Module 2

8. Field Placement

What is a Field Placement?

Field Placements are short-term, part-time work-integrated learning (WIL) experiences that give students the chance to apply their academic learning in real-world settings—often as part of a course or program requirement. These placements are typically unpaid and offer flexible, hands-on experience without requiring supervision from a licensed professional.

Unlike co-op or practicum placements, field placements are less structured, vary by program, and are ideal for project-based or support-focused roles that don’t fit into more formal WIL models.

Examples of field placement settings:

  • Social service and nonprofit agencies
  • Public health units
  • Marketing and communications offices
  • Hospitality, culinary, and tourism businesses
  • Event planning, bookkeeping, or administrative roles

Key Features

  • Unpaid, short-term, and usually part-time
  • For academic credit; may be mandatory or elective
  • Often tied to specific programs or disciplines
  • May not require supervision from a licensed professional
  • Highly flexible in structure, timelines, and evaluation

Why Choose Field Placement?

Field placements allow organizations to engage with students in ways that align with their capacity and project needs. According to CEWIL and institutional partners:

  • Support short-term or resource-light projects
  • Tap into student creativity and innovation
  • Test and explore emerging roles or functions
  • Offer mentorship without long-term commitments
  • Build long-term partnerships with academic programs

Ideal for employers that want to support student learning without taking on full-term placements.

Project Lifecycle

Although less formal, field placements follow a general process:

  • Onboarding: Collaborate with the post-secondary institution (PSI) to outline your business needs, project goals, and timelines. PSIs help align your role with program expectations and student learning outcomes.
  • Midpoint Check-In: Some PSIs require progress updates, informal site visits, or evaluation forms. These help monitor the student’s development and ensure alignment with program goals.
  • Final Assessment: Most institutions ask for a short evaluation of the student’s contribution. This provides valuable feedback for both student and institution.
  • Offboarding: Consider future roles or projects for future students. You may be asked for feedback on the placement process or invited to continue as a WIL partner.

Real-World Examples

At Conestoga College, students in the Advertising and Marketing Communications program complete a 5-week, full-time field placement just before graduation. Students apply their skills in content creation, branding, and public relations while receiving feedback from professionals.

Similarly, Langara College’s Social Service Worker students complete part-time placements during the school year, followed by a full-time block placement at a different agency. This dual structure allows students to apply what they have learned across multiple settings.