Work-integrated learning and on-campus employment support students' career paths

King’s will mark Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning (CEWIL) National Co-Op and Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Month by highlighting the career development initiatives available to students: the King’s Promise, the King’s Job Shadow Program, Summer Internships and Work Study programs.

“These work-integrated learning initiatives are so important as they help students to identify and articulate the skills they bring to the table. The key is in helping students to recognize the skills they are developing in their programs, including problem solving, critical thinking, and communication, and be able to speak to those skills and link them back to job requirements,” says Jenny Richmond-Bravo, Experiential Learning Coordinator/King’s Promise Developer.

The King’s Promise

King’s signature program is now in its second year. The King’s Promise comes with a guarantee: students who complete the program will find meaningful employment with six months or can return to King’s for a tuition-free year of courses and career support.

King’s can make that promise because, as part of the program, students complete activities supporting career development, enhancing pre-employment skills, networking, experiential learning and work-integrated learning. Along the way, they receive support to identify and articulate the value of transferrable skills and holistic personal development to potential future employers.

King’s Job Shadow Program

King’s students are matched with organizations in London for one-day observational placements, allowing them to learn about the day-to-day duties they might one day take on. At the same time, they have a chance to make important professional connections. Employers benefit by having the students’ fresh perspectives and energy while developing the mentorship skills of their existing employees.

During the 2022-2023 academic year, 28 students participated in the Job Shadow program. Participating employer partners include Big Brothers, Big Sisters, the Children’s Aid Society of London & Middlesex, Habitat for Humanity, Pillar Nonprofit Network, the Thames Valley District School Board, London Health Sciences Centre, the Salvation Army, and others.

Summer Internships and Work Study program

The King’s summer internship program currently has 14 students registered and looking for summer positions. The internship course, first offered in the summer of 2021, offers 0.5 credits for the experience of a four-month placement with a government, private sector or non-governmental organization.

The Work Study program is designed to give OSAP students the opportunity to work at King’s during the school year and/or the summer and gain valuable work experience.

“Work Study is not just about learning a specific position or role. It’s about connecting with the King’s community as a whole, engaging and feeling part of that community,” says Emma Stredder, fourth-year Honours Specialization in English and King’s Promise Student Ambassador.

Applications for Full Time Summer Work Study 2023 will be accepted until March 24, 2023.

On-Campus Career Events

King’s has begun hosting career events on campus. On March 21, the King’s Promise will host the Spring Career Fair, a free drop-in style event that gives students an opportunity to connect with local employers, learn about career journeys and seek employment. The Fall Career Fair, held in November, included 13 participating employers.

Involvement with the London Chamber of Commerce

As an active member of the London Chamber of Commerce, King’s will have a booth at the Mega Business After 5 event, taking place on April 20. Richmond-Bravo has been working with the London Chamber of Commerce on a survey of local employers about the most effective ways for students to demonstrate and articulate their skills and competencies and has been attending events to make connections with those employers.

For more information on the range of experiential learning including work-integrated learning available at King's, please visit https://www.kings.uwo.ca/current-students/student-affairs/career-connect/experience/