Work Experience

Working part-time, doing a co-operative work term or starting your own business during your studies will not only enable you to better manage your finances, but can also provide valuable work experience and networking opportunities after graduation.

The Basics:

• Many federal departments and agencies offer summer programs which present students with practical and professional work experience. You may apply to these through the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) or through the department’s or agency’s Web site.
• A co-operative employment (co-op) placement during your post-secondary studies will allow you to gain valuable work experience related to your field of study.
• Visit our Youth Employment Programs page for information on programs tailored to meet your work experience needs.
• Know your rights! Learn about workplace safety and employment standards before you start your job.
• Depending on your career goals, an apprenticeship may be just what you need to learn a trade on the job and earn wages at the same time.
• Volunteering will also provide you with a great opportunity to gain valuable work skills, meet people and help your community.
• Take a working holiday abroad or get other international work experience through the youth mobility program.
• Have a terrific business idea in mind? Starting your own business will allow you to be your own boss and gain valuable personal work experience.

Helpful Web Sites:

• The Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) could help you to gain valuable work experience within the federal government. Various departments and agencies hire students to do work related to their areas of study.
• Students and recent graduates can find summer job and internship opportunities from across Canada through the Young Canada Works program from Canadian Heritage and Parks Canada. This program includes opportunities to improve second language skills, work in heritage preservation and work within Canada's National Parks system.