Bachelor of Applied Nonprofit Studies

• Directed Field Studies - General Information
• What kinds of work term opportunities may be available?
• How do I prepare for my Directed Field Studies?
• Who is responsible for what? Student, Employer, Faculty and Coordinator roles.
• What about expenses?
• How do I contact my Work Experience Coordinator?

What kinds of work term opportunities may be available?

Nonprofit Studies students are able to work in a variety of areas. Opportunities may include: program planning and management, budget and finance, communication and public relations, training, marketing, management of information systems and data processing, research, chapter/constituent relations, fundraising, volunteer coordination, and event and meeting organization.

As a Nonprofit Studies student, you could be offered a work term position in Calgary, throughout Alberta, and across Canada. It is expected that students will be prepared to relocate for work experience opportunities.

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How do I prepare for my Directed Field Studies? 

In addition to core Nonprofit Studies courses, you are required to attend a series of workplace preparation sessions facilitated by your Work Experience Coordinator called Professional Development (PD) Seminars.

These seminars prepare students to:

• Complete a skills self-assessment
• Understand and comply with workplace and employer expectations
• Write competitive, professional resumes and cover letters
• Develop job interview skills
• Network with employers
• Conduct self-marketing campaigns

PD is a mandatory element of Directed Field Studies (DFS) and accounts for 10% of the first DFS grade. Students are not eligible to go out on a DFS until they have successfully completed PD.

Students' skills and experience with work search are all different. The PD material and assignments are meant to assist students at all levels to achieve and/or maintain a competitive edge in the DFS posting competitions. The PD sessions also provide students with valuable tools and resources which they can apply to their job search when they graduate.

Feedback from DFS employers supports the necessity and value of student participation in Professional Development classes.

PD is offered once each academic year, in the Fall semester. Contact the Work Experience Coordinator for more information.

It is advised that students explore volunteer and/or summer employment opportunities before taking the DFS course, as some positions require additional experience and/or qualifications.

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What about expenses? 

By starting to plan now, you can be financially prepared for your work terms. Expenses include:

• Directed Field Studies course fees - see Mount Royal Calendar
• Transportation - you will be responsible for your own transportation to and from the work site. Many work terms require the use of a vehicle.
• Relocation - if you accept a work term position outside of Calgary, you will be responsible for your own relocation and living expenses in that location
• Consent to Search and Disclosure of Personal Information (Security Clearance) may be requested by the employer.
• A Child Welfare Record Check may be requested by the employer.

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