Work integrated learning (WIL) is a defining strength of graduate education at the University of Waterloo. Designed to bridge academic theory with hands on experience, Waterloo's WIL opportunities will help you build professional skills, make meaningful industry and community connections, and enhance the real world impact of your research.

Whether you're considering a professional master's program or a research based degree, Waterloo offers multiple pathways to gain applied experience during your studies.

Why consider work integrated learning (WIL)?

As a graduate student, WIL gives you much more than workplace exposure; it supports your overall academic and career development and helps your transition to the workforce. Benefits include:

• Hands on experience directly related to your discipline.
• Real world insight that can enrich both coursework and research.
• Clearer career direction as you discover roles and sectors that match your interests.
• Skill development in communication, leadership, project management, and more.
• A competitive edge as you enter the job market.

Waterloo's approach is rooted in strong partnerships between the university, employers across sectors, and students — ensuring high quality learning experiences.

Types of work integrated learning for graduate students

Graduate level WIL at Waterloo appears in two main forms: program level WIL and course level WIL.

Program level WIL

Program level WIL is a structured, mandatory component of certain graduate programs. These experiences are built directly into the curriculum and facilitated through academic departments, often in collaboration with Co operative and Experiential Education. Options include:

Co operative education (Co op)

• Full-time, paid work terms related to your field.
• Learn about graduate programs with a co-op option here.

Internships

• Supervised, discipline-specific work experiences.
• Vary in length, intensity, and timing.
• Some offered via direct entry, others through transfer entry (with additional departmental approvals).

Course level WIL

Course level WIL incorporates experiential activities within a specific course. These may be required or elective courses and are usually led by an instructor. Common formats include:

Community & Industry Research Projects (CIR)

You'll work individually or in teams on projects for external partners like industry, government, or community organizations.

Examples:

• WIL 611: Interdisciplinary Community/Industry Research Project (open to all graduate students)
• Courses limited to specific departments, such as BET 615: Corporate Innovation Consulting

Practicums

• Intensive hands on experiences in professional or community settings.
• The practicum forms the basis of the course's academic evaluation.

These experiences allow you to apply academic knowledge in meaningful, often socially impactful ways.

How WIL supports your graduate journey

Across both program- and course-level pathways, Waterloo's WIL model is designed to help you:

• Prepare for the future of work by developing transferable, career ready skills.
• Connect research with real-world challenges, increasing relevance and impact.
• Build professional networks with employers and community partners.
• Access potential funding opportunities through paid co op roles or partner supported projects.

Many students find that WIL experiences clarify their professional direction, whether that means continuing in academia, entering industry, or pursuing entrepreneurial pathways.

Is WIL right for you?

If you're looking for a graduate experience that blends academic inquiry with practical impact, Waterloo's WIL options may be an excellent fit. These opportunities allow you to experiment, explore professional environments, and build your resume before you graduate.

Explore all the graduate programs we offer at Waterloo, including graduate programs with co-op.