Work integrated learning opportunities can be embedded in programs or courses (curricular) or run outside of regular program or coursework (co-curricular). You can become involved in many different types of work integrated learning (WIL) and can take advantage of support such as the ExperienceUNB learning portal and the Catalyst program.
Business, industry, and organizations can help students enter the world of work and prepare for the future by partnering with UNB to offer different forms of WIL.
Curricular WIL opportunities are embedded in program or course design and involve employer or industry engagement.
Paid workplace experience in a setting related to student’s field of study. Typically undertaken in alternating work terms and study terms.
Discipline-specific, supervised, structured work experience or practice placement. Can be paid, unpaid, and/or for academic credit.
Work experience supervised by an experienced registered or licensed professional, required for professional licensure or certification.
Using cases, problems, or inquiries to place events in a context that promotes authentic learning. Usually does not involve an external partner.
Research conducted by a student with guidance from faculty in an academic, industry, or community setting. May be conducted independently or as a course project.
Activities intended to find solutions to real world problems, culminating in a concrete end product. May or may not involve an external partner.
Co-curricular WIL activities are not embedded in course or program design. They may or may not be program-related.
ExperienceUNB is UNB’s experiential learning portal. All UNB students can access ExperienceUNB with a UNB login. This platform lists experiential learning opportunities and tracks hours and progress.
Get ExperienceUNB support (Requires UNB login)
Catalyst is a flagship offering in UNB’s work-integrated learning opportunity catalogue that provides students with consulting-style WIL. In Catalyst, students on internship placements tackle specific challenges identified by New Brunswick businesses.
Catalyst starts with a business or management course where students learn the concepts and technological tools of business consulting. During their course work, they develop specific solutions based on their employer-partner's project with assistance from course instructors and professional mentors, including IBM and the McKenna Institute.
Once the course is complete, the student interns work on their employer-partner’s project: a paid internship placement for 3 months. Students and employers report during the placements, posting evaluations during the progress. A final step - the student’s reflections and the employer’s final report - completes the cycle.