Centre for Experiential Learning
Work-Integrated Learning & Career Services
2022 Highlights Report
Work-Integrated Learning & Career Services
2022 Highlights Report
Hay ch qa' sii'em siye'yu mukw mukw mustimuxw (Thank you respected ones of this place)
To the Snuneymuxw, Quw’utsun, Snaw-naw-as, Tla’amin, and Qualicum First Nation on whose traditional lands we teach, learn, research, live and share knowledge. We raise our hands and say Hay ch qa’ sii’em sieye’ yu mukw mustimuxw.
Centre for Experiential Learning, 900 Fifth Street, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5S5
Chris Yeast, Assistant Manager, Student Affairs
Sharon Milligan, Career and Co-operative Education Assistant
Tawnya Hoff, Experiential Learning Program Assistant
Alex Bowman; Alexis Beaubier; Brook Pearce; Danielle Johnsrude; Jonah Ferguson; Karolien Soylu; Lina Guo; Lynda Robinson; Omar Karim; Paula Deering; Sharon Milligan; Shelley-Anne Gaijda; and Tawnya Hoff
Jonah Ferguson, Photography
This annual report highlights general trends and developments over the past year. We also focus on narrative to demonstrate the learning experiences and highlight activity occurring within the Centre for Experiential Learning (CEL). We will be focusing on data from January 2022 – December 2022. For detailed statistics, historical data and newsletters please email cel@viu.ca. The CEL produced this report in March 2023 to be released for National Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) day, March 22, 2023.
Co-op Programs
Bachelor of Hospitality Management
Bachelor of Tourism Management
Computer Science
Culinary Arts
Engineering
Recreation and Sport Management Diploma
Tourism Studies Diploma
Information Technology and Applied Systems
Internship Programs
Creative Writing
General
Graphic Design
Interior Design
Kinesiology
The Centre for Experiential Learning & Student Engagement supports the Student Affairs strategic plan goals of enhancing life-enriching and career building opportunities. All of our programs pursue the desire to exemplify and demonstrate VIU’s core values of understanding, connection, and commitment
The programs, services, and learning opportunities provided through the CEL are inherently linked to VIU’s Strategic Retention Model, which focuses on student progression, including retention and graduation Strategies in the model are based on the belief that three motivational factors significantly affect students’ perspectives in reaching their goals, which include self-efficacy, sense of belonging, and perceptions of curriculum The CEL connects and engages with learners via meaningful learning opportunities through in and out-of-classroom experiences that help build on those motivational factors. It is an absolute privilege that we all get to do this type of work as we journey with students.
This report will highlight some of the metrics and milestones to inform the narrative of the activity associated with Goal 3 of the VIU Student Affairs Foundational Plan called: Enter with Curiosity; Leave with Confidence 2022-2027: Amplify VIU’s Work-integrated Learning & Career Exploration
“We will build on and improve experiential learning, career exploration, and skill development opportunities to position you (the student) to successfully launch and sustain a satisfying and successful career.”
It has been another full and exciting year, with change and growth by adding new team members across all CEL Departments We have seen an increase of students in 2022 participating in WIL experiences through internships and co-ops, a return to some international work-integrated learning experiences and a steady return to in-person experiences
The Office of Co-curricular Engagement & Learning (OCCEL) brought back the Vancouver Island Leadership Conference in person The theme this past year was Leading the Future Together The conference included 11 different speakers from diverse backgrounds, including Olympic athlete Lanni Marchant, author and TEDx speaker Nelson Soh, and Paul Underhill, founder of Rumble Supershake It also included a career expo and numerous activities students could get involved in, including yoga, meditation, journaling, foraging, dragon boating and a visit to Saysutshun (Newcastle Island) for a guided cultural tour and a traditional cedar workshop. There were 125 students registered for the conference.
In 2021 the CEL announced that we received a one-time contribution of funding, which concluded in August 2022 as part of Phase 2 of the Co-op and WIL Initiative from the Provincial Government This allowed us to support student and employer engagement and provide career services with the launch of the VIU Career Studio and Career Peer Facilitator Program which has created some buzz on campus You can find the Career Studio in Building 255 The Career Studio opened in August 2022 and had an official grand opening during Career Month kicking off the Career Connections week with employers and students.
