Defining Our Work

Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) is an educational model within experiential learning that complements academic studies with practical, real-world experiences. This method allows students to apply theoretical classroom knowledge to a workplace or practice setting, enhancing their learning and preparing them for professional careers. WIL opportunities (including internships, co-op, apprenticeships, etc.) involve partnerships among academic institutions, host organizations/employers, and students, ensuring that learning objectives are met and providing industry exposure. By integrating work experiences with academic learning, WIL helps students develop essential skills, build professional networks, and enhance their employability. It is a way to bridge the gap between classroom education and the demands of the modern workplace. We emphasize experiences that provide students industry exposure that directly relate to their career goals, promote progressive skill development in the workplace, and compensate students appropriately.

Cooperative Education (Co-op) is a structured method of combining classroom-based education with practical work experience. A cooperative education experience, commonly known as a “co-op”, provides academic credit for structured job experience. Co-op experiences are either full-time (40 hours per week) alternating periods (semester, quarter) of work and school or part-time (20 hours per week) combining work and school during the same time period. Co-op experiences are paid, supervised by a professional who has followed the same career path of the student and students complete more than one assignment (two or more) with progressive levels of responsibility.

Internship is an experience involving student’s working in their expected career field, either during a semester or over the summer. Internships may be paid or unpaid and may or may not carry academic credit. Internships are typically one-time experiences. Internships are typically connected to an academic program with course requirements designed and monitored by faculty. Internships generally have related learning outcomes and academic assignments required.

For individuals working in this space, CEIA developed a list of practitioner competencies.  In the coming years, these competencies will include further definition for training and assessment.