WIL Guide for Industry and Community Partners

What is Work Integrated Learning?

When workplaces hire students for positions where the responsibilities are well integrated with the student's academic learning, this is considered experiential learning. Work Integrated Learning (WIL) is a form of experiential learning that partners an academic institution, a host organization, and a student to provide quality learning experiences within a workplace.

WIL offers organizations the opportunity to leverage the innovative and diverse skills of students. In return, it provides students the opportunity to enhance their skills and expand their network.

What's unique about WIL with University of Calgary's International Professional Programs?

Students in the International Professional Programs (IPP) come with vast professional backgrounds prior to joining IPP. While all students must have at least a two-year diploma for admission, 91% have a university degree and 25% have a Masters degree or higher. 67% of our students speak two or more languages fluently.

The final step for many IPP students is the WIL term, where they apply the abundant knowledge and skills they gained from their studies and previous expertise. This full-time, paid work term is three to four months, ensuring optimal benefit for both the organization and the student.

The WIL process collaboratively pairs employers with students to facilitate optimal opportunities and experiences. Through this process, employers gain talent who contribute:

• Emergent and established knowledge and skills
• Diverse and innovative perspectives
• Opportunities for mentorship in your current team
• Prospects for long-term talent

In return, IPP students gain invaluable Canadian work experience and the opportunity to expand their skills and career.