Wellmark and Drake University are Shaping the Future Workforce with Career Readiness
The Business-Higher Education Forum’s Innovators at Work series showcases partnerships between business and higher education that are driving workforce transformation. Through case studies, this series highlights best practices, proven strategies, and impactful collaborations that address critical talent challenges and equip learners with the skills needed for the future workforce.
Meeting the Technology Talent Challenge
As its demand for technology talent surged, Wellmark Inc., a leading health insurance company in the Midwest, faced a competitive hiring landscape. Top graduates were often drawn to big tech firms, overlooking opportunities in industries like insurance. To secure a steady pipeline of skilled candidates, Wellmark sought to engage students earlier in their academic journey, building brand awareness and fostering future employee relationships.
A Strategic Solution: The Wellmark BlueX Technology Applied Learning Program
In partnership with Drake University, the Wellmark BlueX: Technology Applied Learning Program was launched—an innovative initiative integrating early campus recruitment with student success strategies. Spanning 3.5 years of a student’s academic career, the program offers career mentoring, professional development, and paid internships, starting from a student’s freshman year.
“The Drake University/Wellmark BlueX program is the exemplar on our campus for now to integrate the classroom and the workplace to drive learning and formation. The Drake students participating in BlueX acquire a deep appreciation of the Wellmark culture, invaluable professional experience and skills, and a much better understanding of their academic discipline.”
-Marty Martin, President, Drake University
Key Program Features
- Early Talent Engagement: Freshman and sophomore students receive mentorship from Wellmark leaders, developing career competencies and earning academic credit.
- Industry-Integrated Learning: Students tackle real-world challenges through independent projects designed by Wellmark.
- Internship-to-Hire Pathway: Junior and senior students participate in paid internships, gaining experience and transitioning into a pipeline for full-time roles.
“Being part of the BlueX program has opened new opportunities to explore with my degree while also providing valuable professional experience that enhances my understanding of concepts in the classroom.”
-Ella Peterson, Student, Drake University
What Made this Program a Success
This partnership is a complex endeavor, involving multiple teams from both Drake and Wellmark, and it requires ongoing communication and clear points of contact. Leadership transitions tested program continuity, but proactive onboarding and large, engaged teams minimized disruptions. Attracting first-year students who are exploring career options to a multi-year program was addressed through targeted outreach, faculty engagement, and promotional videos highlighting the program structure, mentorship benefits, and long-term career advantages. Success stemmed from open dialogue, quick issue resolution, and mutual value creation, such as leadership opportunities for Wellmark mentors, ensuring program longevity.
“I loved the BlueX program! I was unsure which technology area I wanted to pursue. Still, after joining the cybersecurity team, I truly got to explore the field and now have a clear direction for my future. I also never realized that healthcare technology would be where I am best suited to make a difference.”
-Sam Trujillo, Student, Drake University
Driving Outcomes for Workforce and Higher Education
The Wellmark-Drake University partnership has delivered significant outcomes for all stakeholders. Drake University enriched its curriculum with industry-relevant projects and experiential learning, resulting in stronger career placement metrics and deeper industry ties, including the launch of a new cybersecurity advisory board. Students gained critical career readiness through mentorship, projects, and internships, with several alumni transitioning to full-time positions at Wellmark. Wellmark, in turn, established a reliable talent pipeline and provided leadership development opportunities for employees serving as mentors. This collaboration stands as a scalable model for addressing talent gaps and strengthening regional workforce readiness.
Impact and Legacy
This partnership exemplifies work-integrated learning models that inclusively connect and prepare talent. Celebrating its sixth year, the Wellmark-Drake partnership has not only benefited more than 60 students and Wellmark but has also positively impacted the Des Moines region’s workforce and economy. By enhancing career readiness, reinforcing local industry-academic ties, and fostering regional talent retention, this program contributes to the long-term growth and prosperity of the area. It serves as a blueprint for industry and academic leaders seeking to align programs with talent strategies, ensuring a sustainable and skilled workforce pipeline.