With Gratitude:
I extend my sincerest gratitude to all our partners, both on campus through different programs, faculties, departments, and with industry in the community. Thank you for building connections that allow our students to work towards launching into a meaningful career If you want to get connected, involved and pursue partnership opportunities, please email cel@viu ca, and we will connect with you
Director, Centre for Experiential Learning & Student Engagement
Career Studio | Work-Integrated Learning | Co-curricular Engagement & Learning | Peer Supported Learning
The VIU Graduate Attributes & Program Learning Outcomes are utilized in all department areas within the CEL & Student Engagement. The focus is on having students recognize and communicate the competencies for all three pillars: (Literacies, Intellectual and practical skills, and Civic engagement) through their experiential learning opportunities and being able to capture and professionally communicate these attributes as they move through their career and workplace transition.
Madelaine Jones, a third-year Computer Science student, has excelled in a diverse range of co-op work experiences, both in the public and private sectors. Her experience includes working at a local start-up, the federal government, and Amazon, where she made significant contributions and positively represented VIU students. As a woman in tech, Madelaine has exemplified equity, diversity, and inclusion in the industry, inspiring other female students pursuing STEM careers
Madelaine's open-mindedness and adaptability to different company cultures and environments have led to the impressive growth and development of her technical and professional skills. She is also a top student advocate for work-integrated learning. She has delivered a code review workshop last year and participated in Peer-Supported Learning, demonstrating her ongoing willingness to help her peers. Madeline has been nominated for CEWIL and ACE-WIL student of the year.
We believe that education doesn't just happen in the classroom; learning comes most powerfully through reallife experiences. We will therefore provide more opportunities for life-enriching and career-building opportunities such as co-ops, work placements and internships, and will continue to develop our suite of upskilling and re-skilling programs for learners throughout their careers.
Expanding life-enriching and career-building experiences.
This job [gave] me the opportunity to engage with members of the community, especially at the lake because the lifeguards are in such close contact with the public. This also gave me valuable teamwork experience because I was in a new environment and had to learn how to work with other guards in a completely different environment "
Victoria Koutstaal (Tori), Recreation and Sport Management Diploma StudentThe biggest surprise of her co-op was “learning about the scope of the BC Wildfire Service,” she [Nadia] says. “Until I was employed with them, I’d never really thought much about everything they do, but it’s a lot The science behind wildfire management is fascinating, and I loved learning about how and why certain decisions are made. I’m by no means an expert now, but I definitely learned a lot.
Nadia Linning, Bachelor of Tourism Management StudentThe full article is titled An award-winning work co-op with the BC Wildfire Service
At Disney World I had a chance to meet and work with people from countries I never heard of and discovered interesting new things about how coming from different cultures can affect the way we eat, live, work, and enjoy life My interpersonal skills significantly improved as I started opening up with strangers, as I started talking to them and getting used to working with them and be able to adjust myself in order to fit in a new environment The time I spent at Disney also taught me a lot on flexibility and critical thinking skills as not everything is going to happen exactly as planned so being able to make wise decisions when unexpected things occur is vital in a people-oriented industry like hospitality Overall, I do think I have gained a lot of things that will help my selfdevelopment personally and professionally.
I think I managed to learn a lot about how to treat and talk to people from different backgrounds, cultures, ethnicities, educational levels, etc. I do believe that one doesn’t need to know about as many cultures as possible, it’s a good thing to learn about new people and their cultures but the important thing is you must learn how to treat people with respect as a human being first.
