Internships, mainly short-term positions aimed at graduate and undergraduate students, are available across many employment sectors and are regarded as the best way to gain the essential first-step, in-house experience in a preferred career. Research, medicine and the sciences are popular fields in which internships are offered.
The long summer break from university studies is a favourite time for students to take up these positions, with a number of companies offering three-year summer break placements.
The mostly low-level duties of an intern will vary according to the company’s needs, including the opportunity to learn more about permanent jobs in the chosen field. Basic requirements are fluency in English, with French an advantage in eastern Canadian provinces, enthusiasm for the company’s sector and a willingness to learn.
Most placements last for at least three months and may be either paid, unpaid or partly paid, dependent on the employer. Many positions offered online do not state a salary, but do request an approach from the aspiring intern as regards payment. In general, wages, if offered, are very low and the work load may be high.