Experiential Learning in the Workplace
Experiential Learning in the Workplace
Experiential Learning in the Workplace is a three-credit course where students apply their academic knowledge while acquiring and expanding transferable skills through work experience. A self-directed learning agreement completed by the student, with input from the employer and approved by the course facilitator, will detail the learning outcomes and how proof of learning will be verified. Critical Reflection assignments, mock interviews, a self- and employer evaluation, plus completion of a final product are required. This is an open learning class which takes place from May to mid-July each year, with work being done over the spring and early summer months. This course is now being offered in the Colleges of Agriculture and Bioresources.
As part of AGRC 445.3 students were required as their final project to write up a standard operating procedure of their main job tasks or record a 60 second video introducing themselves, their job, and identifying how they have leveraged their talents to be successful in their summer employment. Below are some examples of students’ projects.
Students from the course have the option to submit their required course video to be considered for an audiovisual recognition award.
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“AGRC 445 is a course that I feel that could possibly be one of the most beneficial courses in preparing me for my future as an agricultural professional. By taking the Clifton Strengths test I was able to identify the strengths and weaknesses I have and ways I can develop them to be a stronger individual in all aspects of my life. Doing self-reflections throughout the summer allowed me to keep better track of what I had done, allowed me to improve as a co-worker and employee, as well as feel more confident in what I wanted to achieve throughout the summer. The course has not only prepared me better for my career but has also helped me in developing leadership skills. These skills have been very beneficial and transferable throughout my term as the President of the Agricultural Student Association. I have really increased my knowledge and confidence in working as part of a team, how to deal with conflicts and problems within our organization, as well as be a more reliable individual for the organization. Overall, I cannot say enough good things about the course. I feel much more prepared to go out into the workforce and more confident in my ability to succeed as an agricultural professional."
4th year AgBio Student
“When student’s interview after graduation the employer knows they have the technical skills—what they are looking for is whether students also have the communication skills, social skills, dependability and initiative to be successful in diverse workplaces. That’s what this course addresses.”
AGRC 445 Instructor
Kick Start Your Career
The Kick Start Your Career series focuses on six core student competencies:
- Engaging in our intercultural society
- Nurturing successful relationships
- Leveraging technology
- Adaptive design and problem-solving
- Communicating meaningfully
- Cultivating wellness
Students will gain a deeper understanding of these competencies by attending the corresponding employer and community partner panel and hearing real-world examples of how they are demonstrated, observed, and applied. To complete the experience, students will have the opportunity to complete an optional reflection activity.
Students who attend all panels, and complete the corresponding reflection activities within a 24-month period will receive a certificate of completion, CCR recognition, and be eligible for a Student Recognition Award.
Search CareerLink for upcoming Kick Start Your Career events.
USask Connects
Prospective mentees will complete a competitive internal application process and, if selected, students must attend an orientation session and complete a mentee participation agreement and pre-match reflection. In order to receive CCR credit and a certificate of completion at the end of term, students must complete a final reflection.
Interested alumni mentors with five or more years of experience will have an information interview to identify their career path, career values, professional experiences, and if applicable education journey.
Student mentees will be matched one-on-one with alumni mentors based on mutual interest and experience as well as goal orientation, including career path, career values, and education journey
USask Connects is divided into four 1-hour connections over an eight-week period. Student have access to a Canvas course that provides optional activities for each of the four connections. There are also email templates and other resources to help support you. In order to receive CCR credit and a certificate of completion, students must complete a short reflection at the conclusion of the program.
Connect #1 - Industry insights
Mentee’s will conduct an in-depth Career Information Interview to gain a better understanding of their mentor’s career trajectory and gain personal insight of the industry and position.
Connect #2 - Get to know YOU
After completing their CliftonStrengths Assessment, mentee and mentor will work together to identify and better understand the things that one naturally does best.
Connect #3 - The floor is yours
Mentee guided and lead, this is an opportunity for you to make the most out of your connect. Set goals, dig deeper into your Mentor’s career path, ask specific questions about industry or position norms/culture/expectations/climate.
Connect #4 - Make a plan
Mentor’s will guide their mentee’s through a career plan and offer specific advice and insight in how their mentee can reach ultimate career success.
- Improve your leadership, coaching, and professional skills by mentoring current students and recent graduates
- Meet and network with valuable contacts within the post-secondary world
- Share your personal career experience and impart knowledge
- Reflect on personal development and growth
- Gain personal satisfaction in seeing USask student and recent graduates develop and succeed
- Gain volunteer experience and create a deeper connection with USask and your alma-mater
- Gain practical networking and leadership skills through a student-lead approach to mentorship
- Begin establishing your professional network
- Gain an understanding about your preferred/potential industry
- Opportunity to reflect and grow in a safe environment
- Gain insights about different career paths and work histories of those in the industry
- Receive critical feedback in key areas related to professional skills and career planning
- Develop a sharper focus on what is needed to grow professionally and advance your career
- Add value to your Usask experience and gain CCR recognition
- All student mentees who successfully complete the USask Connects Program will be considered for one $1,000 Recognition Award.
If you have any questions about the USask Connects program, please email usask.connects@usask.ca.
Student Recognition Awards
RBC Experiential Learning in the Workplace Scholarships: Four $2,500 awards open to undergraduate students who have completed a course that included experiential learning components supported by Career Services through the RBC Learn to Work, Work to Learn grant. Eligible courses include (but are not limited to) AGRC 445, ENG 496, SOCI 410, HIST 272.