What is Level UP?

Level UP is an innovative work-integrated learning program powered by Riipen and sponsored by the Government of Canada to prepare students in post-secondary education and employers to thrive in the future of work. USask Career Services is proud to partner with Riipen and the Government of Canada to offer this opportunity to USask students and industry partners.

Through Level UP:

  • Students (individually or in groups) can collaborate directly with employers on up to 3 flexible, short-term remunerated projects
  • Students gain relevant work experiences, build professional networks, gain career clarity, and develop their skills.
  • Students receive a $1,400 stipend for each project completed, paid directly by Riipen

How does it work?

Eligible students can "Level UP" their resume by completing short-term 60 hour projects completed over two to eight weeks from organizations and get paid $1,400 to do it! Students can apply to work on projects in teams picking group members from your own list of friends, Riipen’s LinkedIn community of students or participate in the projects solo. With a variety of projects areas and types available, you choose the one that is the best fit for you.

Who is eligible?

To be eligible for Level UP, students must meet all three of the following criteria:

  • Be a current student registered in a Canadian post-secondary education institution, with no age limit; and
  • be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or persons to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act; and
  • are legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulation

Student benefits

  • Find a Match with an Employer
    Explore active internship opportunities from a wide variety of disciplines and employers.
  • Work in a Group or Independently
    Join group-based projects to practice your leadership and collaboration skills, or match with a solo project to demonstrate your personal expertise.
  • Work from Anywhere
    All Level UP projects can be completed 100% remotely.
  • Tracking and Reminders
    Track your progress and get reminders on major project milestones through the Level UP portal.
  • Portfolio of Experiences
    Each Level UP experience consists of a fully scoped project, which can become a new entry in your resume or portfolio.
  • Employer Feedback
    Get valuable insights from industry professionals on your work.
  • Easy Payments
    Riipen sends your $1,400 stipend through Interac e-Transfer to make payments simple.

Available projects

With a variety of projects currently available and more being added daily, students have their choice of projects including:

Project Areas

  • Marketing research
  • Computer science and machine learning
  • Science/technical writing
  • Financial analysis
  • Public health education campagins
  • Social media marketing
  • Communications
  • Supply chain management and logistics
  • More added daily!

Project Examples

  • Research and development of an organization’s diversity policy
  • Research for a company’s internal expansion
  • Sales support
  • Content writing
  • Literature research and synthesis
  • Feasibility study for a new company or product

Apply and Find Projects

To apply, simply:

  1. Visit Level Up to check your eligibility
  2. Once eligible, the Riipen Level Up team will send you an invitation to join the Level Up Portal. 
  3. Submit your eligibility documents and join the Level Up Portal
  4. Browse USask’s Portal at USask Level UP 
  5. Apply to those that interest you!
  6. If you have further questions, please visit the Level UP help articles  

For help building your resume or assistance with your application book a ResumeTalk appointment or attend a Creating Effective Resumes & Cover Letters workshop.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I find projects for University of Saskatchewan students?
    • Select "Level Up" as the school, rather than “University of Saskatchewan." All Level UP projects are open to USask students.
    • The video above provides a helpful guide for getting signed up and finding Level UP projects. 
  • What does it cost students? 
    • For students there is no cost 
  • How do I register with my friends? 
    • Once you find a project you’re interested in, click apply and select apply as a Team. Input your team information for the employer.
  • How do recommend we keep track of the hours we put into a project? Does Riipen provide a tool for this? 
    • There is no official tool, you will need to work with the employer.
  • I am a first year student, are there projects I can do? 
    • Yes! A lot of employers are looking specifically for first year students to get their fresh, new student perspective.
  • Does a project have to be specific to your degree? 
    • No, unless the employer lists that as a requirement.  
  • Is there a certain number of people you need for a team? 
    • Employers will indicate in their project postings the size of teams they are looking for.  

Please visit the Riipen website for more information and Frequently Asked Questions. 

Contact us

For more information, visit Level UP or contact Tenneisha Nelson, Experiential Learning Coordinator, Career Services at t.nelson@usask.ca

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