We are excited that you are considering hiring a work-integrated learning (WIL) student! We know you probably have lots of questions. We hope to address most of them below, and point you to resources for further exploration.
When deciding whether or not to hire a student, it is important to consider the following:
1. Your reason(s) for wanting to hire a student
Organizations hire students for many reasons. A student can help with extra work or a special project. Some view hiring students as an important part of their talent pipeline - a way to safely test out potential future hires. Some view hiring students as a way to give back to the community or as helping prepare future professionals for success. To create a rewarding experience for you, your organization and the student, make sure to get clear on your "why".
2. The features of different kinds of work-integrated-learning (WIL) experiences
When most people think about hiring students, they think about co-operative education (co-op), a system where students alternate academic terms and paid work experience terms. Hiring co-op students usually requires adhering to a fairly strict institutional schedule and process. However, there are many other forms of work-integrated-learning that might better suit your needs. These range from short-term applied research projects all the way to year-long internships. Check out the different types of WIL to discover how they might impact your choice.
3. The kinds of contributions students can make & the skill or experience level you can expect
WIL students are ready to make a valuable contribution to your organization in many ways. You can expect students to have some skills and experience, and to be motivated to develop new skills. Support your student’s willingness to learn and develop in the role, and you'll see a greater return on your investment.
4. If you have enough meaningful work to fill a student’s time
WIL students are looking for meaningful work where they will learn new skills and contribute to your organization's success. Some low level or repetitive tasks can be part of the experience but there should also be opportunities for students to offer their perspective, network, and develop their talents.
5. Whether you have the time and resources to employ and supervise a student
Working with students can be an extremely valuable asset to your organization, but like any partnership, it requires time and resources in order to thrive. Supervising a WIL student requires onboarding, mentoring and providing feedback, and providing opportunities for them to learn and grow. Our resources can help you recruit and supervise more efficiently, but you'll still need to be available for your WIL student on a reguar basis. Plus, you'll want to consider the logistics of the position including: workplace safety, insurance, and possible resources the student will need.