#220 Why Career Focused College Starts Earlier with Champlain’s Alex Hernandez

Flourish Coaching

Mar 31, 2026

In this episode, Lisa and President Hernandez discuss:

Early career integration in college education
Embedding real employer projects and simulations directly into classroom learning
Reimagining traditional general education with interdisciplinary, skills-based studio work
Combining structured pathways with built-in flexibility

Key Takeaways:

Starting in a career-focused major from day one allows students to gain relevant skills immediately, making them competitive for internships as early as their first year and enabling them to graduate with multiple real-world experiences already completed.
When students actively perform real tasks in class rather than only learning theory, they build confidence, accountability, and practical skills much faster, which directly impacts how prepared they feel to enter the workforce.
Employers are increasingly prioritizing demonstrated, applied skills and real-world experience over GPA alone, reflecting a shift highlighted in the conversation rather than a universal rule across all employers.
A flexible curriculum structure with built-in space for co-ops, internships, and exploration allows students to pursue opportunities like full-time work experiences or additional credentials without extending their time in college.

“Go out and try something. Don’t just read about it. Go out and do it.” – Alex Hernandez

About Alex Hernandez:

Alex Hernandez is the tenth president of Champlain College, a private independent college in Burlington, VT, renowned for its innovative approach to getting students Champlain Ready: Ready for work, Ready for life, Ready to make a difference.

Prior to Champlain, Alex was the Dean of the School of Continuing and Professional Studies and Vice Provost of Online Learning at the University of Virginia. He was also a leader in K-12 education, working as a teacher, administrator, and partner of a national foundation.

He is a fierce advocate for education opportunity, access, and innovation, and lives in Burlington, Vermont, with his wife Michelle and has twin sons in college.

Episode References:

Learn about Champlain College: https://www.champlain.edu/academics/learning-approach/

Get Lisa’s Free on-demand video: THE CAREER IDENTIFICATION COMPASS: How To Be Certain Your 15 To 25 Year Old is On The Right Path to Launch With Confidence–Not Confusion: flourishcoachingco.com/video