At Ontario Tech, our Business and IT programs provide various real-world experiences where your classroom lessons can be applied, and your skills are tested and sharpened through hands-on learning.

Experiential learning opportunities include co-ops, internships, the Capstone program, international education and much more. These opportunities are an essential aspect of the learning process and are a great way to figure out a career path in your field of interest.

These experiences can help you clarify any confusion, uncertainties or misjudgments you may have about your area of study. Most importantly, it provides you with industry skills that will benefit you in the long run, especially when pursuing a career or graduate studies.

How the co-op and internship process works

An internship is a paid placement opportunity at one of our many partnered—or sponsored—organizations. An internship lasts for a minimum of 16 consecutive weeks and can run longer depending on the placement and contract.

Our Business programs offer direct-entry co-op, where you are able to secure your spot in co-op at the time of your application. Please note: students accepted into the direct-entry co-op program will still need to maintain the minimum requirements for involvement in co-op.

To be eligible for a co-op or internship, you must have completed your second-year core courses, be in good academic standing and achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.3. If you do not yet meet the requirements, you can still apply! We review applications at the end of each semester, at which point your GPA may meet the requirement. 

After successfully landing a placement, you can expect the following:

• A minimum of 560 hours of progressive business and management experience.
• A minimum of 16 consecutive weeks of employment.
• The possibility of being paid full-time wages.

Upon completing an internship placement, you'll receive a final mark and earn three credits toward your degree at Ontario Tech.

Learn more about the advantages of experiential learning and check out frequently asked questions to find the right fit for you. 

If you are an international student, you must get approval from the program coordinator before accepting a placement. Read more about international requirements and eligibility to ensure you have all the necessary documentation. 

Merits of landing a placement

Obtaining an internship helps you grow personally and professionally, while developing skills that are essential to the workplace. You will learn and discover through the hands-on practice of classroom knowledge in a real-world setting. 

Through experiential learning, your academic journey will be filled with great and meaningful experiences that will help prepare you for a future career in the industry. You will also have the opportunity to meet professionals, which will help you establish relationships and build a network in your field.

Need more reasons why experiential learning is so important?

See what a successful graduate has to say: 

Helen Williams, Accounting Graduate

Helen was a bridge student from Durham College to Ontario Tech interested in doing a placement to learn more about business analysis. 

Helen's first placement—during her second year—was at the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) as a Project Control Officer. Her role involved working closely with the Project Manager, recording and tracking progress, maintaining workbooks, supporting the development IT team and much more. 

This placement helped her to grow in new business areas and gain transferable skills such as collaboration and teamwork.

"I was continuously exposed to new things—it taught me a lot about myself and I discovered a new willingness to learn," says Helen. 

Helen's second placement was in her third year at BDO Canada as an Accounting and Assurance intern. In this placement, Helen helped with corporate and personal taxes during tax season. "It required a lot more work and effort but taught me time management, how to prioritize my tasks and to ask questions. It was totally worth it," she says.

Helen strongly recommends that students engage in a co-op or internship during their educational journey because it shows you what life can be like pursuing a career in your field.

Experiential learning is one way we provide our students with opportunities to expand and apply their knowledge. It's an opportunity every student should consider when deciding on a university!

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