Dr. Jennifer Ruskin

Biography

Jennifer Ruskin is the Academic Director of Work-integrated Learning (WIL) at Macquarie Business School. She played a pivotal role in co-founding Macquarie University’s Co-op program, which helps students discover their passion through practical learning experiences. Additionally, she has led the business school's consultative process in developing employability strategies and minimum standards for WIL courses. With a Senior Fellowship from the Higher Education Academy (Advance), Jennifer completed her PhD focusing on the motivations of social entrepreneurs. Her teaching is grounded in experiential learning, emphasizing the importance of helping students navigate fulfilling and purposeful careers. Recent research projects have included co-creating curricula with students and workplace partners, evaluating student outcomes, and developing frameworks for quality WIL. Jennifer is a member of the editorial review board of the International Journal of Work-integrated Learning and chairs a professional learning committee for the Australian Collaborative Education Network. Before her academic career, Jennifer worked with Women’s Economic Ventures and Save the Children USA, and served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in rural Haiti, where she supported community health education.

Research Interests