ABSTRACT
As institutions of higher learning, the mission is to prepare students for the future of work within an increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous world. With jobs projected to change significantly, adapting to and thriving in such conditions will require a lifelong learning mindset and skills in self-reflection and self-direction. This chapter examines the strengths of an intentional, blended work-integrated learning and career education ecosystem in preparing students for this future. It draws upon activity theory to illuminate how the ecosystem operates and is strengthened when combined with the concept of purpose clarification, an iterative process toward meaningful work. This purpose-centered ecosystem offers a powerful framework for supporting learners to navigate the future of work with agency and resilience. The chapter includes a case study of the University of Waterloo’s learning ecosystem and how it strives toward this.
