Ways to Get Work Experience

Complete research to help solve practical problems. This can include consulting, design or community-based research projects.

A clinic is practice-based work experience under supervision.

In CSL, you will work with a community-based organization to solve local challenges.

Courses and programs with a co-op option include Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Management.

Co-ops are paid work terms that you complete during your program. You can alternate co-ops and academic terms to keep developing your skills.

For example, in REC 260 - Outdoor Recreation Co-op Work Experience, students get full-time, paid employment in the field of outdoor recreation. This is interspersed with classroom study.

An internship is a structured work experience opportunity. It can happen in the middle of a program or just before graduation. Internships can be of any length but are typically four, eight or 12 months long.

Courses and programs with field placement options include Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Assistant.

Field placements and field schools let you get hands-on experience in your relevant study area. They are not essential components but beneficial components of a course or program.

For example: In RADP 190 - Practicum: Fieldwork I, Rehabilitation Assistant students get to experience potential career paths. Rehabilitation assistants support occupational therapists, physiotherapists and speech-language pathologists in public or private practice and this course gives you the opportunity to test your skills in the workplace.

Courses and programs with this option: Applied Behaviour Analysis (Autism), Arts and Entertainment Management, Design in Visual Communication, Early Childhood Education, Education Assistant, Global Hospitality & Tourism Management, Health Care Assistant, Legal Studies, Motion Picture Arts, Music Therapy, Rehabilitation Assistant, Tourism Management International and more.

Practicums and clinical placements are forms of work experience done under supervision. A practicum is typically unpaid as students do not have their own workload/caseload.

For example: In EDUC 349 - Applied Theory Infant/Toddler Practicum, early childhood education students spend 25 days in an inclusive centre for children from birth to three years of age.

In IDES 490 - Industry Practicum, design students get the opportunity to work within a studio/agency environment or with a personal mentor to develop their work readiness.

Work experience is similar to a co-op, but on a smaller scale, sometimes mid-term.

Work experience where you support other students. This could be as a peer helper or student ambassador, etc.

Research assistantships are where you’re hired by a school to work on research projects with faculty or departments.

A post-credential internship happens after coursework and before graduation. Internships can be of any length, but are typically four, eight, or 12 months long.

Co-curricular CSL happens outside of class. It gives you the opportunity to help your community and a chance to reflect.

Volunteering builds skills while helping businesses that may not be able to afford full-time employees.

Work study is a way for you to strengthen your skills while earning money alongside your program. These positions are paid for with financial aid.

Courses and programs with an externship option include Music Therapy.

Short-term work experience such as job shadowing. This gives you chance to see how different companies operate and build their network.

For example, in MT 330 - Clinical Skills, Music Therapy students take field trips to clinical settings to observe music therapists working with the elderly.

Student jobs on campus including summer jobs, or work as library assistants, etc.

A great way to gain experience is by becoming a student representative on a Faculty and Senate sub-committee, or by being elected to the University Senate or Board of Governors.

The Capilano Students' Union (CSU) offers many opportunities to build leadership experience through student government positions. Elections for CSU positions are held every Fall term.