What is Work Integrated Learning?
By definition, Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) is an educational practice that intentionally integrates academic study in the workplace or a simulated work environment. Students reinforce their learning outcomes and academic theories through practical applications that are relevant to industry or community partners' needs.
How Can Organizations Benefit?
- Inject creativity, new perspectives, and bright ideas into partnered projects through the Acceleration Funnel
- Bring top student leaders with innovative solutions into your organization while helping them develop in-demand skills through WIL engagements
- Develop relationships with U of T students, faculty, and connect to institutional research expertise by sponsoring projects and events tailored to develop innovative solutions while identifying top talent to achieve your recruitment goals
What does it look like?
Applied Research Partnerships
Student innovators, under faculty supervision, solve problems for your organization with customized research projects.
Sponsored Hackathons
Student teams tackle your projects over a short period of time at a high-energy competitive event.
External Engagements
Short-term projects that offer practical skills developments in a professional setting.
The New Venture Program
Enable the next generation of innovators by engaging and the early-stage development of their new business ventures.
Testimonials
From the conceptual and ideas phase of the SDI project to executing the launch of the platform, the project could not have been done without the creativity, theoretical knowledge, and strong leadership skills of the UTSC students. Beginning with access to an ideas bank like the CSC 101 student body was invaluable in solving a community-based problem with the use of technology. From this group we had access to strong, enthusiastic students who transitioned smoothly into full-time co-op team members. Both semesters the co-op students were engaged and integral in moving the project forward and on time.
– Hope Nestor, Research Partnership Lead, Toronto East Quadrant Local Immigration Partnership, Catholic Crosscultural Services
It was a really successful project. [My team] and I messaged one another immediately after the presentation as we were amazed at the quality of information. Many thanks for connecting us with Professor Radhakrishnan.
– Lina Wang, HR Business Partner and Talent Acquisition, HP Canada (Course Integration: Introduction to Industrial Relations)
The majority of the presentations were outstanding, and have certainly given us a lot to think about. If you would like to use OMERS again for any future student assessments, we would love to be included.
– Gillian Macgregor-Spurr, Manager, Leadership & Digital Learning, OMERS (Course Integration: Management Skills)
For more information, see the Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) page on the Department of Management's website.
See also the WIL Resources for Employers, Career Ready Program (ITAC Talent).