Course Description
This course provides students with the opportunity to apply their classroom learning as an intern in an actual business environment. The Experiential Learning & Internship course involves ongoing consultation between the student, the instructor, and the employment supervisor. Students interested in taking this course should visit this website: https://mycareer.douglascollege.ca/home.htm. It has the most up-to-date information on the steps for getting into this course and for the timelines (NOTE: It can take more than one semester before the student can enroll in the course. Thus, connecting with the Career Centre as soon as possible is very important.)
As an intern, the student is assigned tasks and challenges appropriate to a junior employee in a studies-relevant role. The experience provides an opportunity to apply theory and knowledge in a relevant work situation, and it enables the student to integrate their knowledge with actual practice as it applies in the hosting firm. The internship experience is designed to provide the student with practical experience in solving real-world problems. This course is intended for students in selected Commerce and Business Administration programs.
Course Content
- In consultation with the instructor and work supervisors, students will prepare for their experiential learning in the internship, by:
- Defining the scope of the work to be accomplished,
- Identifying documentation needs and a means of meeting those needs, and
- Identifying how to accomplish the learning outcomes of the course.
In consultation with their instructor, and as needed, the work supervisors, students will track learning from the internship in support of the course learning outcomes.
Students will receive and reflect on feedback from their work supervisors and instructor on the work progress and the learning experience.
Students will assimilate their learning and achievement of the learning outcomes and present their learning in a final portfolio and/or presentation.
**Prior to enrolling in this course, students will work with the Career Centre via the CareerHUB to do all preparatory work. Once the preparatory work is complete, students will enroll in the course, and once in the course, the above items will be addressed.
Learning Activities
Students will work with the instructor and/or work supervisor to define the work project, engage in the work, and achieve the learning outcomes of the course.
Means of Assessment
Assessment will be in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. This is a Mastery/Non-Mastery course. To achieve a Mastery grade, the student must demonstrate mastery in the following:
- Pre-work preparation, documentation, and assessment,
- Tracking of work experience,
- Employer feedback and evaluation, with student follow-up on action items,
- Presentation and/or portfolio to summarize learning, and
- As needed, other activities in support of the learning objectives.
Learning Outcomes
The fundamental objectives of this course are to develop the capability:
- To interpret concepts learned in commerce and business courses as they relate to the business environment.
- To examine the workings of business situations, and to analyze the culture of the business world.
- To evaluate jobs in industry and, through this, to align personal career goals.
- To develop and refine skills and knowledge specific to the student’s chosen career path.
- To work independently in a professional environment.
Textbook Materials
Any materials needed will be provided by the instructor.