Vancouver Island University (VIU) focuses on offering a values-based education that balances academic accomplishments with the goal of developing students’ social and relationship skills to last a lifetime, make a difference, and model others to do the same. VIU has over 120 programs and hosts over 14,500 students each year.  VIU offers 17 programs that incorporate the co-op and internship model. Our co-op and internship programs are designed to help students develop skills and knowledge and to improve self-understanding by integrating classroom study with planned and supervised professional, paid work experience.  Students who are registered in a co-op or internship program can pursue a variety of paid work term opportunities and acquire industry experience to complement their academic training and knowledge.

If you are interested in hiring a co-op on internship student, please visit the CEL page for instructions on posting a job and connecting with students from VIU.

VIU has also partnered with North Island College (NIC) to create a regional hub for enhancing work-integrated learning (WIL) and connecting students on Vancouver Island north of the Malahat with local opportunities. Please visit the VIWIL website to post a student job on the VIWIL portal or to access additional resources and support to help connect you with NIC and VIU student talent.

WIL Contact Information:

Sharon Milligan

250-740-6639

CEL@viu.ca

WIL Programs:

Baking

Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) Professional Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate program (10 months) and Baking and Pastry Arts Management Diploma program (2 years) combine in-class instruction with hands-on internship opportunities. Baking students will learn from theory courses, in addition to learning about safety, conventional cooking skills, sanitation, personal skills, and elementary management procedures – covering everything from artisan and commercial...
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Computer Science

Computer Science is a rapidly growing field, generating a great number of employment opportunities. Government agencies are predicting shortages of qualified computing people that will number in the tens of thousands in Canada alone. The Bachelor of Science, Major in Computer Science, is designed to meet the training and educational requirements outlined by CIPS (Canadian Information Processing Society), ACM (Association for Computing Machinery), and IEEE (Institute of...
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Creative Writing

The Department of Creative Writing and Journalism at Vancouver Island University offers comprehensive degree programs (Bachelor of Arts, Major and Minor) in Creative Writing. Students enrolled in the program have the opportunity to work with published and produced professional writers in order to develop professional-level skills in various literary genres including poetry, short fiction, plays and screenplays, news articles and feature stories. They also have the...
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Criminology

Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) Criminology Diploma and Bachelor of Arts program combines in-class instruction with hands-on internship opportunities. Criminology students learn about criminal law, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and case-law decisions made by the courts. Students examine the three main components of the criminal justice system—police, courts and corrections. Students explore the trends and correlates of crime, including the...
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Culinary Arts

Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) internationally recognized chef training programs at the Culinary Institute of Vancouver Island provide students with hands-on, real-world experiences running service programs in state-of-the-art kitchens and labs. This Culinary Arts program also has a paid co-operative education component that allows students to network and build industry contacts.Students learn the culinary skills needed to enter careers in world-class hotels,...
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Culinary Management

VIU’s Culinary Management Diploma will train students in advanced culinary and pastry techniques, as well as important management, accounting and beverage skills. Students will learn what it takes to launch a culinary career, with work opportunities close to home and around the world.This Culinary Management Diploma program includes a paid co-operative education component that allows students to network and build industry contacts. At the end of the Culinary...
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Engineering

Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) Integrated Engineering Technologist Diploma is a two-and-a-half-year engineering diploma. BC’s tech sector is one of the fastest growing areas of the provincial economy, and skilled engineering technologists are in demand.Through hands-on learning opportunities, you’ll gain practical knowledge in computer aided design software; civil, mechanical, electrical and structural principles of design; and project management.
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Fisheries and Aquaculture

Vancouver Island University’s close proximity and relationship with Fisheries and Oceans Canada have developed the Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology program into one of the best of its kind. Students receive expert instruction from leading aquaculture specialists, fishery officers and marine biologists, and take part in a hands-on practicum experience, spending more than a quarter of their training out in the field.Are you interested in hiring a Co-op student...
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Geography

Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) Geography program combines in-class instruction with hands-on internship opportunities. The BA Major in Geography features two areas of specialization – Sustainable Resource Management or Urban and Social Sustainability – and a general stream designed to broaden an understanding of physical and human geography. Theoretical and applied course work in each stream are designed to strengthen communication skills in oral, written and...
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Graphic Design

Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) four-year Graphic Design degree program is taught by professors who are graphic designers, artists and photographers themselves, and is a hands-on program taught in studios using industry-leading technologies. This degree program is hands-on and rich in applied elements and experiential learning to prepare students for the evolving requirements of the graphic design and visual communication industry in today’s knowledge and...
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Hospitality Management

Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) Bachelor of Hospitality Management program prepares students for every facet of the bustling world of tourism and hospitality with a flexible two-year diploma or four-year degree.In this experiential program, students have the opportunity to develop strong industry connections and gain technical and practical skills in areas of hospitality marketing, accounting, human resources, management and more. The Management of Hospitality...
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Kinesiology

Vancouver Island University’s Kinesiology program provides the foundation for careers in education, research, rehabilitation sciences (occupational therapy, physical therapy), coaching, personal training, and sports administration. The Kinesiology program provides students with the knowledge and experience to pursue careers in education, fitness/wellness management, movement science, outdoor leadership, rehabilitation sciences, coaching, athlete development, and...
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Masters of Business Administration

VIU MBA students are eager to apply their skills and further their experience in areas such as accounting, finance, people operations, marketing, project management, migrating businesses online, and more. A wide variety of employers, including private companies, financial institutions, social enterprises, and non-profits, may provide MBA internships.Quick Facts:Hosting an MBA intern is straightforward – choose between the January to April, or May to August...
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Philosophy

Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) Bachelor of Arts, Major in Philosophy program focuses on developing analytical and critical thinking skills while exploring historical and modern philosophical concepts. Bachelor of Philosophy graduates leave the program with clear writing, abstract reasoning, and problem-solving skills that ease them into a variety of careers and further academic study.
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Recreation and Sport Management

Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) Recreation and Sport Management program helps students launch a career in the growing sport, recreation, health and wellness industries. In the program, students benefit from hands-on exploration under the guidance of instructor who care about their success.Graduates find a wide variety of careers focused on building positivity and confidence around sport and community for people of all ages. Explore the Recreation and Sport...
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The Bachelor of Interior Design Degree (BID)

The Bachelor of Interior Design provides a balanced range of theoretical, intellectual, experiential, applied and industry skills, needed to deal effectively with the professional requirements of design as a profession. The interior design curriculum features lecture, studio, critique, and computer lab instruction; independent and collaborative projects and an internship. Upon completion of their 3rd year, students secure an internship in the field and apply their...
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Tourism Management

Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) Bachelor of Tourism Management program is a continuation of the knowledge developed through the hospitality, tourism and outdoor recreation diploma programs. With community-based projects and two paid co-op semesters, students gain opportunities to forge valuable industry connections and experience.Upon graduation, students can find exciting career opportunities in commercial recreation and tourism, adventure tourism, tour...
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Tourism Studies Diploma

Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) Tourism diploma program combines in-class instruction with hands-on paid co-op placements over two years. Hospitality and tourism studies students will learn about sustainability, marketing, risk-management, diversity, and event-planning – providing them with the knowledge and expertise to seamlessly transition into a diverse range of careers available in the tourism industry. 
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