Employer Checklist for Work-Integrated Learning

Before Work-Integrated Learning Begins

• Engage with RRC Polytech WIL Coordinator to share your aims and learn about the programs that suit your needs
• Define your expectations, possibly through a job posting, so that students can assess their fit for the work-integrated learning internship role
• Highlight what the students will learn within your organization and describe the culture and environment of your business
• Depending on the program, participate in a screening and selection process to recruit your co-op student(s)/interns

During Work-Integrated Learning

• Designate someone to provide support to the work-integrated learning student. This could be an opportunity for a future leader to gain supervision/mentorship experience
• Engage the work-integrated learning student with impactful work and help them understand the connection between their work and the goals of the organization
• Provide regular feedback to the work-integrated learning intern on what is going well and what could be improved (we recommend weekly meetings)
• Reach out to your educational partner if a challenging situation arises and you need their help

After Work-Integrated Learning Opportunity

• Provide a formal assessment of the work-integrated learning intern’s performance to the educational partner
• Conduct an exit interview with the work-integrated learning intern and encourage them to share feedback on how to improve the experience within your organization
• Connect with your educational partner to review your work-integrated learning/internship experiences and discuss potential challenges and opportunities for hiring

Source: Take a AAA Approach to Work-Integrated Learning. (2019). University of Waterloo. Retrieved November 2021