Internship + Work Experience Programs for Students
Participating in an internship or work experience program during your academic program allows you to sample career options, apply classroom knowledge, grow transferable skills and develop your strengths and interests while forging connections in the community.
There are a variety of work experience programs available depending on your department, faculty and degree program. Some are arranged through your faculty, some through the Career Centre — and many are paid.
ALES Mini-Internship Program (AMIP)
Gain first-hand experience in the fields of agriculture, life and environmental sciences.
These three-day opportunities are offered twice a year during Reading Week. Please note that AMIP is an unpaid work program.
Graduate Student Internship Program (GSIP)
Current master’s and PhD students from all academic programs can gain valuable professional experience through paid, meaningful internships in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors.
International Student Summer Employment Program
Develop your skills through a summer job on campus if you are a full-time undergraduate international student paying the Â鶹ÊÓƵ differential fee.
Non-Profit Board Internship Program (NPBI)
Experience what it’s like to be on a non-profit board and make meaningful connections in the community while developing your leadership and decision-making skills.
Internship Factors to Consider
Remuneration
Will you be paid or unpaid? Unpaid internships are normalized in some industries and some academic programs have practical requirements that are unpaid. It is important to understand your role, know your employment rights and learn about all options before you commit to an internship.
Academics
Will you get academic credit or a notation on your transcript? Determine whether the credit is pass/fail or marked, and if so, who determines this mark and its importance or requirement.
Eligibility
Are you confident that you have met all the requirements? For example, do you need to return to school after the experience? Consider whether additional courses, training or qualifications are necessary. Confirm whether there are language requirements or specifications related to a valid driver’s license or access to a vehicle.
Time Commitment
Is this a full-time or part-time position? Assess how the structure or flexibility of the schedule interacts with your own commitments.
Location
Is the position in-person, remote or hybrid? If there is a requirement to attend in person, determine the proximity to your location. Plan how you will commute to the job and how long it will take you. If the position requires you to relocate, you must determine whether this is feasible for you and if the employer offers living expenses or support with employee-relocation.
Length
Work experience programs can range from a few months to over a year in length.
For Employers
For information about internships, co-ops, and work experience programs, visit the Employer Information about Internship and Work Experience Programs page.
Other U of A Work Experience Programs
Experiential Learning Directory
Looking to explore more opportunities?
View Experiential Learning OpportunitiesStudents
Career & Professional Development