Work experience (work-integrated learning)

About work experience

Most of our programs combine classroom learning with on-the-job learning, and graduation is often dependent on the successful completion of a work experience.

There are nine ways to get work experience:

• Field experience
• Co-operative education 
• Internships 
• Professional practice
• Sea time
• Career exploration
• Industry project
• Service learning
• Entrepreneurship

Field experience

Field experience gives you the chance to participate in a workplace setting related to your field of study.

• Opportunities can be paid or unpaid and last 5 to 8 weeks.
• More than 100 programs offer field experience.
• Most field experiences are during the spring, although schedules vary by program.

Co-operative education

Co-operative (Co-op) education is a credit course completed over the spring/summer and must take place between your terms of study.

• This paid, full-time work experience lasts 420-640 hours depending on the program’s requirements.
• If you successfully complete co-op, you'll have the co-op designation reflected on your transcript and diploma.
• Students are responsible for securing their own co-op placements.
• Transportation, accommodations and other costs related to work experience are the student’s responsibility.
• Co-op represents one full credit, and regular tuition/fees apply (view tuition, fees and costs).
• Three programs include mandatory co-op: Hotel and Restaurant Management, Tourism Management and Culinary Management.
• Mandatory co-op follows Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL) guidelines and is accredited as meeting or exceeding standards.
• Some programs offer an optional co-op. View co-op programs

View current co-op opportunities (Employers typically post listings between January through April. If nothing is listed, there are no current availabilities.)

Internships

Two NSCC programs include an internship: International Business and Oceans Technology.

• This paid opportunity takes place during the final term of your program and lasts approximately 14 weeks.

Professional practice

Professional practice placements allow you to apply your knowledge and skills required for a professional license or designation.

• Opportunities are unpaid and vary in duration from a few weeks to a few months.
• Professional practice is offered in the majority of our health programs.

Sea time

Sea time allows you to apply your knowledge and skills required on board a vessel.

• Opportunities can be paid or unpaid.
• Duration and term (fall/winter/spring/summer) varies depending on the program.
• Many of our marine programs have a sea time requirement whose guidelines are set out by Transport Canada.
• Sea time can be completed on board Canadian and international merchant ships.
• International Students are responsible for securing their own sea time.

Career exploration

Explore various careers through activities such as job shadowing and informational interviews, providing valuable insights into your chosen profession with industry partners in your field of study. This experience helps you expand your workplace literacy around a specific area of work.

• Job Shadowing: Observe professionals in their work environment to understand their daily tasks and responsibilities.
• Informational Interviews: Speak directly with industry experts to gain knowledge about their career paths and enhance your understanding of the field.

Industry project

Collaborate with businesses or organizations to work on real projects that apply your academic knowledge.

• Gain practical experience by tackling real-world challenges faced by industry partners.

Service learning

This teaching method combines learning objectives with community service to enhance your educational outcomes.

• Engage in projects that benefit the community while reinforcing classroom concepts.

Entrepreneurship

Explore opportunities to develop and run your own business venture as part of your academic coursework.

• Learn essential skills in business management, marketing, and finance while bringing your ideas to life.