Securing Field Experience Process
Tags: March 2022, Vol. 2, Issue 3
The WIL Centre aims to provide students with the resources and tools they need to feel prepared beginning their Field Experience, while also continuing to support evolving community partner needs. The Field Placement Coordinators (FPCs) support students through the implementation of a 4-step model which includes the following: Search, Outreach, Interview, and Validate.
For the first steps, Search and Outreach, the WIL Centre supports several ways that students can find and secure a Field Experience. Every semester FPCs connect with organizations in their program field to determine opportunities. As opportunities become available, FPCs share them with students through Career Connect and Blackboard where students can freely apply to positions. FPCs also encourage students to build their capacity to job search based on their interests and experiences. In addition to what students learn in their Professional Practice courses, Field Placement Coordinators help students practice essential job search skills and continue to provide guidance throughout the entire process. This includes facilitating workshops, resources, one-on-one meetings, and helping them to understand how learning outcomes are connected to the work they will be doing in the field.