Disney is a big corporation, and I was able to learn a lot from them about professionalism in terms of workplace etiquette, culture, language, and communication I learned that showing up on time for work is one of the most important factors indicating that you’re a responsible employee Being a Disney cast member, how you present yourself is how people see Disney through you which is why I have always been careful with my words, my actions, and every compliment I gave to the guests At Disney, we’re “Cast Member” because while at work, I will have to be “on show” which means whenever I’m able to be seen by guests, I will have to keep the “magic” going by taking care of guests and never show negativity
One piece of advice I would give to give to Disney program’s future co-op students: “I know that having a chance to work for Disney will enhance your skills, your resume, and your knowledge about one of the most famous hospitality companies so don’t miss out the chances that you get to learn; however, don’t forget to also have fun, to enjoy every moment you have at Disney because the experiences and the friendships you have there are going to be lifelong”
The co-op program has given me a chance to try new things, live in a different place, meet new people, and learn more about new cultures. After having this unique experience as a co-op student, I am motivated to become more professional and eager to learn new knowledge to work for big companies. The program has also fueled my passion as an international hospitality professional who provides excellent service and creates unique and lasting relationships with guests coming from around the world.
Hailey Minh Thy Lai Hospitality Management StudentFoundational Plan in 2022 to Celebrate:
A Career Peer Facilitator program implemented in Fall 2022 First Career Peer Training as part of the Student Affairs Leadership Institute in August 2022
Aspects of an employer and student engagement plan implemented in 2022 and ongoing in 2023
Career Studio on the Road – Workshops made available for faculty and departmental areas to book in as of Fall 2022, and a suite of programming and support
The launch of the AI resume optimization tool was in place for Fall 2022 and has been built into Career Studio support
Initiated first Student Affairs Student Leadership Institute for program areas with the Student Affairs - supporting over 60 student staff and volunteers led by PSL, OCCEL, Career Studio, and Thrive
Launch of employer and student engagement activities happened in Fall 2022 through Career Connections, Employer Appreciation, and Labour Market Roundtables
Director of the CEL serves on the BC WIL council and was appointed vice-chair in May 2022
Several of the CEL WIL faculty serve on committees affiliated with ACE-WIL and CEWIL Canada showcasing a professional commitment to advancing the field and practice within VIU, which will add value to the WIL Practitioner Community of Practice launching Spring 2023
Launch of the Community of Practice in 2022: Student Employment, Training & Leadership Colead by Student Employment and the CEL
Funding partnership with the Alumni Association for the Career Studio programming
Addition of the Experiential Learning Module to CareerVIU
The CEL provides quality educational opportunities that employ effective teaching and learning strategies in experiential learning and career education that contribute to meaningful employment
Through the design of WIL courses and activities, CEL collaborates with other decanal areas to provide an integrative, practical approach that contributes holistically to students’ development
Experiential Learning
Community Engagement
Diversity
Inclusion
Excellence
CareerVIU is the CEL’s online career and experiential learning platform. The platform named “Outcome” was developed by Orbis Communications. Orbis Communications is one of the most trusted experiential learning solution providers for post-secondary institutions in Canada. For nearly 2 decades, their team has empowered the stories of over 100 institutions, 1 million students and 350,000 businesses
At VIU the Outcome platform, called “CareerVIU”, supports students by connecting in-class learning with real world experiences and opportunities.
The Career Studio employs 5 Career Studio Peer Facilitators to assist students with resume and cover letter reviews, job search strategies, career exploration, and interview skills The Career Peers are available for in-person and Zoom appointments between the hours of 9 am and 3 pm Monday - Friday The Career Peers also facilitate Career Studio On-the-Road events such as resume and cover letter workshops, career exploration workshops and information sessions to support students when preparing for job fairs and hiring events on and off campus Faculty and department areas are welcome to book Career Studio on the Road to visit their classes or meetings VIU has developed a Career Peer Training Hub which serves as a living resource for the Career Peers to assist them in supporting students with career education The Career Peer Training Hub includes learning and resources in the following areas:
Helping skills
Career Exploration
Resume and Cover Letter critique
Networking
Job Search Strategies
Interview Skills
The official grand opening of the VIU Career Studio was held on November 21, 2022 with services being available to students from September 6, 2022 The Career Studio hosted faculty, staff, students, and alumni for a ribboncutting event and presentation to introduce the service
The purpose of the Career Studio is to follow the University’s plan to welcome and inspire a community of learning, through understanding, connection, and commitment
Career services will:
Assist all students to build a foundation for workplace success through career education and the development of career readiness competencies and the VIU Graduate Attributes
Adapt programs and services to support students in attaining lifelong career planning skills through reflective practice and developing a deeper knowledge of self
Facilitate connection for students in all areas of programming, with employers and alumni through experiential learning opportunities and events that will encourage exploration, curiosity, and personal development
Commit to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive model that connects all students, alumni, faculty, staff, employers, and community organizations to resources for ongoing professional networking and supportive services for employment readiness and success
118 One-on-One Appointments
5 Career Peers
5 Alumni Engaged Events/Clubs
12 Career Studio on the Road Workshops/Events
Engaging 300+ Students in Career Education Opportunities
I was working on my resume in the VIU cafeteria and saw a booth advertising the Career Studio, so I asked for some information and found I could go in person to reach out for help. It had been so many years since I applied for a job and I felt my resume was very out of date I had spent a decade and a half at one job and was having trouble presenting my skills in a way that would be readable and relatable to potential employers.
