How TMU students gain experiential learning

Umayyah, Biomedical Sciences - TMU’s Biomedical Sciences program has plenty of experiential learning built right into the courses. From first year, we’re in biology, chemistry and physics labs learning to use equipment, write reports and handle real experiments.

Students can also take an ungraded course, SCI 999: Research Practicum, where you assist in a professor’s lab and gain early research experience that can lead to a thesis project later on.

Hiya, Business Management (Law and Business) – The Business Management program offers up to 16 months of paid co-op experience, as it’s so important to get industry exposure. I plan on participating in co-op because, for business students, building networks and gaining real-world experience with industry professionals is essential. I’ve also attended numerous networking events and industry panels where I had the chance to connect with professionals. These opportunities have been both inspiring and highly beneficial.

Latif, Business Management (Real Estate Management) – We have one of the largest co-op programs in Canada, and over 30 student groups that run networking nights, case competitions and workshops. Our Real Estate Management Advisory Council, made up of senior industry leaders, connects students directly to employers. I’ve personally taken part in the Toronto Global Forum, the Empowering Auto Conference and even the TSX market open through school-facilitated opportunities. I also sit on the TRSM Faculty Council and Dean’s Undergraduate Student Advisory Council after previously serving on the Senate.

Hetavi, Business Technology Management (BTM) – There are tons of practical opportunities to gain experience in BTM. In my first year, I joined Fit for Business workshops and attended industry sessions hosted by the Business Career Hub and student clubs.

These sessions featured professionals from consulting, finance and tech fields, which helped me figure out what direction I wanted to take. 

Jade, Chemistry – While I didn’t do the co-op program, there are plenty of ways to get research experience in Chemistry. Because the program is smaller, it’s easier to connect with professors and join their labs.

You can do a research thesis in fourth year, or take the mini-thesis course, CHY 307: Chemistry Laboratory Research Project, to explore a project for a single semester. 

Shaye-Love, Creative Industries – The highlight of our program is the required internship after third year — 240 hours of practical experience in a creative role. It can be with any organization, big or small, as long as it connects to your creative path. I completed mine as a web intern at Azure Magazine (external link) , which was my first job in the industry and such an amazing way to apply what I’d learned in class. Creative Industries also hosts Industry Night and Industry Connect, annual events where students meet professionals from companies like Bell Media and Live Nation and network across fields like publishing, PR and music.

Steven, Electrical Engineering – Students can take part in co-op terms starting in third year — some work with companies like Hydro One or local consulting firms. I haven’t met anyone who couldn’t find a co-op yet! It’s a great way to graduate with both technical experience and a professional network. I’m also part of the Toronto Met Formula Racing Team (external link) , where we build a Formula-style car from scratch. TMU also has other design teams for things like robotics and building a Mars rover, so there’s something for everyone.

Kyla, Image Arts: Film – Image Arts: Film is full of experiential learning, from cinematography and editing courses, to on-set collaboration.

I also went on a summer exchange to Hong Kong, where I studied Mandarin and connected with film students from universities around the world.

Aliya, Journalism – The Journalism program has endless experiential opportunities: internships, exchange programs and workshops that teach you through real reporting. I went on a 5-month exchange to Madrid, Spain, where I learned journalism from a global perspective while practicing a new language.

Back in Toronto, I’ve worked as a teaching assistant and covered events like Fashion Art Toronto. Every experience felt like an extension of the classroom.

Pri, Collaborative Nursing – My first placement was in a long-term care home, where I learned how to take vitals and interact with patients.

In second year, I rotated through hospital units like medicine, cardiology and surgery, where I got practical experience with medication, documentation and wound care, under supervision. 

Harshi, Nutrition and Food – In my program, we do lab work where we learn about food science and food preparation from a practical perspective.

TMU also shares volunteering and paid opportunities through the school’s internal portals, which is how I found my summer experience at St. Michael’s Hospital in the general medicine unit. Keeping track of these postings and applying proactively really pays off.

Vaasavi, Professional Communication – Professional Communication offers both course-based and workplace experiential learning. You can complete an internship between second and third year, or third and fourth year or take part in the Creative School-wide internship program.

I work on campus through Career Boost, which lets me contribute to TMU’s community while gaining real professional experience.

Note: Co-op has been newly introduced for Professional Communication! Check out the program page for more information.

Abrahim, Social Work – We start placements in third year and continue into fourth. The School of Social Work matches students with service providers across the city, and we spend 2 days a week at our placements gaining real experience. Right now, I’m meeting with clients, writing case notes, connecting them to community resources like schools and daycare programs and mediating when needed. It’s incredibly rewarding to apply what we learn in class directly to real situations and feel like we’re already making a difference.

Meia, Sociology – I’m in the co-op program, so I was able to apply what I was learning through a work placement at a bank. The role enabled me to utilize research, communication and organizational analysis skills in a real-world corporate environment. 

The Career, Co-op and Student Success Centre offers tons of support. You learn how to write resumés, build cover letters and connect with employers through coffee chats. It really prepares you to go out and find your own opportunities.