Explore experiential and work-integrated learning (WIL)

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Work-integrated learning (WIL) is all about integrating your academic studies with real-world work experience. It involves a partnership between the University of Waterloo, a host organization (like an industry, government, or community partner), and you, the student. 

WIL provides you with crucial professional development, networking, funding, and skill-building opportunities to help you transition to the workforce and be successful in your career. 

Benefits of WIL for graduate students

WIL provides crucial professional development, networking, funding, and skill-building opportunities to help you transition to the workforce.

  • Hands-on Experience: Get practical work experience in your field.
  • Real-World Impact: Understand pressing real-world issues to make your research more impactful.
  • Career Direction: Gain insights into the career path you want to take.
  • Skill Development: Build the skills you need to succeed in your chosen career.
  • Competitive Edge: Stand out from other graduates entering the workforce.

At the University of Waterloo, WIL can happen at the program or course level.

Program-level WIL

Program-level WIL is a mandatory part of the curriculum that happens in collaboration with your academic department and Co-operative and Experiential Education. It includes:

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Co-operative Education (Co-op)

Full-time, paid work terms directly related to your field of study that have a set duration. 

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Internships

Discipline-specific, supervised work experiences that vary in intensity, duration, and timing.

Course-level WIL

Course-level WIL is part of a specific course (required or elective), that’s typically overseen by your course instructor. It includes:

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Community and Industry Research Projects (CIR)

A project or assignment with an external partner organization, either individual or in a team. 

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Practicums

An intensive, hands-on experience in a setting relevant to your subject of study that forms the basis of the course. 

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. These research activities can qualify as applied research WIL when you collaborate with an industry or community partner and a faculty member, usually your research supervisor.

To count as applied research WIL, these activities need to include:

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  • 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.

How to talk to a prospective supervisor about applied research

To find a supervisor whose research aligns with yours, review faculty profiles in relevant departments and research centres and then create a list of potential supervisors whose work matches your research interests. 

When reaching out to a potential supervisor, make sure to demonstrate how your research interests complement their work and share your academic and career goals, along with your prior research experience. Additionally:

  • If you already have funding, specify the source, amount, and duration. Explore the graduate funding and awards database to for opportunities to support your applied research experience.
  • If you’re seeking endorsement for a funding application, provide details about the funding opportunity, including the amount, duration, and application deadlines. 
  • If you’re looking for a supervisor to fund your applied research experience, inquire if they currently have any funding available to support this.

Consider mentioning the potential for the project to qualify for the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) Tax Credit, which offers financial incentives for business and organizations engaged in applied research, particularly those providing experiential learning opportunities for students. 

Common avenues to obtain applied research projects

Mitacs

Programs like Mitacs Accelerate connect students with industry partners.

Collaborative Research and Training Experience Program (CREATE)

Funded by NSERC, the CREATE program supports projects combining academic research with industry applications.

Networking and conferences

Opportunities to connect with potential supervisors and industry partners, learn about ongoing projects, meet key stakeholders, and express interest in collaborative research. 

LinkedIn and professional networks

Follow relevant organizations, stay up to date on applied research projects, and connect directly with potential partners.

Self-reflection and considerations when choosing to pursue applied research

If you’re considering applied research, take a moment to reflect using these prompts to support your career decision-making. You can copy and paste them into a document to facilitate the process.

  1. What past experiences and knowledge have motivated you to pursue applied research and what problems would you be interested in addressing?
  2. How does applied research align with your values and career impact goals?
  3. How does your interest in applied research connect with your department and prospective supervisors?
  4. Identify your skills and knowledge relevant to applied research and why you think these are important.  
  5. How would you like to engage with applied research to make it meaningful and relevant to your career? E.g.,
    • To deepen my understanding of…
    • To develop my ability to…
    • To create…
    • To discover [connections between X and Y, about]…
    • To research…
    • To improve…
    • To engage with…
  6. How might pursuing applied research align with your long-term career goals?