, working with industry-experienced faculty and a career-focused curriculum. In addition, students receive advice and an insider's understanding from visiting industry professionals including JWU alumni. These real-world connections are a key part of JWU’s career-focused approach, giving students direct access to industry leaders who can help shape their futures.
“One of the greatest advantages of attending JWU is the access to networking opportunities with top employers,” shares Taliah Ouzts ’19, senior human resource manager, Hilton Charlotte Uptown. “These events were instrumental in shaping my career, allowing me to build valuable connections that continue to support my professional journey,”
Institutions across the country are finding new ways to engage students in career preparation beyond traditional methods. JWU enhances career advising with events that teach life skills, like an etiquette dinner for seniors and the JC Penney Suit Up event, where students buy interview attire. These fun, practical initiatives help students feel confident and excited about their career journey.
Preparing Students for Today's Job Market
In addition to career development programs, many JWU students work on campus or in the community during the school year, gaining hands-on experience. They also complete internships, clinical, or research before graduation, preparing them to enter the workforce with valuable skills.
Madison Puckett ’25 psychology major is interning with Compass Group USA that manages JWU Charlotte’s dining services. “I oversee the Caf-to-Go station as a supervisor,” shares Puckett. “I work on improving the relationships we have with students by arranging events and overall communication with them. Through my internship, I’ve gained invaluable hands-on experience in leadership, event planning and problem-solving. This opportunity has helped me grow professionally and prepared me for my future career.”
Building Strong Partnerships
JWU effectively connects employers with current students and recent graduates who have relevant or comparative work experience and strong communication skills. “We look for an energetic outlook and a student that wants to continue learning and make an impact with our guests,” shares Tracey Milcarek, director of human resources for the Hilton Charlotte Uptown.
Johnson & Wales has strong relationships with top global companies like Bank of America, Compass Group USA, Four Seasons, Hyatt, Marriott, Novant, and PGA, all of which actively recruit JWU students. JWU Charlotte continues to expand these partnerships, providing students with valuable connections and hands-on experience in hospitality, culinary arts, business, and health.
“Staying connected with these world class employers, allows our team of career experts to stay ahead of what’s happening in the industry, so our students remain outstanding job candidates,” shares Langenstein. “We provide value to our employer partners by connecting them with students for internship, employment and professional development opportunities to further enhance their recruitment pipeline.”
Setting Students Up for Success
At JWU, career preparation is integrated into the student experience, ensuring graduates are workforce-ready through hands-on learning, industry connections and career services.
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