Work-integrated learning (WIL) is a model and process of curricular experiential education that formally and intentionally integrates a student’s academic studies within a workplace or practice setting.
At the University of Waterloo, there are different WIL models that provide consistency in how WIL experiences are offered and recorded across academic programs. WIL experiences include a partnership of at least three components: an institution, an industry partner, and a learner.
Jump to: Program-level WIL | Course-level WIL | Applied research WIL
For full definitions of graduate work-integrated learning happening at Waterloo, visit the Academic Calendar.
Program-level WIL
Program-level WIL is a mandatory part of the curriculum, usually managed by the academic department in collaboration with Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE).
Program-level WIL includes:
- Co-operative education: Co-op work term(s) provide full-time, paid experience in a workplace setting related to the student’s field of study with a required duration.
- Internships: Discipline-specific, supervised, structured work experience with variable intensity, duration and timing.
Course-level WIL
Course-level WIL is part of a specific course, whether required or elective, and is typically overseen by the course instructor.
Course-level WIL includes:
- Community and industry research projects (CIR): Community and industry research projects consist of a project or assignment within the course where students engage with an external partner organization either individually or in teams.
- Practicums: Practicums are a WIL experience that forms the basis of the course and provides students with intensive, hands-on experience in a setting relevant to their subject of study.
Applied research WIL
Graduate research activities can also count as WIL. This can be part of your degree requirements, like a thesis or Master’s Research Paper, or extra projects during your studies or through the Graduate Research Assistant role. These research activities can qualify as applied research WIL when collaborating with an industry or community partner and a faculty member, usually your research supervisor. Applied research WIL only applies to experiences that are not covered by other WIL models.
To count as applied research WIL, activities need to include:
- Co-creating research objectives with you, your external partner, and the faculty member.
- Actively engaging and interacting with your external partner.
- Getting feedback or assessments from your external partner.
Stages of applied research WIL
Stage 1: Pre-WIL: Seeking an opportunity > Stage 2: Pre-WIL: Opportunity confirmed > Stage 3: During WIL > Stage 4: Post-WIL
If you're completing and applied research project, make sure to review the guidelines for applied research industry partnerships with your industry partner.
Student impacts through applied research WIL
PhD student takes research from academia to make a real-world impact
Emily Shantz seized an applied research opportunity that bridged the gap between her academic research and real-world impact.
Tackling restorative justice through graduate applied research
Stacey Colliver worked with Community Justice Initiatives in Waterloo Region as part of an applied research project.