Bakht Kahloon at his internship location

Experiential Learning

Find out about opportunities for graduate students, including internships and training in entrepreneurial thinking and innovation.

What is Experiential Learning?

At the University of Calgary, Experiential Learning (EL) takes place across several categories of learning. Graduate student internships may qualify as EL opportunities, either as research-based experiential learning or as work-integrated learning. 

Research-based EL supports students in developing skills and capacities for creativity, innovation, and discovery by leading or contributing to a research project.

Work-integrated learning is a category of EL activities completed as part of an academic program in a work-like setting, such as cooperative education, internships, and practica. 

Image of students in Mathison Hall at UCalgary

Transformative Talent Internships

Transformative Talent Internships (TTIs) are skills internships for graduate students. 

TTIs connect graduate students with opportunities to explore careers and help bridge the gap between academia and the workplace. They also demonstrate to employers the value of hiring people with advanced research skills.

Graduate students in masters and PhD programs can participate in internships related to skills they are developing in their graduate study. Internship opportunities do not need to be connected to a graduate student’s thesis research.

More supports for experiential learning


Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking

The Hunter Hub, located in the lower level of the MacEwan Student Centre, provides training, workshops and programs for students interested in entrepreneurship and how to apply entrepreneurial thinking.

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Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning

The Taylor Institute supports graduate teaching assistants with workshops and training leading to a Graduate Student Certificate in University Teaching and Learning. Gain practical knowledge and hands-on skills in leadership, communication, pedagogy and more.

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Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

The Hunter Centre, a part of the Haskayne School of Business, provide graduate courses in entrepreneurship and innovation available to all graduate students. Learn the basics of the startup world, and join a team to develop a startup concept. Many students who complete the Hunter Centre's Innovation and Entrepreneurship courses go on to participate in Summer Inc, a summer business incubator.

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My GradSkills Endorsed Workshops

My GradSkills can connect you with workshops to help you develop professional and transferable skills. See our workshops page to learn more about what's available to you.

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The Schulich School of Engineering's online resources

The Schulich School of Engineering has put together resources to help both students and employers work and learn remotely. Check out these best practices for remote learning and collaboration no matter what faculty you are in.

Best practices for students and employers