What type of WIL is right for me?

After learning about the nine types of work-integrated learning, you may be wondering what type is right for your organization. One way to help figure this out is to think about what you are hoping to achieve by working with a WIL student. We’ve collected some of the primary aims for employers and community partners, and suggested the types of WIL that can align with those outcomes.

To recruit students as potential full-time employees to build the organization’s talent pipeline

Many employers engage in WIL as part of their talent pipeline strategy. The WIL experience is like a long-form job interview where you can evaluate the student's performance before deciding to hire them to a full-time position.

If you would like the student to work full-time in a paid position, choose co-operative education (co-op).
If you would like the student to work full-time for a longer term, in a paid or unpaid position choose internship.
If you would like a student close to graduation for a short term, in a paid or unpaid position, choose work experience.

To get help completing day-to-day tasks

WIL students can provide an extra set of hands for accomplishing regular team tasks (running reports, putting together newsletters, updating websites, frontline support, etc.). Some employers designate a set of tasks to a WIL position, filled by a new student on an on-going basis.

If you would like the student to work full-time in a paid position, choose co-operative education (co-op).
If you would like the student to work full-time for a longer term, in a paid or unpaid position choose internship.
If you would like the student for a short term, in an unpaid position, choose field placement.

To draw upon student ideas and expertise to solve a specific problem

We often hear from employers that one of key benefits of working with WIL students is the injection of new ideas and enthusiasm into the workplace. WIL students have up-to-date knowledge and skills that they are ready to put into practice.

If you would like the student to work full-time in a paid position, choose co-operative education (co-op).
If you would like to partner with students or student teams working on projects outside of your workplace, choose an applied research project.
If your organization is community-based and would like to work with students to apply their knowledge to a challenge identified by the community, choose service learning.

To mentor/support entrepreneurial-minded students

In recent years, more institutions and employers are looking to support students pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors. Institutions that offer entrepreneurial WIL courses and programs require employer partners to mentor students as they work on their venture and develop entrepreneurship skills.

If you are an entrepreneur interested in mentoring or supporting entrepreneurial-minded students, choose entrepreneurship.

At the University of Waterloo, you can become a mentor for an Entreprise Co-op (E Co-op) student on a full-time or specific need basis.

There are additional forms of WIL, like apprenticeship and mandatory professional practicum/clinical placement with outcomes that pertain to specific professions and industry requirements.