Graduate Certificate in WIL

WIL experiences can vary widely. Students may participate through courses with community or industry partners on real-world projects or through practicums where they gain hands-on experience under professional supervision. They might also engage outside coursework in applied research with industry or community and faculty partners.

Regardless of the type of WIL, students must be engaged, for most of the minimum required hours (150), in authentic work on problems, processes and/or projects that produce outputs representative of the professional practice with an industry/community organization.

Programs offering a Graduate Certificate in WIL may include additional WIL courses or milestones outside of their degree requirements in order to meet the Graduate Certificate in WIL requirements and standards. Co-operative work terms and internships may not be counted towards Graduate Certificates in WIL.

The career curriculum component of the Graduate Certificate in WIL is designed to help students explore, define, and articulate their career identity in a meaningful way. Through structured activities and guided reflection, students engage in career development planning that aligns with their academic and professional goals. This includes setting personal learning objectives, identifying transferable skills and developing strategies to communicate their value to potential employers.

Whether embedded in coursework or supported through self-serve resources, the career curriculum empowers students to take ownership of their professional journey. It ensures that students not only gain experience but also understand how to leverage that experience to navigate the job market with confidence and clarity.

The professional skills curriculum equips students with the essential skills needed to thrive in diverse workplace environments. Prior to beginning their WIL experience, students should participate in targeted training that builds foundational skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership, project management and problem-solving. These skills are critical for success in both academic and professional settings and should be intentionally developed to complement students’ disciplinary expertise.

Programs can deliver this curriculum through existing graduate courses, through required seminars or training, or other milestones or program requirements.

By preparing students to engage effectively with industry and community partners, the professional skills curriculum ensures that WIL experiences are not only productive, but also transformative.

Reflection on practice is a cornerstone of the Graduate Certificate in WIL, encouraging students to make sense of their experiences and connect them to their academic and career development.

Students must engage in reflective activities at multiple stages—before, during, and after their WIL experience—to deepen their understanding of how their work contributes to their personal and professional growth and augments their understanding of disciplinary concepts. These reflections help students evaluate their performance, identify areas for improvement and articulate the impact of their learning.

Whether through written reports, guided prompts or facilitated discussions, reflection should cultivate durable skills, including decision-making, goal-setting, problem-solving, critical thinking, and self-awareness. Reflection on practice transforms experience into insight, enabling students to integrate their learning into a coherent narrative that supports lifelong learning and career adaptability.