I dropped in without an appointment, and the Career Studio was very helpful. They read my resume, gave feedback and got me signed up for an online course. I found the course helpful for reformatting my resume and presenting my skills and experience in an attention-grabbing way
When I re-approached the workplace I was seeking employment at with my updated resume, I was hired! The Career Studio was a huge help. I would recommend it to anyone.
A student came in one morning for a resume critique to get a job after years with the military. This was out of the scope of my practice, but I knew one thing – being in the military teaches you many things and there are many transferable skills. The challenging part for me in this was helping the student see that
As we talked, Paula, our Career Services Officer, assisted me. She was able to send me some resources that I could share with the student and we enrolled him in the resume and cover letter course that is free from the Career Studio. A few days later, this student emailed me to let me know that he got a job after using the course and the resources. My heart was filled with a lot of happiness to hear that The situation was a challenge at first, but it demonstrates that no work experience is ever a waste With the right communication, you can connect transferable skills to make the employer see you are a fit without doing the job.
eer Studio on the Road Workshops Bookings
Career Exploration
Career Peer Bookings
VIULearn Resume Open Access Course
(September 2022 - March 2023) Career Fairs
7
1 Appreciation Event
6 Labour Market Roundtables & Employer Panels
162 Employers Engaged
1095 Students Engaged
I found the career fair last week to be an excellent value of time and one of the best hiring events that I’ve experienced in terms of connecting with the right candidates. I appreciated the fact that it was a concentrated two-hour period focused towards the business faculty students or those with an interest in business – exactly the type of applicants that we were looking for!
Russell Hoefsloot District Sales Leader - PepsiCo Foods CanadaIn February, the Career Studio provided incredible support to the Faculty of Management Marketing Department in hosting an Alumni Panel of marketing professionals. Jonah Ferguson (Career Studio) arranged a panel of accomplished Marketing graduates from VIU, who spoke to an audience of 50 VIU students who were keen to learn about a career in marketing. There is tremendous value for students in connecting with the business community beyond the classroom, and this event exemplified an opportunity for our students to create industry connections. Our Marketing Department is incredibly grateful for the support of the Career Studio in organizing all aspects of this event, as it was a fantastic success
Jennifer Ford Chair, Marketing – Faculty of ManagementThe Office of Co-Curricular Engagement & Learning (OCCEL) at Vancouver Island University (VIU) plays a critical role in supporting successful student engagement and learning outside of the classroom. OCCEL builds a holistic approach to the development of student learning through reflection and engagement in co-curricular activities at VIU. OCCEL provides, collaborates, and creates opportunities to enrich student life and to build a positive campus experience through the facilitation of programming including but not limited to; Co-Curricular Record, Fun@VIU, Student Leadership Circle, CCR Talks, Vancouver Island Leadership Conference, VIU’s CoCurricular Involvement App, The Student Leadership Hub and RockVIU-Welcome to Campus (Nanaimo, Cowichan, Powell River). The Co-Curricular Record serves as a foundation at OCCEL and enables VIU to recognize the journey and reflective experiences of our student learners. The summary below provides brief highlights on students impacted and engaged through cocurricular and in-formalized WIL programming coordinated through OCCEL in the past academic year
4,905+ Students Participation in 2021-2022 OCCEL programming
2000+ New Students and Faculty, Co-Curricular Involvement App
450 Co-Curricular Record, Recognized Opportunities
44,000 student engagement rewards earned
150 student participants
760 student participants
1750 student participants
1645+ student participants
300 student participants
Fall
Spring
300 student participants
The Co-Curricular Record (CCR) is VIU’s official non-academic transcript. It is implemented, maintained, and led by the OCCEL. The CCR provides a full database of all the available engagement positions, student opportunities and student’s completed reflections
The CCR recognizes students for both organizing and participating in approved paid and volunteer experiences. Co-curricular learning transcends academia by developing students' intrapersonal capabilities and soft skills, such as professionalism, philanthropy, and leadership to build upon the theories that were learned through classroom teachings (Bergen-cico & Viscomi, 2012). In collaboration with other departments and faculties at VIU, the CCR can provide events and activities widely across the institution to make specific and measurable impacts on student’s overall learning and development
This non-academic transcript can be used to support a student's pathway to graduate school or future employment and can be used for applications related to scholarships/awards.
