Experiential learning
By advancing experiential learning, we connect students with real-world opportunities that bridge the gap between theory and practice and prepare them to lead with confidence and purpose.Dr. Steven Murphy, President and Vice-Chancellor.
Âé¶¹´«Ã½ University embeds experiential learning into the core of its academic mission, ensuring students gain practical, career-relevant experience before they graduate. Through co-ops, practicums, internships and capstone projects, students directly engage with industry, community and government partners to tackle real challenges and contribute to meaningful outcomes. These work-integrated learning experiences enrich academic study and build critical professional skills, networks and confidence, greatly increasing graduates’ chances of securing employment in their chosen fields. In fact, many Âé¶¹´«Ã½ students transition directly into full-time roles with their placement organizations after graduation, demonstrating the powerful connection between hands-on learning and career readiness.
Our strategic partnerships create mutually beneficial relationships: students apply their learning in impactful settings, while organizations gain access to fresh talent and innovative thinking. Whether it’s an engineering capstone, a business consulting project, or a health sciences practicum, these opportunities promote innovation, collaboration and workforce preparedness. At Âé¶¹´«Ã½, experiential learning is more than a feature of our programs; it’s a defining element of how we prepare students to thrive in a competitive, evolving job market and to make meaningful contributions from Day 1.
Experiential learning includes:
- Paid co-ops and internships (four to 16 months)
- Practicum and clinical placements
- Capstone projects
- Industry or community agency-sponsored research projects
- Teaching and research assistantships
- Entrepreneurship programs
- International placements
- Work-study opportunities
Between 2023-2024, more than 3,100 students participated in experiential learning opportunities with almost 500 organizations across a variety of dynamic sectors—health care, manufacturing, information technology, energy, education, professional and technical services and public administration.
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