Six students who participated in a Faculty of Social Sciences interdisciplinary experiential learning challenge in 2025 stand in front of a blackboard in a classroom.
The University of Ottawa offers many ways to explore your career interests, build practical skills and gain experience while you study. Here’s an overview of opportunities to explore throughout the 2026–2027 academic year.

Career development

Career preparation peer group sessions

Build practical career skills in small-group sessions focused on topics such as resumés, interviews, networking, LinkedIn and job searching. A different career topic is featured each month, starting September 14. Check the schedule for Career preparation peer group sessions.

Career fairs and networking events

Meet employers, explore industries and discover co-op, internship and job opportunities through career fairs, networking events and employer-focused sessions, including the Employer and Industry Fair October 1 and Employer Connect Series starting October 1. Check our career events for updates.

Horizons Career Development Program

Explore career possibilities and develop career-readiness skills through self-directed modules covering topics such as self-discovery, career exploration, networking and job searching. Engage with the Horizons Career Development Program anytime and at your own pace.

Jobs Now

Check uOttawa’s Jobs Now board regularly for employment and experiential learning opportunities. New opportunities are added throughout the year. Check Jobs Now anytime.

Experiential learning

Co-op and co-op drop-ins

Gain paid, career-related work experience through structured work terms while completing your degree. Not in co-op yet? Drop in anytime in September to learn about whether you’re eligible, how to apply and if co-op is right for you. For most programs, the application deadline is September 30 of your second undergraduate year or your first year as a graduate student. Explore your co-op options early.

Faculty and interfaculty challenges

Work with students from different disciplines to tackle real-world problems through short, intensive, hands-on challenges. Past challenges have explored issues such as youth homelessness and health innovation. The first challenge organized by the Faculty of Arts will take place October 14 to 18, followed by challenges in November organized by the Faculty of Social Sciences and the Telfer School of Management. Learn more about Interdisciplinary Challenges, including themes and details.

Community Engaged Learning (CEL)

Put classroom knowledge into practice by working with community organizations as part of your coursework. Gain hands-on experience while making a difference beyond campus. Registration for Community Engaged Learning (formerly Community Service Learning) placements can begin as soon as your first day of a course. Check, however, with your professor.

Self-directed courses

Turn an idea or project into your own experiential learning opportunity and earn academic credits (units). Projects can include research, entrepreneurship, internships, community work and more. Look out for the next round of information sessions about self-directed courses coming soon.

Work-Study Program

Earn money and gain workplace experience through part-time jobs on campus. Positions are available across faculties and university services. Hiring for the fall 2026 Work-Study Program runs until October 13. Start by finding the Work-Study Navigator in uoZone under the Finances and Jobs tab.

Volunteer opportunities

Gain transferable skills while contributing to your community. Volunteering can help you develop skills in areas such as leadership, teamwork and communication. You can check featured volunteer opportunities and get started anytime.

Other on-campus employment

Look beyond work-study for paid positions with faculties, departments and university services. These roles can help you gain experience while staying close to campus. See details anytime on on-campus employment.