Program Overview

LFS 496 Career Development in Land and Food Systems

Overview

The career development in Land and Food Systems course (LFS 496) prepares UBC students professionally and academically for future careers through a mentored learning experience with a real food business or organization. Students apply the theory they gain from class through on-the-ground, food system-related work and course assignments that support their practical learning.

Program Details

Eligibility

• UBC students from all faculties are eligible, with the written permission of Program Advisor.
• There are no pre-requisites to LFS 496.

Time Commitment

• 3 credits/semester – average 9 hours/week, minimum of 78 hours, maximum of 117 per semester.
• 6 credits/semester – average of 18 hours/week, minimum of 156 hours, maximum of 234 hours per semester.

Course Structure

• The career development course ensures that the work placement is a legitimate and fair learning opportunity.
• The parameters are clearly set with the organization so that students work and train there in return for UBC credits.

Benefits

• Gain credit and career experience.
• Choose from a range of opportunities: community garden development, food literacy communication, sustainable food business practices, etc.
• It’s structured, ensuring a legitimate and fair learning opportunity.

Current and Prospective Students

Why Participate?

• It’s a foot in the door: contribute to the success of an organization working in the food system and learn from someone on the ground.
• Choose the skills you want: select from various opportunities.
• It’s structured: the career development course ensures a legitimate and fair learning opportunity.

How to Participate

• Watch for career development opportunities in the UBC Farm e-newsletter and UBC Farm website.
• Determine your interests and eligibility: meet the eligibility criteria for LFS 496.
• Time commitment: average 9 hours/week for 3 credits or 18 hours/week for 6 credits.

Current and Prospective Hosts

Why Host a Student?

• It’s rewarding: students are bright, focused, and highly motivated.
• It’s personalized: choose the student according to your needs and specifications.
• It’s structured: the for-credit course model ensures a legitimate and fair learning opportunity.

Eligibility

• The organization must have been operational for at least one year.
• The career development opportunity must meet specific requirements, including providing an on-site workplace supervisor and an orientation session.

How to Host

• Propose a career development placement: describe the project and related tasks, and the timing of the course.
• Interview applicants: recommend interviewing a maximum of 5 students.
• Email your preferred student candidate(s) to offer them the position.
• The student must complete the LFS 496 online registration form and send written permission from their Program Advisor to take this course.