Program Overview

Introduction to the Workplace Experience Program

The Workplace Experience Program (WEP) provides international students within the Bachelor of Commerce Co-op program with an opportunity to gain exposure to Canadian workplace culture.

Objectives of the Workplace Experience Program

The objectives of the WEP are to provide international students with an opportunity to gain familiarity with the Canadian workplace culture, build connections with Canadian employers, and build confidence in our international students when job searching.

Program Details

The program takes place during the months of May, June, July, and/or August, following the students' first or second year. Each student is matched with a host organization based on their suitability and career interests for a suggested minimum of 35 unpaid hours. The schedule is flexible so that it can be coordinated to fit the needs of both the host organization and the student.

Host Organization Involvement

We encourage the host organization to involve the student in activities that would provide the best opportunity for learning and growth. This may include:

• Exposing the student to multiple units within the organization by "shadowing" various employees
• Providing the opportunity for the student to observe workplace practices such as staff, stakeholder, or client meetings
• Having the student collaborate on a current project or work assignment and providing feedback on performance
• Pairing the student with a current co-op or internship student to provide peer-to-peer learning

Benefits of Being a WEP Host Organization

The benefits of being a WEP host organization include:

• Gain access to potential future employees that you otherwise might not have the opportunity to consider
• Grow the leadership capacity and skills within your team by having staff coach and mentor an international student
• Showcase your organization as a welcoming and inclusive workplace that appreciates the many benefits a culturally aware and diverse workforce has to offer
• Influence the workforce of the future by providing a student with the chance to heighten their experience and appreciation of Canada
• Low-risk, low-investment opportunity to retain international talent in Nova Scotia, positioning our region as an attractive and welcoming place for them to live and work

Program Recognition

The Workplace Experience Program was recognized with the Excellence in Innovation for Diversity award by the Canadian Association for Career Educators and Employers (CACEE).

Note

Please note that the Workplace Experience Program will not be offered this year.