New graduate course offers leadership and project management skills
By: Matthew King (he/him)
WIL 612 prepares students for purposeful, future-ready careers with practical learning experiences.
In fall 2025, the Centre for Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) will launch a new graduate-level course, WIL 612: Applied Leadership in Work-Integrated Learning. In the course, students will develop leadership, project management and problem-solving skills. Students will have the opportunity to apply the skills they develop in the course by leading teams and managing real-world projects in professional settings.
"We developed WIL 612 in response to the need for durable skills like leadership, communication and problem solving. Our graduate students, staff, faculty and industry and community partners have all identified this need,” says Andrea Prier, director, Centre for WIL.
“WIL 612 acts as the 'off ramp' for students preparing to graduate. It will set them up for success in translating their deep disciplinary expertise into practical applications in their careers where they may lead teams, communicate and solve problems with people outside of their disciplinary sphere."
Open to graduate students across all faculties, WIL 612 combines guided reflection with practical tools to help learners identify their purpose, understand emerging work trends and confidently communicate their strengths to employers or collaborators.
Andrea Prier, director, Centre for WIL
As part of the course, graduate students will also support undergraduate teams in an interdisciplinary capstone course that brings together students and community or industry partners. By mentoring and guiding these teams, graduate students will gain hands-on leadership experience while contributing to real-world problem solving.
Students in this course will have a chance to act as mentors and role models within the WIL ecosystem. It’s a valuable chance to develop leadership and communication skills that complement their academic and professional growth.