Co-creating inclusive work-integrated learning opportunities: insights for stakeholders

Purpose This study aims to position work-integrated learning (WIL) as a transformative pedagogy for international business (IB) education. By embedding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) into WIL, the authors demonstrate how universities can better prepare IB students to navigate global challenges and thrive in multicultural, dynamic business environments. WIL brings together students, industry and higher education providers to meet the needs of the labour market, where DEI increasingly matter from both a business case and social justice perspective. Building on over 30 years of cumulative experience in industry engagement and WIL, the authors discuss key forces, trends, challenges and opportunities in co-creating inclusive WIL opportunities for an increasingly diverse group of learners. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on illustrative examples and institutional best practices the authors discuss the experiences in WIL and posit that a practically driven pedagogical approach to IB education can co-create an inclusive WIL environment. Findings Embedding DEI within WIL not only enhances inclusivity but also equips IB students with critical skills such as cultural intelligence adaptability and emotional resilience. These capabilities enable learners to effectively navigate the complexities contexts and connections unique to IB as a field. The authors argue for a systematic DEI-driven WIL approach to foster better integration of academic knowledge with real-world IB practices. Originality/value Existing literature discusses WIL as a practice-based learning approach but limited research examines its intersection with DEI in the context of IB education. The viewpoint bridges this gap showcasing specific strategies and best practices that enhance IB students’ readiness for global industries. The authors propose a framework for embedding DEI into WIL informed by both institutional initiatives and theoretical insights to improve employability and global competence diversity co-creation equity and inclusion.