Internships, a shared asset between students and Manitoba

Université de Saint-Boniface (USB) is very keen to give its students a real work experience during their academic journey. Through internships or the co-o business administration program, future entrepreneurs can gain practical knowledge and experience that will contribute to their development and good economic development in Manitoba.

The Technical and Professional School (ETP) offers various programs, including the diploma of Multimedia Communication, Information Technology, Tourism Management, and Early Childhood Education. At the end of the two-year study period, the programs all end with an internship. Geneviève Bourrier, coordinator of business and technology internships at USB, describes the scope of these work experiences: “There are two internship options, at the student’s choice. An unpaid five-week internship or another 16-week paid internship. In both cases, young people will get real experience working with an employer. “The challenge then is for them to put into practice everything they have learned during their two years of courses at the ETP. With this internship, we hope to create a mentoring link between the student and his or her employer, a professional networking opportunity and, above all, to provide them with a good overview and a positive first experience of the job market.”

Other courses, such as the Bachelor of Business Administration (BAA), are offered in four years. “These students have then the option to take the co-op program, which includes three 12-week internships,” says Geneviève Bourrier. When students leave this program, they are expected to have an advantage over others when they enter the job market, as they will have already accumulated several work experiences. ”

Geneviève Bourrier points out that all internships are also an asset for Manitoba employers. “We want our young people to be inspired by our local employers, in Winnipeg or in rural areas. We want them to know, especially international students, that they can thrive and invest their future here in our community. “Later, some will start their businesses, others will use their expertise for an employer, but we are confident that everyone will be a real asset to our Francophone communities, who will have offered them their first work experiences.”

USB is a proud sponsor of the 2021 edition of the Fosse aux Lions, which will take place on April 28 at 7 p.m., live on Facebook. Many prizes will be awarded as part of the competition, including a grand prize of $15,000 for an entrepreneur.