Experiential Learning encompasses a variety of programming types that give students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience and develop crucial skills, such as: work-integrated learning (WIL), co-op, internship, field experience, practicum, community engaged learning, study abroad, or (in some cases) co-curricular programming.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

USask Career Services provides many events and opportunities for you to meet potential employers and brush up on your networking skills including:

• CareerMeetups
• Employer Info sessions

• Connect with Employers

• Working in Canada

Knowing how to search for a job effectively can be as important as the specific qualifications required for the position.

Be aware of job scams

In order to protect yourself learn how to identify fake job opportunities.

• Avoiding scams

Know yourself and your objectives

Identify what kind of job you want and what you have to offer an employer. Evaluate your strengths, weaknesses, abilities, education and experience and create a personal career profile that includes an inventory of your:

• key skills, qualifications, and experiences
• interests, values, and priorities
• short-term and long-term goals
• work preferences (where you would like to work, ideal work setting, with whom you would like to work and how you would like to work—with your hands, people, information).

Look for opportunities that are of interest to you and complement your personality and strengths. Not sure what those are?

• Take a career assessment

Know how to market your skills

Your ability to confidently demonstrate and articulate your skills is essential to finding employment and career success.

• Understand the eight career readiness competencies
• Understand the competencies specific to your area of study
• Practice describing these skills and focus on providing evidence

Know the employer

Employers often perceive your research and preparation as a critical factor in the evaluation process because it reflects your interest and enthusiasm. Knowing as much as possible about an employer and the opportunity will help you:

• see if you are interested in working them
• find out about different types of jobs or opportunities
• tailor your resume and cover letter to the employer’s needs
• prepare effectively for an interview

You can research in a number of ways:

• Review an employer's website
• Leverage LinkedIn
• Interview contacts within the industry (by telephone or in person)
• Conduct occupational research

• Meet employers
• Occupational research

Prepare your job search documents

Being able to promote your skills and experiences effectively will catch the attention of employers. All your documents should be up-to-date and designed to target specific career options.

• Resumes and CV's
• Cover letters

Locate opportunities

You've done your research and your job search documents are polished and ready to go. Now it's time to find employers that are hiring.

The visible job market includes jobs that are advertised publicly in some way. It can mean a lot of competition, especially for entry-level positions. These types of positions are often found in newspapers, employer websites, and online job posting systems. 

• Job postings
• USask postings
• Become a tutor
• Additional job search sites

The hidden job market includes opportunities that have not yet been identified or have been identified but have not yet been formally advertised. These positions are often filled by or created for candidates who come to an employer's attention through employee recommendations, referrals from trusted associates, recruiters or direct contact with the candidate. It is estimated that 80-90% of jobs are not advertised. To access the hidden job market, you have to contact people directly and become known to them; you must become more than just a piece of paper that crosses their desk.

• Meeting potential employers

Apply and followup

• Keep track of when and what you have sent and who you have sent it to.
• Write down follow up dates in your calendar. 
• Take opportunities to re-connect with a previous contact. For example, check the status of your application or if you were unsuccessful in obtaining position you may call for to inquire about other positions available including upcoming projects that may create opportunities.
• Be brief and sincere when speaking to your contacts.
• Be prepared if you are offered an interview
• Be sure to thank everyone in your network who assisted or referred you. 

Volunteering and community involvement are rewarding ways to gain valuable experience, develop important skill sets, and build your professional network.

Employers like to see candidates that are well-rounded and take the initiative to participate in their community.

Engaging in professional development opportunities, like workshops or non-credit courses, gives you the opportunity to learn outside of your academic program.

Finding opportunities

For more volunteer opportunities, check out PAWS. Many groups on campus post PAWS bulletins when looking for volunteers.

Upcoming events