Work experience - general information
- What is work experience?
- Who is expected to complete a work term(s)?
- How will I get my work term(s)?
- What does a work term cost?
- Will I get help when it comes time to prepare for my work term(s)?
- How will I be graded on my work term(s)?
- Will there be support for me while I am on my work term(s)?
Work experience is a non-credit, supervised, semester-long (450 hour minimum) work term in the communications field. These four month, employer-paid work terms provide students with valuable opportunities to practice, apply and enhance their academic knowledge in a "real world" work setting.
Who is expected to complete a work term(s)?
Students enrolled in Broadcast Media Studies, Information Design, Journalism & Digital Media and Public Relations complete one mandatory work term in order to graduate. Each stream also offers optional work terms. Please consult with your work experience coordinator for more information.
How will I get my work term(s)?
- Employers post job opportunities on the Career Services website, based on industry participation and labour market conditions, and are accessible by eligible work experience students only.
- Employers review the applications, shortlist, interview candidates and offer the positions to the successful students.
- Work experience students are expected to fully participate in the job competition process offered through Career Services.
- Students who hesitate to apply for a wide range of opportunities usually have the greatest difficulty acquiring placements, while those who apply and interview for numerous positions enhance their chances of being successful.
- Student self-marketing initiatives (i.e., looking for work terms independently), in areas of personal and professional interest, are also strongly recommended in order to increase students' chances of success.
- Positions that students find independently ("student-identified") must be approved by the work experience coordinator and program chair prior to accepting offers.
- Students must complete the work experience professional development sessions prior to commencing a work term.
Please note: The availability and number of opportunities is dependent upon employers' needs and labour market conditions. Many employers post opportunities at a number of post-secondary institutions, creating competition for available positions. Therefore, work term placements cannot be guaranteed.
The Workplace Issues and Preparation Seminar course and each work term are non-credit courses with fees attached to them. Please consult the 2018/19 Tuition and Fee Schedules for more information.
There may also be additional costs associated with your program or major. Please see your program-specific web pages for more information.
Will I get help when it comes time to prepare for my work term(s)?
- The Workplace Issues and Preparation Seminar course helps to prepare students for the workforce.
- Course materials and assignments are designed to assist students in achieving and maintaining a competitive edge in the job search process and workplaces.
- Feedback from employers supports the necessity and value of student participation in this course.
How will I be graded on my work term(s)?
Students who successfully complete the Workplace Issues and Preparation Seminar course and each work term will be awarded a "Pass" grade for each.
Will there be support for me while I am on my work term(s)?
- Yes. During your work term, you will have access to both faculty and your work experience coordinator. Each have a specific role but work closely together to provide you the support you need on the job:
- Faculty is there to help you with the academic components and resources or technical advice that relate to your job. You will be required to complete assignments, work reports and projects specific to your program.
- The work experience coordinator maintains ongoing contact with the employer to ensure their needs are being met and answer any questions about the work term, while continuing to promote further participation in the program.
- We also encourage you to contact your work experience coordinator at any time if you have questions or concerns about your job or the workplace.