Overview
In this experience, you’ll work on a real-world, employer-led analytics project designed to help you apply your technical skills in a professional setting.
Projects are:
4–8 weeks in length
40–60 total hours of work
Completed individually, with each learner responsible for their own milestones and deliverables
Structured with up to 5 learners per project, with optional opportunities to connect and collaborate
Supported by an employer providing guidance and feedback
You’ll be applying your knowledge in areas like data analysis, data preparation, and exploratory workflows - while building portfolio-ready deliverables.
Key Dates
Please keep track of the following important program milestones:
Student onboarding session: June 17, 2026 | 2:00 PM (MDT)
Project matching: June 18, 2026 | 9:00 AM (MDT)
You will be assigned to a project.
Project start date: June 22, 2026
Project end date: August 14, 2026
Before You Start
To begin your project successfully, you must complete the following steps:
1. Get Assigned to Your Project
You will be matched to a project by the program team
Your assigned project will appear on your Riipen dashboard
2. Complete Onboarding Requirements
Accept your assigned project
Ensure your account is fully set up
Complete any required pre-surveys
3. Start the Project
Click “Start Project” on your project page
Send a professional introduction message to your employer
Include your background, skills, and interest in the project
These steps are required to officially begin your experience.
What to Expect During Your Project
Your Role
You are expected to:
Take initiative and manage your work independently
Apply your technical skills to a real business problem
Communicate regularly and professionally with your employer
Work toward delivering structured, business-relevant outputs
While you may be placed with other learners, all work and deliverables must be completed individually.
Employer Support
Employers will:
Provide project context, goals, and relevant data (if applicable)
Be available to answer questions and provide feedback at key points
Offer input to help connect your work to real business needs
This is an applied learning experience, not a traditional job. While employers provide guidance, you are expected to take ownership of your work, manage your progress, and drive the project forward.
Project Milestones
To stay on track, all projects follow a set of structured milestones:
Week 1: Project Kickoff
Meet with your employer
Review goals, scope, and expectations
Align on communication and next steps
Week 2: Early Progress Check-In
Share initial progress
Ask questions and clarify direction
Midpoint (Week 3–4)
You will submit a short update including:
Progress made so far
Current focus
Any challenges or blockers
Next steps
Final Submission (End of Project)
Submit all deliverables
Employer reviews your work and provides feedback
Communication Expectations
Throughout the project, you must:
Communicate using Riipen chat
Respond to your employer in a timely and professional manner
Participate in required milestone check-ins
Ask for clarification when needed
Consistent communication is critical to project success.
Completing Your Work
By the end of the project, you are required to:
Log all hours worked in Riipen
Submit your final deliverables
Complete a short written reflection
Complete all required surveys and milestones
Deliverables will vary by project but may include:
Cleaned and structured datasets
Exploratory analysis and insights
Reports with findings and recommendations
Visualizations or dashboards (where applicable)
Documentation explaining your process and decisions
Time Commitment
Total: 40–60 hours
Duration: ~6–8 weeks (June 22 – August 14, 2026)
Work is flexible but should align with milestone timelines
Completion Requirements
To successfully complete the experience, you must:
Complete all required steps and milestones
Submit final deliverables
Maintain communication with your employer
Stay within project timelines
Important:
Missing any required step or milestone by more than 5 days may result in your project being marked Incomplete.
If marked incomplete:
You will not receive a certificate or digital badge
You may not be able to continue the project
It may impact eligibility for future opportunities
What You’ll Gain
By completing your project, you will receive:
A certificate of completion
A digital badge for LinkedIn or your résumé
Employer-verified, portfolio-ready work
Hands-on experience solving real business problems
This experience is designed to help you confidently demonstrate your skills to future employers.
Important Policies
No project switching once assigned
Professional conduct is expected at all times
Projects are designed to align with your coursework and build career-ready skills
Need Help?
If you have questions or run into issues:
Use the support option on the platform
Or contact: wgu@riipen.com