Students

• Work experience - general information
• What kinds of work experience opportunities may be available?
• How do I prepare for my work term(s)?
• Who is responsible for what? Student, employer, faculty, and coordinator roles
• When do I complete my work term(s)?
• What about expenses?
• How do I contact my work experience coordinator?

What kinds of work experience opportunities may be available?

As a Journalism and Digital Media student, you will have the opportunity to complete a work term in almost any location across Canada. Some students pursue local opportunities or work with their hometown media, while others choose to travel to other countries to enjoy international work experiences. Since Calgary is a large media market that attracts people with considerable experience, students are often required to leave the city to complete their terms.

Journalism and Digital Media students find themselves working for newspapers or magazines, in television or radio, in corporate, government and online working environments, and with non-profit and sporting organizations, using their interviewing, research, writing, editing, photography, multimedia, social media and website skills to produce information for public consumption.

The work term often serves as a launchpad to a successful career in the communications industry following graduation..

How do I prepare for my work term(s)?

All Journalism and Digital Media students are required to register for and successfully complete JOUR 4790, a non-credit course entitled Work Experience Preparation Seminar during the fall semester of the third year of the degree program.

Students examine current conditions and developments in the journalist and digital media workplace, workday issues, and the rights and responsibilities associated with the world of work. Students are also coached on the tools required to secure work experience employment, including resume and cover letter writing, portfolio building and interview skills. Potential employers and industry professionals are invited to present their perspectives and expectations, and graduates from the program are asked to describe their work term experiences. This course is also a forum for regular communication with the work experience coordinator.

Learn more about the academic program.

When do I complete my work term(s)?

Journalism and Digital Media students are encouraged to participate in the first work term during the spring semester following the third year of studies, but may choose to wait until later in the program. Students are encouraged to complete two non-credit work terms in the communications field during their program but, for graduation purposes, must complete one work term.

What about expenses?

• Both JOUR 4790 and each work term are non-credit courses and have fees attached to them. Please consult the 2019/20 Tuition and Fee Schedules for more information.
• You will be responsible for your own transportation to and from the work site.
• If you accept a work experience position outside of Calgary or your own hometown, you will be responsible for your own relocation and living expenses in that location unless otherwise indicated by the employer.
• The majority of work terms will require the use of a vehicle and your own photography equipment.