Get experience and learn in new environments
There are a variety of ways you can gain experiential learning on and off campus during your time at TRU. Some opportunities can earn you credit towards your graduation, and some are financially compensated, while others contribute to your academic career; regardless, all experiential learning expands your network and provides you with professional and personal development.
Curricular Opportunities
Explore curricular (or for credit) opportunities for you to experience more learning.
Some of the ways you can gain experience for your professional and personal development while earning credits towards your degree
Note: * = Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) program. WIL is a form of curricular experiential education that formally integrates a student’s academic studies with quality experiences within a workplace or practice setting. WIL experiences include an engaged partnership of at least: an academic institution, a host organization, and a student. (Definition provided by CEWIL Canada)
Apprenticeship*
Apprenticeship programs provide the knowledge and skills required of a certified tradesperson. These programs involve a combination of work-based training and technical training leading to a provincial or national industry training credential.
Explore the TRU School of Trades & TechnologyStudy Abroad*
The Student Exchange program allows students to live and study in a different country for one or two semesters. There are over 40 countries to consider through TRU Bilateral Exchange and the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP).
Explore Study AbroadField School
An international field school course is a credit or non-credit course, or program, offered off-campus in another country. There are also several domestic TRU Field Schools, so check with your faculty, school or department.
Explore Field School optionsInternships
Internships are a great way to find work in a professional setting. Employers benefit from an enthusiastic worker and the employee gains invaluable first-hand experience.
Undergraduate Research*
Engaging in undergraduate research will increase your academic and professional success, and enhance your ability to think critically, ask tough questions and search for compelling answers.
Explore Undergraduate Research OpportunitiesCapstone or Honours
A capstone or honours can be a major project or paper that is supervised by a faculty member. TRU offers many capstone opportunities so check with your faculty, school or department.
Service Learning*
Academic service learning provides a venue for senior-level students (third or fourth year) to share their knowledge and skills with the community through approved community-based projects. Service learning projects may be initiated by students, community members, groups, agencies, organizations, and faculty. Check with a professor in your faculty, school or department for more information today!
Also, check out SRCL 1000: Community Service-Learning. SRCL 1000 is for community-minded first-year students wanting exposure to academic, volunteer service and cultural experience connected within and beyond the university context.
Co-operative Education*
Co-op blends on-campus learning with practical applied learning. Enhance your education with career-related work experience before graduation.
Explore Co-operative EducationCo-op Abroad makes international opportunities accessible to Co-op students at TRU. Its purpose is to expand the global mindset of current students interested in international work experience.
Explore Co-op AbroadProfessional Practicums*
Practicums involve professional work experience under the supervision of an experienced registered or licensed professional organization or body in a discipline that requires practice-based work experience for professional certification. TRU offers many practicum placement opportunities so check with your faculty, school or department.
Co-Curricular Opportunities
Explore cocurricular (or not for credit) opportunities for you to experience more learning.
Some of the ways you can gain experience for your professional and personal development in an academic context.
Conference Presentation
A conference is a space for researchers and students to present and discuss their work. It’s a great way to meet people in your field of study. To be able to present at conference, it’s probably best to work with a faculty or staff member at TRU, but you can always apply to present on your own. TRUSU also offers a Conference Attendance Grant to both attend and present at a conference.
Publications
Publications are a great way to share your academic work with the public. There are many places to have your work published from TRU’s independent Omega Student News, community newspapers, online sources. You can also look to work with a professor in your faculty, school or department to have your research submitted into a journal, book or even an open access output.
Undergraduate Research
Engaging in undergraduate research will increase your academic and professional success, and enhance your ability to think critically, ask tough questions and search for compelling answers. Research also acts as service to the community, so get involved. This is your education journey, make the most of it!
Explore Undergraduate Research at TRUWorkshops
TRU offers many amazing hands-on workshops to develop your skills! Be sure to explore multiple workshops even those that may be outside of your field of study as you are building your skills! Check out the TRU Events calendar for upcoming workshops and other events.
Extra-Curricular Opportunities
Explore extracurricular (or not for credit) opportunities for you to experience more learning.
some of the ways you can gain experience for your professional and personal development somewhat separated from your academic disciplines.
Committee Representation
TRU and TRUSU have many opportunities for you to be a representative on a university committee. Explore your leadership, serve your community and build your university. Opportunities exist on the Student Caucus Team, Board of Governors, Community Trust, Administrative Advisory Committees, Senate Committees, Planning Council for Open Learning, and various Faculty Councils.
Explore TRU/TRUSU CommitteesConference Attendance
A conference is a space for students to learn about new knowledge that is being disseminated your field of study. It’s also a great way to meet people in your discipline. Look for opportunities in your faculty, school or department but be sure to check out the Undergraduate Research & Innovation Conference and Philosophy, History, and Politics Undergraduate Conference.
TRUSU also offers a Conference Attendance Grant to both attend and present at a conference.
Volunteer
Volunteering is a great way to develop experience that will help you with your career development and can be one of the most fulfilling experiences of your life. There are many organizations that need volunteers and many employers that want to see volunteer experience on a résumé!
Experience More Volunteerism Find volunteer opportunities on Career ConnectionsSummer or Part-time Job
If you are looking for a summer or a part-time job, then start here and sign into Career Connections. If you need help with your resume, cover letter or interview practice, then check out the Career and Experiential Learning Department or our Career Development webpages.
Explore CEL Explore Career DevelopmentWolfPack Recreation
An excellent way to get involved in campus life and strike a balance with academics and play is by joining in a recreational activity. TRU offers many including, fitness classes, drop-in sports, intramurals and special events.
Explore WolfPack RecreationIf you are more on the social side of recreation, then get out there and support our TRU Wolfpack!
Back the ‘Pack!Peer Mentorship and Leadership
In peer mentor programs, you have an opportunity to access valuable training, partake in professional development, gain hands-on experience, and give back to your peers and campus community. These positions also look great on a resume and are a lot of fun!
Explore Student Mentorship and LeadershipClubs
Thompson Rivers University Students Union (TRUSU) has dozens of active clubs for you to join. This is a great way to meet students with similar interests while developing your personal and professional skills.
Explore the Experience More Program’s Campus Clubs initiative Explore the TRUSU Club DirectoryEntrepreneurship
If you have a great business idea, TRU and the community have resources, space, mentors and funding opportunities that can help you move forward.
Start your entrepreneurial journey at the TRU GeneratorWorkStudy Program
Work Study is a TRU funded financial assistance program which offers an opportunity for Canadian students to work part-time on campus in positions that accommodate their studies.
Explore Work Study