Contribute to student goal planning and success. Emphasize CCR interviews for graduate programs and employment opportunities
Share their CCR on LinkedIn through VIU's co-curricular involvement app to develop their professional network and connect to new opportunities
Helps students articulate relevant knowledge and skills that can be demonstrated to employers and for awards/funding applications.
Students receive recognition for their commitment to cocurricular learning
Enhances student self-awareness and develops professional competencies
Provides a platform for students to involve themselves within the community
Officially facilitates and records opportunities and positions for experiential learning outside the classroom that are relevant to their respective academic areas
Provides faculty and staff an opportunity to support and recognize their students’ noncredit earning and skill-building Promotes and incentivizes student engagement in their activities and programs. Promotes reflective learning.
Check out the Opportunity directory to see the various opportunities across campus.
I’ve been going to VIU on and off for many years working on my degree, and I can say with absolute confidence that it wasn’t until I engaged with the community that facilitates all of the extra-curricular learning and growth at this school that I really understood why I was in university I consider myself an accomplished professional outside of academia, but the complementary skills and applied practice that the CCR has allowed me to quantify in my learning is invaluable and has opened my eyes to the powerful experience of uplifting others in our collective pursuit of success and change for the better ”
Samantha Allan (she/her) CCR Chairperson, OCCEL 2021-2022 RockVIU Lead, Fall 2022The full article is titled
Did you know?
Co-ops and internships are among the most popular forms of WIL that the CEL helps to facilitate between our students and a diverse range of host organizations. These organizations include employers, non-profit organizations, industry associations, small- to mediumsized enterprises, entrepreneurs, government departments and social services. For more information about WIL, Career Services, or Co-Curricular please connect with the CEL.
Association for Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning BC/Yukon (ACE-WIL)
ACE-WIL BC/Yukon is a non-for-profit comprised of post-secondary, publicly-funded institutions in the BC/Yukon region that officer Co-operative Education and WIL programs
Centre for Experiential Learning (CEL)
Is a division of Student Affairs which supports the strategic plan goals of enhancing life-enriching and career building opportunities All programs pursue the desire to exemplify and demonstrate VIU’s core values of understanding, connection, and commitment
The CCR is VIU’s official non-academic transcript, and it is implemented, maintained, and led by OCCEL
As defined by CEWIL Canada in 2021, is the lead organization for WIL in Canada and partners with postsecondary institutions, community members, employers, government, and students to champion WIL.
The OCCEL engages and supports the student experience by fostering meaningful connections, wellness, leadership development, and personal growth through creating, promoting and recognizing co-curricular activities exercised on campus and within the community
Offers free, regularly scheduled, informal study sessions led by a senior student who has been successful in this course At its core the PSL program helps students integrate what to learn with how to learn and it has been successfully implemented around the world as an effective study program
As defined by CEWIL Canada in 2021, 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 a least: an academic institution, host organization, and a student WIL can occur at the course or program level and includes the development of student learning objectives and outcomes related to: employability, agency, knowledge and skill mobility, and life-long learning
32 Lakes Cafe and Bakery
AES Engineering Ldt
Airhouse Nanaimo
Andritz Ltd.
