The resources and tools found within this page 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

Why be involved with an Internship, Co-Op or Work Based Learning?

These experiences provide a valuable bridge between academic learning and real-world application. They offer the chance to gain practical experience in a chosen field, helping participants to understand industry dynamics and processes. Furthermore, they facilitate skill development in areas such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management, which are essential for professional success.

Things to consider:

1. Time: One of the first things you need to consider is the time requirement of the experience. Will it take place simultaneously with your studies, or will you do it over the summer or take a semester off? How many hours a week will you be working, and will you be able to do other things, or will this be a full-time proposition? Finally, consider how long is it for. Will it be for 8 weeks or six months?
2. Location: Where will the experience take place is also a major consideration. How far will you have to travel? Will it be local or abroad? If it is in a foreign country, do you need to speak the language? If it is virtual, do you have the proper equipment and space to work. Making sure you have a good computer, a strong enough internet connection, and speed, as well as having a quiet and private place to work can be considerations.
3. Expenses: You need to consider whether you can afford to take advantage of this opportunity. Is the internship paid or unpaid? What expenses if any does the organization cover? Some experiences are unpaid but grant a rental or transportation stipend, others offer housing. Will you have to pay for lodging because it is far from your home? What are rental prices if you need a short-term rental? What are the transportation costs? Will you need a vehicle to get to work, or can you take public transportation?