Work-Integrated Learning Program

Welcome to the Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) program at FDU! This program offers students across all programs the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through work experiences that align with their program at FDU. By integrating classroom knowledge with real-world practice, this program prepares students to excel in their work experiences, enhance their professional skills, and build valuable professional networks. Read below to learn more on how to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application, setting the foundation for a successful career!

Meet Your Work-Integrated Learning Team

• Pete Moores, Work-Integrated Learning Program Coordinator
• Hannah Parkhouse, Work-Integrated Learning Program Assistant

Contact information: careerservicesv@fdu.edu

What is the Work-Integrated Learning program?

The Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) program is an educational approach that blends academic learning with practical, real-world experience. While completing work experience through FDU, students can earn up to 3 course credits by participating in internships, co-op placements, practicums or other forms of experiential learning that are directly related to their field of study. These opportunities allow students to apply theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom to actual work settings, enhancing their understanding and skills.

Graduate students are required to complete a minimum 300 hours of work experience and undergraduate students are required to complete a minimum 150 hours of work experience. Students registered in the WIL program are considered full-time students throughout the work experience term.

Students on paid work placements within British Columbia are covered by WorkSafeBC in the event of a workplace injury. For more information, please click here. 

What are the benefits of this program?

The Work-Integrated Learning program provides several benefits:

• Hands-on Experience: Students gain valuable Canadian industry experience, making them more competitive in the job market.
• Professional Development: Students develop essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving as well as exclusive career development training.
• Networking: Students build professional networks that can lead to future job opportunities.
• Career Insight: Students gain a clearer understanding of their chosen field and can make more informed career decisions.

Is this program right for me?

The Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) program is open to students enrolled in all FDU programs. Whether students are studying business, computer science, administrative sciences, or any other field, they have the opportunity to participate in work experiences that align with their area of study. However, the decision to register in the WIL program is influenced by various factors unique to each student, such as:

• Post-Graduation Plans: Students may have specific career goals or further studies planned immediately after graduation.
• Duration of Studies: Participation in the WIL program might extend the duration of a student’s studies, which could be a consideration if students wish to graduate within a certain timeframe.
• Personal Commitments: Other personal or financial commitments might impact a student’s ability to take on this program.

Given these considerations, it is essential for students to carefully evaluate their individual circumstances before committing to the WIL program. If a student is uncertain or needs guidance, we strongly recommend that they book an appointment  with our WIL team as they can provide personalized advice and help provide guidance regarding a student’s academic and career aspirations.

How do I know if I’m eligible?

Each program at FDU has specific requirements to be eligible for the Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) program. To view the specific requirements for your program, please refer to the WIL Program Requirements document. We also recommend booking an appointment  with the WIL team on Handshake under the appointment type “FDU Vancouver Internship Program.” Please refer to the Handshake Mobile User Guide  for step-by-step instructions. This will help ensure that students meet all necessary requirements and are well-prepared in advance of their planned WIL term.

When do I start the Work-Integrated Learning experience?

While Work-Integrated Learning experiences will normally try to follow the dates of the academic term in which the student is registered, the work experience can start before the beginning of a term and end after the end date of the term. This program is generally taken at the end of the student’s degree – either in the last or second to last term. This is to allow time for students to successfully complete their specific program requirements. 

How does the program work?

Attend a registration session

Work-Integrated Learning program registration must be completed 6 months prior to the work experience’s expected start date. Students are required to attend one of multiple registration sessions offered during the second month of each semester during the Registration Period. These sessions are scheduled to help complete the student’s registration into the program. The registration session schedule will be emailed to all students one week prior to the Registration Period. Please view the table below to see the upcoming Registration Period.

Attend an orientation

Once students are registered, they must attend an orientation where they’ll receive crucial information including important dates, program timeline, and details on obtaining the co-op work permit. This step is essential for ensuring that registered students are fully informed and prepared for their work experience.

Attend the Work-Integrated Learning training

Registered students are required to attend a group training session organized by career services to ensure they are well-prepared for their work experience. This curated training covers a variety of essential topics aimed at equipping students with the necessary skills to succeed in their work experiences. Training includes:

• Guidance on developing an effective resume and cover letter
• Strategies for a successful job search
• Comprehensive preparation for interviews
• And more!

By participating in this exclusive training, students will gain valuable insights and practical knowledge, positioning them for success in their work experiences and future career endeavors.

