Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) in the Research Analyst Program

Students

Our students expect to be assigned meaningful, challenging work pertinent to the research field, and to receive regular guidance and feedback on performance from their work placement supervisor.

Employers

Employers can expect students who can conduct research in a variety of settings throughout the public and private sectors. Our students spend two semesters learning all the major aspects of the research process. In the second semester, they engage in a major research project where they learn to work in a team and apply their statistical, technical, and project management skills. Students also complete a career preparation course to help them become job ready.

All our students hold undergraduate degrees, and some have advanced degrees. Students come from a wide variety of academic backgrounds that include the pure and applied sciences, social sciences, humanities, and the professions.

Duration of Work Placements

Students go on a full-time 12-week placement in their third semester. Placements typically take place from May to July, September to November and January to March (starting Jan 2023). Some placements may differ in length depending on the employer’s needs.

Placement Supervisor

Employers are expected to provide orientation to the student at the beginning of the placement and assign a work placement supervisor. The work placement supervisor will assist the student in determining learning outcomes, provide guidance on work projects and give regular feedback on performance. While the student is expected to work fairly independently, both employer and student will mutually benefit from having regular communication.

Evaluation

The evaluation process is an integral component in the student’s learning. There are two formal evaluations to be completed by the work placement supervisor. The mid-term evaluation is done halfway through the placement and is meant to highlight productive work completed by the student and address any areas that need improvement. The final evaluation will assess the student’s overall performance.

Remuneration

Work placement positions are paid by the placement organization, and compensation varies. In lieu of a salary or an hourly rate, students may be offered an honorarium, a stipend, or another form of financial compensation. If a placement organization is not able to offer any financial compensation, we still welcome your offer to provide a student placement.   

Workplace Safety and Insurance

For all paid placements, the employer will be responsible for providing the student with insurance coverage either through the WSIB or a private insurer depending on the type of workplace. For all unpaid placements, students will be covered under the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) if they meet the MTCU eligibility criteria. 

Connect with Placement Advisor

Employers are expected to share evaluations with the Placement Advisor and are welcome to schedule phone calls or meetings to discuss the student’s progress. 

We are confident in our students' abilities, however if there is an issue, the employer should connect with the Placement Advisor to determine the best course of action. 

Our talented Placement Advisors will assist students and employers from start to finish of the placement process.

For Students

• Resume and cover letter review and tips
• Interview practice
• Best practices for informational interviews and networking
• Referral to placement opportunities that match the student’s interests
• Assist in communicating with employers when needed
• Career guidance

For Employers

• Circulate employer’s job posting to students
• Help narrow down a list of qualified applicants
• Provide guidance on filling out and submitting required forms including learning contracts, Health and Safety requirements, timesheets, and evaluation forms
• Assist in determining the needs of a research project and how our students can assist