AOK Agiou Athanasiou
Baileys in the Village
Banff Lodging Company
Bar burrito
Berwick on the Lake Residence
Blacktails
Boston Pizza
Brewsters McKenzie Towne
Browns Socialhouse
Cactus Club Cafe
Cafe Haus Pels
Camp Narnia
Chatime
Chongqing Yixing Travel Service
Cinderella Slip Ons
Coast Building Systems Inc
Communications Security Establishment
Costa Del Sol
Craig St Brew Pub
Crust Bakery
Da Tang
Days Inn by Wyndham
Delta Hotels
Domco Group of Canada
Dorchester Nanaimo
Earls
Edgewood Health Network
Edo Japan
Education First
End User Technology VIUFA
ESC Automation
Fairmont Hotels and Resorts
Farms Gate Foods and Catering
Gina's Mexican Cafe
Giovanni's Ristorante
Golf Town
Gosh Tea
Government of British Columbia
Government of Canada
Great Canadian Gaming Corporation
Hawke Media
Herold Engineering Limited
Hilton Hotels and Resorts
Home Base Yellowknife
Horne Lake Caves
Icing by Claires
In The Beantime Cafe
Inn on Long Lake
Island Urban Indigenous Wellness Society
Joe Fortes Seafood and Chophouse
Kaslo Home Hardware
Kelly & Carlos O'Bryan's
KFC
Kim's Korean BBQ
KJ Controls
Launchpad Golf
Living Forest Oceanside Campground and RV
Ma Maison Fine Foods and Catering
Manchu WOK
Marriot International
McDonalds Restaurants of Canada Limited
McElhanney
Melange
Melia Hotels and Resorts
Mercure Hotel
Monkey 9 Brew Pub
Monks on Marine
Mr Mikes Steakhouse
Nanaimo Aquatic Centre
Nanaimo Association for Community Living
Nanaimo Night Owls
Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH)
Nanaimo Yacht Services
Nancy's Bakery
Naramata Inn
Nelson & District Chamber of Commerce
Neon Nails Spa
Newcastle Engineering
Nimmo Bay Resort
Noodlebox
Num-Ti-Jah Lodge
Oak Bay Beach Hotel
Oak Tree Manor
Old Town Bakery
Opa! Souvlaki Franchise Group Inc
Original Joe's
Overwaitea Food Group
Pacific Shore Resort & Spa
Parallel 49 Realty
Parksville Beach Festival
Penny's Palapa
Pho Boi A Taste of Vietnam
Pho Tin Tin
Playful Pups Doggy Daycare
Point Group Hospitality
Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge
Prosperity Foods Ltd
Pursuit Collection
Quails Gate Estate Winery
Qualicum Beach Cafe
Quality Foods
Quality Inn Hotel Nanaimo
Queen Charlotte Lodge
Realm Food Co
Regional District of Nanaimo
Rhythm Chinese Restaurant
Royal Bay Baker
Ruxi Boardgame
Seascape Restaurant
Shanghai City Chinese Restaurant
Shanghai XinShuo Steel Trading Co , Ltd
Silver Star Mountain
Spa A' Lita
Spare Labs
Sparkling Hill Resort & Spa
Starbucks Canada
Sushi Ryu
Tandoori Junction Indian Cuisine
Techtonica
Terracentric Coastal Adventures Ltd
The Grand Hotel
The Lakehouse At Shawnigan
The Masthead Restaurant
The Satellite Bar and Grille
The Shady Rest Restaurant, Pub and Liquor store
The Victor
The Wickaninnish Inn
Tidal Café
Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort
Tim Hortons
Turner and Associates
Van Cha Tea House
Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation
Vancouver Island University
Walt Disney Parks & Resorts
Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours
Whistler Cooks
White Spot Restaurants
WildPlay Element Parks
Yulang OP-Electronics LTD
Career Studio, Building 255
900 Fifth St , Nanaimo BC V9R 5S5
For General Inquires
Phone: 250-740-6639
Email: CEL@viu.ca
services.viu.ca/centre-experiential-learning