- Description: A British Columbian organization dedicated to protecting ancient forests and ensuring sustainable forestry jobs in the province.
- Careers Website: Opportunities are often listed on the Ancient Forest Alliance website or through environmental job boards.
- Description: Manages timber sales in British Columbia's public forests.
- Careers Website: BC Timber Sales Careers
- Description: Engages in integrated forest product operations.
- Careers Website: Canfor Careers
- Description: Focuses on silvicultural practices to improve forest productivity on BC's coast.
- Careers Website: Coastal Silviculture Committee
- Description: The Georgia Strait Alliance is a non-profit organization committed to protecting and restoring the marine environment in and around the Georgia Strait. Based in British Columbia, the organization focuses on a range of issues including marine conservation, habitat restoration, pollution prevention, and sustainable marine practices. Through advocacy, education, and collaborative initiatives, the Georgia Strait Alliance works towards a vision of a healthy and thriving Strait of Georgia. Career opportunities with the organization may include roles in environmental advocacy, conservation program management, community outreach, research, policy development, and administrative support, ideal for individuals passionate about marine conservation and environmental stewardship.
- Website: For more information about career opportunities, visit: Georgia Strait Alliance
- Description: Manages timberland operations with an emphasis on sustainable forestry.
- Careers Website: Mosaic Forest Management Careers
- Description: Part of the Canadian Forest Service, focusing on forestry research.
- Careers Website: Pacific Forestry Centre Careers
- Description: Uses rigorous, peer-reviewed science and community engagement to protect the lands, waters, and wildlife of coastal British Columbia.
- Website: Raincoast Conservation Foundation
- Description: Focuses on protecting BC's wilderness and tackling issues related to global warming.
- Website: Sierra Club BC
Vancouver Island University working in partnership with Mitacs and Coast Capital Savings was able to offer financial support in the form of matched funding to local businesses impacted by the pandemic.
Interns were tasked with researching and developing solutions to address business challenges brought about by the pandemic.
Out of this partnership the Vancouver Island Economic Resiliency Initiative (VIERI) was created. Employers were invited to submit internship proposals outlining how they would employ an MBA intern to aid them in recovery from the effects of the pandemic.
MBA students were also invited to submit proposals based on recovery or growth initiatives they co-developed with businesses.
Approved internship funding was provided as follows:
Vancouver Island University - $2500
Mitacts - $5000
Participating Organizations were asked to contribute $2500 towards the intern's remuneration for a total of $10,000 paid as a stipend for the duration of the internship.
Coast Capital Savings contributed $25,000 towards the initiative to increase the number of funded internships that could be offered.
In total 22 funded internships were supported through this initiative.
Due to COVID-19 protocols in the initial months of the pandemic, continuing or securing a remote-work internship was not possible for the majority of interns In order to ensure that the MBA interns could complete the internship portion of their program without interruption the MBA internship team created an alternative option: Community Action Projects (CAP).
This option entailed students working together in small groups to research, coordinate and carry out a plan that would address COVID-19 challenges in the community and bring forward solutions to selected community groups.
11 teams of students chose to complete a CAP with some amazing results. The following are some of the projects created by the students:
Team Name: The Masterminds
CAP Focus: Study in Canada: A Guide for International Students
Executive Summary:
The purpose of this [guide] has been identified as a guideline that will help the International students who want to study in British Columbia, Canada. Some of the major topics that have been covered in this [guide] are how to write an SOP, finding accommodation, budgeting, expectation vs reality, information about language proficiency and ESL, finding part-time jobs, networking, additional certifications, useful tips about post-graduate work permits and getting permanent residency.
Team Name: ALFA
Team Members: Felicia (Project Leader) and Hrushikesh (Project Manager)
CAP Focus: An Analysis on Advanced Personality Enhancement (APE)
Executive Summary:
Advanced Personality Enhancement (APE) is a non-profit organization designed solely for creating, building, empowering, and developing self-awareness and well-being in the student community. APE values knowledge and believes in self-reflection. Our organization actively uses Youtube, Instagram, and Facebook to connect with people. We motivate people to embrace their unique personalities and be mindful of themselves and their surroundings. APE is the right initiative for individuals who are unable to address their mental health properly. It is important to know one's feelings, emotions and understand themselves inside out. APE believes that through the process of self-awareness, individuals can be aware of their needs, wants and desires, and take actions to achieve their ideal lifestyle and dream future.
In response to COVID 19, the MBA internship team worked tirelessly to ensure that all students on internship were safe and following proper health and safety protocols. This was no small task and involved reaching out to all students and employers currently on internships and completing a risk assessment as well as reviewing their organizational COVID 19 safety plans. The majority of students were required to work-from-home and some were even displaced from internships as employers, understandably, struggled to manage shifting work priorities.
The amazing work completed by the MBA internship team demonstrates their adaptability and strong commitment to student success, employer relationships and the changing workplace demands. They continue to develop new, innovative approaches to WIL that support student learning and ensure safety safety during these challenging times.
Additional Resources
A Thank You to our WIL Community Partners
During this month of celebration we would like to thank all of the VIU WIL community partners for providing our students with the opportunity to gain experience and apply their academic learning while working with your organization.
Your willingness to engage with our students and provide them with employment opportunities of all types forms the bridge between their academic studies and real-world experience. These opportunities are valuable learning experiences for our students and we appreciate your time and expertise in preparing our students for their future careers.
Explore Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) at VIU
At VIU, we believe that the best education happens when academic knowledge meets real-world experience. Through WIL, we provide valuable hands-on opportunities that benefit students, faculty, and employers alike.
What is WIL?
Work-integrated learning is a collaborative approach between a student, an academic institution, and a host organization to integrate a student’s academic experiences within a workplace or practice setting. We proudly offer the following WIL types:
- Work experience / Internships
- Apprenticeships
- Mandatory professional practicums or clinical placements
- Field placements
- Co-operative education (Co-ops)
- Community and Industry Research & Projects
- Service Learning
Benefits of a WIL Experience
For Faculty: WIL enriches your teaching by integrating real-world insights into the curriculum. Collaborating with industry partners helps keep your program relevant and responsive to workforce needs.
For Employers: Partnering with VIU allows you to access a pool of talented students eager to contribute fresh perspectives and skills to your organization. WIL partnerships foster a mutually beneficial relationship, ensuring a pipeline of well-prepared graduates.
For Students: Engaging in WIL prepares you for your future career by providing real-world experience, networking opportunities, and enhancing your employability.
See Where Our Students Work
Experience Hub
Mondays or Thursdays - 4:00 p.m.
One hour totally dedicated to the strengthening and toning of the core of the body and glutes. This is a non-cardio class but appropriate exercise footwear and clothing would be highly recommended. Come prepared to sweat.
Instructor: Veronique Rioux