The resources and tools found within this community have been designed and curated to support students who are interested in gaining experience with an internship, Co-Ops, and/or work-based learning.
This community covers three main experiential learning experiences:
- Internships- a temporary work experience typically undertaken by students or recent graduates to gain practical, hands-on experience in a specific field or industry. Internships can be paid or unpaid and can be in the private or public sector.
- Co-Ops- short for cooperative education, typically refers to a program where students alternate between academic semesters and working paid, full-time positions in their industry. This alternating structure allows students to integrate practical work experience with their academic curriculum.
- Work-Based Learning- educational programs or experiences that integrate classroom learning with practical work experience in a professional setting. This approach allows students to apply theoretical knowledge and develop practical skills in real-world work environments. Work-based learning programs can take various forms, including internships, co-operative education (Co-op) programs, apprenticeships, and externships. The primary goal of work-based learning is to enhance students’ understanding of their chosen field, facilitate skill development, and prepare them for successful transition into the workforce.