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WHAT IS AN INTERNSHIP

Short-term work placements where students receive practical training that builds on and complements theoretical coursework. 

Internships are usually paid and can vary in length. The most common length is a 4-month, 8-month, 12-month, or 16-month work term.

The average wage is highly dependent on industry, work experience, and length of the internship. That said, Engineering, Data and Technology, and Finance centered internships tend to have the highest average hourly pay, albeit also the most competitive industries to enter.

What is an internship

WHY DO AN INTERNSHIP

TIP: Internships are meant to be informative. Goal setting will help narrow down the industry/company you want to work for. Consider asking yourself questions like which skills would you like to develop?  

Why do an internship

LEARNING GOALS MAY INCLUDE

Goals

TOP 10 REASONS TO INTERN

01

Develop transferable skills (e.g., leadership, teamwork, technical skills) 

03

Get an inside glimpse of how a company functions, the industry, and particular occupations 

05

Network and make contacts within the company and in the industry 

07

Prove yourself to your ideal employer - internships can turn into job offers 

09

Clarify your career goals 

02

Gain first-hand experience in your discipline and get your foot in the door 

04

See if you enjoy a job/industry without the long-term commitment 

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06

Work closely with a mentor in the organization 

08

Learn of work opportunities within other departments  

10

Earn University credits, start earning income 
 

Top Reasons to Intrn

RESEARCH INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES 

TIP: Research internship opportunities to find the one that is right for you.  Are you looking for opportunities within a large or small organization? Are you looking for opportunities abroad? 

Questons to Ask

QUESTIONS TO ASK DURING AN INTERNSHIP INTERVIEW 
 

01

 

What type of training does the company offer?  

02

What projects do you have in mind for this internship? 

03

What specific skills or characteristics are required to be effective in this internship? 

04

What opportunities are there to interact with other departments in the organization? 

05

 

Do I get a mentor?  

University Resources

UNIVERSITY RESOURCES

TIP: Be proactive! Start early! Begin to research internship opportunities and find out deadline dates. Think of how you would like to use and further develop your skills in an internship opportunity 

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There are a variety of work experience programs available to you depending on your department and faculty. Some of these programs are arranged through your faculty and some are arranged through your university's Career Centre. 

  • Queen's University - Career Centre

  • University of Ottawa - Career Centre

  • University of Toronto - Career Centre

  • University of Waterloo - Career Centre

  • Western University - Career Centre

  • University of Prince Edward Island - Career Centre

  • Concordia University - Career Centre

  • McGill University - Career Centre

  • University of Regina - Career Centre

  • University of Saskatchewan - Career Centre

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