Remember when summer meant the beginning of long, lazy days filled with sand, sunscreen, and the nostalgic jingle of the neighbourhood ice cream truck?
Fast forward a decade or so later and the approach of summer can be an overwhelming time for decision-making—and learning how to adult.
As someone who has felt a lot of pressure to be ‘productive’ over the summer, this time inevitably prompts these questions: Do I work full time or focus on a research project? Or do I take summer classes? It seems like everyone else has a job or an internship lined up—is it too late for me?
But I’ve learned over the years not to stress. It’s impossible to map your life out to the minute, and honestly, everyone has these kinds of anxieties about the future.
The summer is the perfect time to explore your curiosities. Most importantly, it’s a time for you to go at your own pace. Whether it be an internship abroad, a part-time job, taking a course, or finding time to unwind, take this summer to discover opportunities that fit with your skill set, passions, and time commitment.
Work Learn Program
This program offers part-time work placements on campus for students to support your learning and professional development. Roles are diverse and have included positions like Health Promotion Undergraduate Research Assistant, Oral Microbiology Project Assistant, or UBC Farm Marketing and Education Assistant.
Why apply?
Develop your professional skills and expand your network while contributing to your personal learning and to the UBC community. These part-time positions are a great way to explore a field you’re interested in without taking the full plunge.
Who can apply
All students who meet the eligibility requirements as per the Work Learn program criteria and hold a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).
Time commitment
- The summer session runs from May 1 - August 31
- You can work a maximum of 20 hours a week or 300 hours total over Summer Term 1 and 2
When to apply
Work Learn Summer 2024 positions will be posted from March 11 - 24 on CareersOnline.
CareersOnline
CareersOnline is an online job and volunteer position database for UBC students and alumni. With hundreds of postings to choose from, there’s a part-time, full-time, internship, or paid opportunity for everyone.
Why apply?
With a diversity of positions from retail to public health, there’s a job or volunteer role to develop your skill set and boost your resume!
Time commitment
Will vary by position.
When to apply
Jobs and internships are available year round! (But I’d apply soon for summer postings.)
Undergraduate research positions
Thinking of a career in research? The Work Learn International Undergraduate Research Awards (WLIURA) subsidize professors to hire students to work on their research projects.
Why apply?
In this paid position, you’ll work with a professor to apply your classroom learning in an academic environment. Plus, you’ll gain valuable work and research experience.
Who can apply
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International undergraduate students with a valid study permit and Social Insurance Number (SIN)
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Students on a "scheduled break" or are "full time for immigration purposes"*
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Review full list of eligibility requirements here
*Not sure of your enrolment status? Contact an International Student Advisor.
Time commitment
- May 1 - August 31
- Minimum 16 weeks of full-time work
When to apply
Applications are now open! Contact your faculty/school coordinator to be connected with an eligible professor. The deadlines will vary according to the faculty or school.
Federal Student Work Experience Program
The government of Canada runs this program to offer full-time students work experience in the federal public service.
Why apply?
Gain meaningful work experience and insight into a career as a federal public servant. There are a wide variety of jobs across Canada in fields like administration, IT, enforcement, communications, and more.
Who can apply
Full-time students returning to full-time studies in the next academic year.
Time commitment
Part-time and full-time positions available for the summer and fall.
When to apply
Job postings are updated every day. Check out their job search page for more details.
Do what refreshes you
There’s value in every experience—and oftentimes it’s the unconventional ones that lead to the most personal growth.
Maybe it’ll be a summer class in a topic (or city!) you’ve always been interested in but never explored. (Hot tip: summer courses at UBC may be full by now, but spots can open up until a course's add/drop deadline so check the course schedule between now and then if there's a class you really want to take this summer.) Maybe it’ll be dipping your toes into an area of research you’ve always been curious about. Whatever they are, explore your curiosities for the sake of discovery—you never know what shape your learning can take.
You also have the entire summer to road trip across the country, learn how to longboard, volunteer at your local animal shelter, plant a garden, or finally get around to listening to all the podcasts on your list.