Meet with the Work-Integrated Learning team

Students are highly encouraged to book one-on-one appointments  with the Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) team to stay on track with their job searching and applications. These personalized sessions offer an excellent opportunity to receive tailored feedback and additional support specific to each student’s needs ensuring that students are well-prepared and confident as they navigate their work experience search and application process. By engaging with the WIL team individually, students can address any concerns, refine their application materials, and develop effective strategies to enhance their work experience prospects.

Search and apply for jobs

The next step in the Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) program involves students actively searching, applying, and interviewing for work experience positions. While students will be leading the search and identifying potential work experience positions, the WIL team is here to provide guidance and support throughout the process. They offer valuable insights, review applications, and help to refine students’ search strategy to ensure they find a position that best suits their aspirations. This collaborative effort is designed to enhance students’ independence and confidence in securing a meaningful work experience. Once students obtain a letter of offer from a company, it is reviewed by their Internship Faculty Advisor for suitability to meet the academic requirements of the program. While Career Services does not actively seek out and place students in work experiences, they may directly receive inquiries from interested companies for student candidates. Such opportunities will be advertised and students may apply for these placements.

Get hired and complete your work experience

During your work experience, you will complete both practical and academic components. You will be assigned assignments by your Internship Faculty Advisor as well as have a site visit mid-way through your work term. The Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Program Coordinator will visit you on-site or virtually to speak with you and your supervisor about your work experience progress. Upon completion of the program students will receive a final grade from their Internship Faculty Advisor.

Work-Integrated Learning Program Timeline by academic term

Spring term

Summer term

Fall term

What do I do during the work experience?

There are two parts to your work experience. There is a practical work experience component and an academic (theoretical) component. The practical component gives you the opportunity to observe and participate in a related work environment. The academic component provides the opportunity to re-examine theoretical concepts that you have learned in a real work environment.

Each work experience will be different depending on the company and what type of work they will assign. You may be assigned a project to work on, conduct research, or assist with some administrative work. It is important to remember that the objective is to provide you with experience in a related work environment. You may be assigned a variety of tasks ranging from simple tasks to more complex tasks. These duties are to allow you to gain an understanding of how various aspects of a business or organization operates. These experiences will provide you with real life examples that you will use as a part of your academic reporting. Companies may at first assign simpler tasks to ease you into their workplace environment or to assess your skills to determine how best to challenge you.

What type of work experience can I take?

If students are curious about which work experience titles would satisfy their program requirement, they can refer to the Career Pathways document . This resource lists potential job titles that align with the coursework of each FDU academic program, offering a clear guide to work experience titles that could satisfy their academic and career goals.

What if I cannot find work experience?

For students who do not find any work experience or decide to change their mind, they have the option to withdraw from the Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) program. However, it is important to note that students must complete the formal withdrawal process before the registration deadline to avoid any associated fees. Timely action ensures that they can adjust their plans without incurring additional costs. If you are a registered student who wants to withdraw, please contact Career Services at careerservicesv@fdu.edu. If you have questions regarding withdrawal fees, please contact Enrollment Services at esvancouver@fdu.edu. 

Are work experiences paid?

Students should be aware that not all work experiences are paid as students have completed unpaid opportunities as well. If compensation is a deciding factor for you, please keep this in mind when considering registration into the program.

Do I need a co-op work permit?

International students undertaking employment, paid or unpaid, in order to graduate from their program of study, are required to obtain a co-op work permit. This permit allows students to work full-time during academic terms. Once students are registered into the Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) program, students will receive comprehensive instructions on how to apply for this permit. For additional details and guidance, please click here. 

Do I have to pay for the Work-Integrated Learning program?

Tuition for the Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) program is included in the degree plan for students in all FDU programs, with the exception of students enrolled in the Master of Administrative Science. Students completing a Master of Administrative Science at FDU will need to pay for an additional 1 credit. For further information on tuition, fees, and deadlines, please contact Enrollment Services at esvancouver@fdu.edu or click here.

Who can I contact if I have more questions?

Bi-weekly Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) program information sessions are held in the Cambie Campus student lounge where you can drop-in and get your questions answered. For upcoming dates and times, please check the monthly newsletter sent to your FDU email. If you prefer a one-on-one appointment, you can book through Handshake  under the appointment type “FDU Vancouver Internship Program”  to meet with a Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) program team member. You may also email Career Services at careerservicesv@fdu.edu.