Queen's Undergraduate Internship Program
Program Overview
Introduction to the Queen's Undergraduate Internship Program
The Queen's Undergraduate Internship Program (QUIP) is designed to provide students with real-world work experiences, helping them build skills and develop their careers before graduation. This program connects over 500 students each year with 12-16 month paid internships in a wide range of fields, from engineering to the arts to public administration.
Program Details
- QUIP is centrally administered by Career Services in Student Affairs.
- The program is available to students in Smith Engineering, the Faculty of Arts and Science, and Queen's Health Sciences.
- Internships are professionally supervised, allowing students to build strong relationships and take on challenging tasks.
- The program contributes to more than 95 per cent of Queen's graduates being employed within six months of graduation.
Benefits of the Program
- Provides hands-on experience in a professional workplace, giving students a real advantage in today's job market.
- Allows students to build their network and try on a career they think they might be interested in.
- Offers students the opportunity to develop technical skills, interpersonal skills, and confidence in facing complex challenges.
Student Experiences
Environmental Biology and Geographic Information Science
Emilia Gillette, a recent graduate with a degree in environmental biology and a certificate in geographic information science (GIS), participated in QUIP and completed an internship with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation. She used GIS software to create over 90 maps, helping her office communicate complex data across the ministry.
Engineering Opportunity for an International Student
Runqi Xie, an international student from China, found that her internship through QUIP made her more comfortable with English while giving her valuable experience in the energy sector. She worked at Ontario Power Generation (OPG) in Pickering, Ontario, ensuring compliance with government regulations and industry standards for nuclear energy.
Conclusion
The Queen's Undergraduate Internship Program offers students a unique opportunity to gain professional experience, build their skills, and develop their careers. With its wide range of fields and professionally supervised internships, QUIP sets students up for success and provides them with a competitive edge in the job market.
