Overview
In this experience, you’ll work on a real-world, employer-led data analytics project designed to apply your data skills in a professional setting.
Project details:
Duration: 6–8 weeks
Workload: 40–60 total hours
Format: Individual work within a small team (up to 5 learners)
Support: Employer guidance and feedback
You are responsible for your own milestones, work logs, and submissions, with optional opportunities to collaborate with teammates. You’ll build portfolio-ready deliverables using real datasets and business problems.
Note: This program is exclusive to selected learners from WGU’s Data Analytics program.
Key Dates & Onboarding
June 17, 2026 | 2:00 PM (MDT)
Student Onboarding Session
Attend a live session covering:
Program overview
How Riipen works
Expectations and tips for success
June 18, 2026 | 9:00 AM (MDT)
Project Matching
You will be assigned a project
Platform Invitation & Account Setup
You’ll receive an email invitation to join Riipen and your Micro-Internship project.
To set up your account:
Click “Set password” in the email
Complete the required fields
Select “Create account”
Set Up Your Profile
Once your account is created:
Click your user icon (top right)
Select your username → Edit Profile
Add a photo, bio, and resume
Your profile will be shared with employers - make it strong and professional.
Project Access & Agreements
Before starting your project:
Review your assigned project
Carefully read and sign all program agreements
Once completed, your project will unlock. You can access it anytime from:
The Projects tab
Your learner dashboard
June 22, 2026
Project Start
To begin:
Complete the pre-survey
Click “Start Project”
Send a welcome message to your employer introducing yourself
Then:
Use chat to schedule a kick-off meeting with your employer (and team, if applicable)
Clarify project scope, expectations, and deliverables
What to Expect During Your Project
Your Responsibilities
You are expected to:
Manage your work independently
Apply data analysis and problem-solving skills
Communicate consistently with your employer
Deliver structured, insight-driven outputs
Employer Support
Employers will:
Provide datasets and business context
Offer feedback and direction
Help connect your analysis to real-world decisions
Project Milestones
Week 1: Kickoff
Meet employer
Align on scope and data
Week 2: Early Check-In
Share progress
Ask questions
Midpoint (Week 3–4)
Submit update:
Progress
Insights so far
Challenges
Next steps
Final Submission
Submit deliverables for review
Managing Your Work
Time Commitment
40–60 hours total
6–8 weeks duration
Communication Expectations
Use Riipen chat
Respond professionally and promptly
Participate in milestone check-ins
Time Tracking Requirements
Maximum 8 hours per day
Staying on Track
Use the Upcoming Tasks section to:
Create personal milestones
Track deadlines and check-ins
View your final submission deadline
You’ll also be prompted to:
Provide feedback to your employer
Complete required surveys
Important: Survey completion is required to finish your project.
August 14, 2026
Project End
Deliverables
Your final submission may include:
Cleaned datasets
Exploratory analysis
Reports with insights and recommendations
Visualizations or dashboards
Documentation of your process
Completion Requirements
To complete the project:
Submit all deliverables
Complete milestones and surveys
Log your hours
Maintain communication
Missing milestones by more than 5 days may result in an Incomplete status.
Completion & Recognition
Once all milestones, submissions, and surveys are complete, you’ll unlock:
A certificate of completion
A digital badge
Your certificate includes project, company, and skill details and can be shared on LinkedIn or your portfolio. You may also receive employer feedback or an endorsement to share with your networks that may support your future career goals.