Program Overview
Students work with the Science Internship office beginning in the fall of their third year. The Science/BMSc internship work experience takes place after the third year of study. This work integrated learning program aims to provide 8-16 month practical and science-related experience in an employment setting. As with a traditional co-op degree, graduation is delayed by one year while the student acquires marketable skills and workplace experience.
Program Structure
In order to complete a Western Science internship, you must meet the eligibility criteria. You will then be enrolled in the course: Science 3391 - Internship: Planning, Practicum, and Prospects. Completion of the course including the internship will result in 1.0 credit.
| Once added to the program, students will have Science 3391 added to their records by program administration. It will not trigger a course “overload”. |
The course is comprised of three components:
Internship Preparation
It is imperative, in this highly competitive recruitment market, that you are able to demonstrate proficiency in your respective technical/research areas and that you possess strong interpersonal skills as well as a basic understanding of business practices. That's why our workshop series initially focuses on self-marketing including résumé development, as well as interview and networking skills. In the second semester, workplace concepts and behaviours are explored to prepare students to fit into the professional environment.
Attendance and participation in the workshops are mandatory. An individual résumé review is also required so that you receive feedback on how to best present yourself to employers.
Please note that attendance to the workshop series is virtual, beginning Fall 2022.
Finding a Job
Apply to any jobs that you are qualified for: The employer may not specifically ask for your degree or program, but you may have applicable course work. Don’t be picky at the application stage!
After you attend an interview, you have 48 hours to withdraw yourself from the applicant pool for that job. If you remain in the pool, it’s assumed that you will accept a job offer. If the company makes an offer within that 48 hour period (i.e. before you’ve had a chance to remove yourself), then we don’t hold you to it. You also have 48 hours after receiving the offer in which to think about and accept it. If there are new developments during this time, then those developments may be considered (we will reach out to employers you’ve interviewed with to see if they are ready to make an offer).
On the Job
This component refers to the 8-16 month internship work term. The employer will initiate two performance reviews which will be submitted to the internship program. A site visit with you and your employer will also be conducted over the course of the work term to reflect on your accomplishments to date.
Final Report & Presentation
You will be required to submit a written report and deliver an oral presentation focusing on the technical aspects of the work term and reflecting on your experience. A departmental representative will assign a pass/fail grade to both the written technical report and the oral presentation.
Following the successful completion of all three components, you will return to Western University to finish your fourth year of studies.
