Internship Resources

• Students who have been accepted into the internship program will receive access to the SciWorks portal to view job postings for all programs.

• All internship postings have an individual deadline date and time. Sometimes positions may close prior to the deadline if a suitable candidate is selected. It is strongly recommend to not applying last minute.

• All job postings indicate the application method; it could be either through SciWorks, Email or the company's website.

• Job applications should always be tailored to the position. For more information on application please go the SIP blog.

• The SIP Coordinators are happy to help with your application, please book an appointment.

• Having access to the job portal SciWorks does not automatically guarantee you a position. You still need to put effort into your application and most importantly tailor it.

• Be sure to frequently check SciWorks for new job postings and your Ualberta email address for possible emails from employers as well as your weekly updates on job postings.

• The table below indicates the peak recruitment times.

When looking for internship opportunities outside of SciWorks or when there is a company you are interested in working for yet they have not posted with SciWorks there are certain things you have to consider when searching for your internship.

INTERNSHIP REQUIREMENTS

• Between 30 to 40 hours per week
• Paid position (at least minimum wage)
• Company has to provide a supervisor
• Science related tasks

WHERE CAN YOU LOOK FOR YOUR OWN INTERNSHIP?

There are a number of job boards available:

• www.indeed.ca
• Jooble
• www.monster.ca
• www.talentegg.ca
• www.jobpostings.ca
• www.careeredge.ca
• www.linkedin.ca
• www.aiesec.ca

Associations are also a great source to look for companies.

WHAT DO I DO WHEN I GET AN INTERNSHIP OFFER?

Check if the internship fulfils the SIP requirements, then inform the SIP team (sciiip@ualberta.ca) about your offer and create a work term record in your SciWorks profile, including the posting. The SIP team will review the position and approve it if the SIP criteria are fulfilled. After that you will be enrolled in the WKEXP. Fees are attached to this course.

If you are unsure about the fit of the position you found, contact a SIP coordinator immediately.

WHAT TO EXPECT

• Once you've applied for a job, check your UAlberta e-mail regularly.
• If you are selected for an interview the employer might contact you directly, or a SIP coordinator will get in touch with you or the interview will be scheduled through SciWorks and you will have to select a timeslot that works best for you.
• It is important that you reply to interview requests right away (24 hours) to ensure you get the best selection of interview times.
• For help with interview preparation you can contact the SIP coordinator or schedule a mock interview with the Career Centre.

ATTENDING THE INTERVIEW

• You must attend all interviews with employers that have selected you as a candidate, until you have accepted an internship position. If you have completed an interview and no longer feel the opportunity is suitable for you, contact your SIP coordinator immediately to discuss your reasons.
• Bring a copy of your resume, transcript and a list of your references to the interview. If desired, you may also take samples of your work.
• Arrive at the interview location 15 minutes prior to your interview.
• Remain in the waiting area outside the interview room until the employer calls you.
• Dress professionally.
• Be prepared with a list of questions to ask the employer.
• Bring a notepad and a pen in case you need to take notes during the interview.

JOB OFFER

• You are responsible for accepting any offer you receive within 24 hours, should you wish not to accept a job offer you have to immediately contact your SIP Coordinator.
• If your offer letter contains a confidentiality agreement and you have questions about it, please see your SIP coordinator.

Once you receive a job offer you have to contact your SIP coordinator and create a Work Term Record.

For more information on interviews visit the SIP blog.

When you are on your placement, the SIP team will connect with you at several points. You will also have a SIP coordinator who will be your point of contact for any questions, concerns and help.

Each student out on placement is enrolled in the Work Experience Course (WKEXP). This course is associated with certain fees and assignments. Also while being out on your internship, students are expected to adhere to the code of student behaviour.

PROBATIONARY EVALUATION

• After a 3-month probationary period, a probationary evaluation form will be emailed to you and your supervisor to ensure the internship is mutually productive.
• If both parties are satisfied, the internship continues to completion.
• If either you or the employer is dissatisfied, the internship may be terminated and you will return to continue your studies during the next school term. In any case you will have to inform your SIP Coordinator.

E-CLASS

• Part of the WKEXP is an e-class for each term. In the beginning of each term you will receive and email with access to the e-class.
• You will have to complete the individual assignments in e-class. They will support your professional development and will count towards your performance of your internship.
• Your supervisor may have to sign off on some of the e-class assignments. Hence, it is recommended to discuss the assignments with your supervisor.

SITE VISIT

• Your SIP coordinator will arrange a site visit or phone conversation (depending on placement location) to take place around the 4 months mark (for 4 months long internships the site visit takes place between the 2nd and 3rd months). This conversation with you and your supervisor may include topics such as:
  • A review of your work performance and progress
  • Evaluating student and employer satisfaction
  • Clarifying E-class assignments and INTD400 course, if applicable.
  • Obtaining feedback on student preparation and administration of the program.

FINAL EVALUATION

A final evaluation document will be emailed to you and your supervisor towards the end of your placement.

The Employer evaluations become part of your departmental record and will determine if you receive credit or no credit for your work experience.

• If an internship is held outside Alberta, and funding for travel to the employer's location is not provided by the employer, students can apply for a SIP Travel Award.
• The amount of funding available is limited and will be awarded on a first come first served basis
• The level of funding awarded will be related to the distance traveled outside of Alberta and will not necessarily cover 100% of travel costs
• Receipts will be required
• The application form is available by clicking the button below
  
  2024 SIP Travel Award

Please note you must be signed in with your UAlberta account to fill out the forms.