Student FAQs
Am I eligible to participate in the program? What if I am a part-time MSc student?
MSc Students who have chosen the Project option, instead of the Thesis option, and have undertaken the pre-requisite subjects, will be eligible to undertake a summer co-op placement during the summer between their first & second years of study.
Part-time students may also be eligible to undertake a summer practicum with approval from the Practicum Faculty Advisor.
Can I find my own job or do I have to go through SPPH Co-op program to find a summer placement?
You may chose to either find your own placement or participate in the School program but cannot do both simultaneously. Any external practicum positions will need to be reviewed and approved by the Co-op Faculty Advisor as soon as possible, preferably before interview stage, to confirm that placement is suitable and meets requirement of SPPH 598 (6 credits) course.
If I decide to find my own job, how will I get it approved?
Students should provide the Practicum Faculty Advisor with the job description/advert and company contact information as soon as they are able. Students will still be required to do the report and presentation, and will meet the same academic requirements as students placed through the co-op program.
Placements that have not been approved will not be considered as fulfilling SPPH 598 requirements, and students will have to undertake another approved practicum placement the next year in order to graduate.
How do I apply for Practicum positions? Should I contact the practicum employer directly?
All applications (cover letters & resumes) should be sent directly to the Practicum Coordinator, not the employer. The Coordinator will also organize interviews and match students to vacancies so the student should not need to directly correspond with the employer until a placement is confirmed.
Where can I get help on my application or tips on interview techniques?
A book on resumes can be signed out from the Practicum Coordinator. Additionally, there are numerous resources online to assist with all stages of job search. The Practicum Coordinator can also provide personalized assistance to students for their applications/interviews.
How many jobs do I need to apply for?
The minimum number of jobs that students need to apply for will be determined by the number of vacancies received. Please discuss with the Practicum Faculty Advisor for the exact number.
Are there many local jobs (Vancouver)? I would prefer not to relocate for summer.
We occasionally receive vacancies based in Vancouver, but the majority of SPPH practicum positions will NOT be local positions. You will need to be prepared to relocate to undertake a practicum placement. Out-of-the-city placements are often the most rewarding, because both the job and location provide new experiences.
I have an interview scheduled at the same time as class, what do I do?
The Practicum Coordinator will endeavor to schedule interviews outside of class hours but should a clash arise, the student is permitted to miss class to attend a co-op interview.
What happens after the interviews?
Employers & students will be asked to rank each other according to preference. The Practicum Coordinator & Co-op Faculty Advisor will match the students to positions and employers will confirm their acceptance of their matches. This process will be completed no later than March 15.
Who will be my project advisor?
Faculty project advisors who are best suited to the job placement will be assigned once placements have been confirmed.
When do I find out if I’ve got the job?
The matching process and employer confirmation should be completed by no later than March 15.
What’s the difference between Comprehensive exam and Capstone Course?
Taking the Comprehensive exam is the requirement for students entered in to the MSc-OEH program in 2017 or earlier. Capstone course replaces Comprehensive exam for students entering the MSc-OEH program in 2018 and on.
Where can I find more information on the oral and written report for SPPH 598?
Please discuss the format of the report with your work supervisor as soon as possible in the placement to determine what should be written with respect to company confidentiality. More information on the aspects of the technical report can be found in SPPH 598.