Prospective Students

Benefits of an Internship

  • Internships allow students to ‘try-on’ a job to see if they like it. It is an opportunity to compare what they ‘think’ the job might be like compared to what it actually is.
  • Students can apply their education in the field and receive mentorship and coaching from professionals in the industry.
  • Through internships, students will meet numerous industry professionals and start to develop their professional network. The contacts established in the field through an internship become critical upon graduation. Industry contacts often assist students to secure work after graduation.
  • Students develop confidence in their skills and abilities during their internship and recognize the value of their knowledge.
  • During an internship, students will be exposed to the range of career opportunities in the field.
  • After the successful completion of an internship students will have an industry reference for future job applications.

What Graduates Have to Say About Their Internship

“I have learned so much and think it’s an invaluable experience. Everyone should do it.”

“Seeing the course material of other SHAPE (PHED) courses applied in a real world setting, applied to a career was great.”

“I learned how to network and why it is important, how to professionally present myself in person, on paper and on the internet.”

“I learned a lot to prepare myself for future career opportunities from this course.”

“Very happy with my internship and the course content covered.”

“I loved this course! Probably one of my faves.”

Requirements and How to Apply

Please visit the Kinesiology Program and Course Calendar to review program requirements and application process.

Students can also review the Kinesiology program.

Prerequisite: Third-year standing and permission of department chair

Important Dates

The Fall semester has one weekly 90 minute blended learning class, focusing on preparing for a 60 or optional 120 hour internship experience. The material covered is not limited to locating and securing an internship but also is intended to prepare students for transitioning from school to graduate school or work environments.

The internships typically occur in the Spring semester and the 90 minute class time is intended to allow students to schedule internship experiences during this time. The Spring semester also has four optional 90 minute seminars and one mandatory internship presentation class.

Want More Information on the Physical Education Program at VIU?

Please visit VIU Kinesiology or contact:

Work-integrated Learning Faculty

Alexis Beaubier
email: Alexis.Beaubier@viu.ca