Work while you learn
Health Information Science student Angela Jurj
Real-life learning through co-op and practicum
At UVic, learning extends beyond the classroom. Here you'll be challenged to learn in new and dynamic ways in the field. You can complement your academic studies with serious hands-on work experience through co-operative education (co-op) or a practicum.
It's a great opportunity to sample areas within your field and explore your career options before you graduate.
Co-op in action
Health Information Science student Angela Jurj spent a co-op work term with Courtyard Group, Toronto, where she worked on the Ontario eHealth Strategy.
"Not only was I fortunate to work with senior management and learn how decisions are made on a large scale, but the people I worked with are industry leaders in the field. I learned a lot from them," she says.
Angela gained lifelong career skills. "Working at Courtyard taught me time management and organization, since I was assigned to various projects with different priority levels. I feel that I grew as a professional."
The co-op program gave Angela the unique opportunity to explore different career options before she even graduated. "It allowed me to discover and develop my strengths as a professional in the field."
After a couple of co-op placements, Angela completely changed the direction of her career. She says, "I never thought there were so many other opportunities in the field, and I would not have discovered them this early in my life had it not been for the co-op program."
Practica and
internships
Open your world to opportunity with service-based learning. Some of our programs (nursing, social work, and child and youth care) include a mandatory practicum, which is a directed work experience in your field of study.
Practicum experience gives you the opportunity to put theory into practice. You'll get a sense of the real-world responsibilities you'll face after graduation, and find the perfect niche within your field.
Local, national and international practicum opportunities will enhance your professional experience and broaden your understanding of policy, practice, therapeutic work and community development. Contact your program of interest for more information.
Johanne Roy (Nursing): "Practicum opened my eyes to aspects of nursing that I wasn’t aware of. I did a practicum at "First Square" with women who are pregnant with substance issues. It helped me move away from my comfort zone and gain more insights."
Cathy Butler (Nursing): "Practicums were incredible. Being a health care nurse you sometimes have a narrow view of health care. I was able to branch out and experience a lot of other avenues -- public health, a methadone clinic, high-risk infants, children’s aid societies. I got to understand the community picture instead of just the hospital portion and how it all ties together."
Kristin Brattebo (Child and Youth Care): "My practicums were done at a group home and Ministry of Children and Families Child Welfare. Both experiences were very intense but very amazing experiences."
Clair Brown (Child and Youth Care): "I did two practicums – both in Vancouver at the Infant Development Program and BC Children’s Hospital. I was lucky to have had these experiences. I feel really lucky to be in a program that offers great work skills that are very relevant. The Child Life program hired me right after graduation."
Co-operative
education programs
Through co-operative education (co-op), you can alternate terms in class with paid work terms in positions related to your field of study. You'll graduate with work experience, a great resume, contacts in your field and some extra cash in your pocket.
Co-op is an educational model that allows you to learn by doing, both in the classroom and workplace. Whether it's testing a career path or earning a paycheque, co-op can be a beneficial part of your university experience.
Programs in the Schools of Public Administration and Health Information Science include an integrated co-op component. Visit the Co-op and Career Services site for more details.
Leo Sin graduated with a Master’s in Public Administration. "Co-op was extremely beneficial. It opened a lot of doors to various government sectors that I wouldn’t have had access to. The skills that you learn apply to a range of government sectors, like the co-op I had at the Ministry of Labour and Citizen Services (looking at private and public partnerships). My second co-op was at "Harmony," a non-profit group, and then my third was at BC Ministry of Health Services. My placements helped me realize that my skills in the program apply to various sectors."
Teaching assistant
opportunities
Teaching assistantships are a good way to try your hand at teaching. Ask your department about teaching assistant opportunities.
Career
services
Visit Co-operative Education and Career Services for help finding casual work, like the perfect summer job, or part-time work and volunteer opportunities.
You can also get help from Career Services staff as you search for full-time work after graduation.
School & program websites
- Child and Youth Care
- Dispute Resolution
- Indigenous Governance
- Health Information Science
- Nursing
- Public Administration
- Public Health & Social Policy
- Social Work
- Studies in Policy & Practice
- UVic Family Centre
