Employers and Industry Partners

Partner with the University of Manitoba to connect with emerging talent, support hands-on learning, and collaborate on research and innovation that helps your organization grow.

Employers, industry leaders, community partners, and researchers work with the University of Manitoba in many ways, including engaging students in experiential learning, accessing research expertise, and developing solutions to real organizational challenges.

Access a skilled and reliable workforce, discover innovative solutions to staffing challenges, and help develop the next generation of professionals.

As Manitoba’s only research-intensive university, the University of Manitoba is home to more than 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students across over 100 academic programs, offering organizations access to diverse talent, research expertise, and meaningful partnership opportunities.

Ways to partner with the University of Manitoba

There are many ways employers, industry leaders, and community organizations can engage with the University of Manitoba. From recruiting talented students to collaborating on research and applied projects, these partnerships create valuable opportunities for both organizations and students.

A student student sitting at a concrete picnic table sitting at a laptop in front of a building with a sign reading "Brodie Centre".

Hire students

Post part-time, full-time, internship, co-op, and summer roles and connect with students from a wide range of faculties and academic programs.

Host employer events and information sessions

Engage directly with students through information sessions, panels, and recruitment events, including programs such as UM Behind the Hire.

Support projects and experiential learning

Work with students on class-based projects, capstone courses, and applied learning experiences that address real organizational challenges.

Collaborate on research and applied problem solving

Partner with faculty and graduate students on research, innovation, and applied projects that support organizational and industry needs.

Community and non-profit partnerships

Partner on community-engaged learning opportunities that support student learning while contributing to community priorities.

Not sure where to start? 

If you are interested in partnering with the University of Manitoba but are unsure which option is the best fit, our experiential learning partnerships team can help.

We will work with you to explore opportunities that align with your organization’s goals and help connect you with the appropriate programs, departments, or partnership opportunities. 

Email: ELPartnerships@umanitoba.ca 

We typically respond within two business days.

Experiential Learning Partnerships office

The Experiential Learning (EL) Partnerships Office connects employers, industry, and community organizations with University of Manitoba students through experiential learning opportunities.

We work with partners to develop collaborations that support student learning while helping organizations access emerging talent, innovative ideas, and new approaches to real-world challenges.

  • EL Partnerships connects organizations with University of Manitoba students, faculty, and researchers to address real business and community challenges through experiential learning.

    These partnerships give students the opportunity to develop new skills, explore diverse career pathways, and gain valuable work and community experience while contributing fresh ideas and perspectives to partner organizations.

    Whether you are interested in recruiting UM students for employment or volunteer opportunities, or connecting with faculty and researchers, the EL Partnerships office can help facilitate meaningful collaborations.

    Email: ELpartnerships@umanitoba.ca to learn more about how experiential learning can support your organization.

  • Three students chat with a potential employer at a career fair display booth.

Post a job opportunity

Promote job, internship, and volunteer opportunities to more than 30,000 students and alumni, and connect with emerging talent across a wide range of academic programs.

UMConnect is the University of Manitoba’s online platform where employers and community partners can post opportunities and connect with students for career and experiential learning experiences.

Sign in or register for UMConnect 

UM Behind the Hire

UM Behind the Hire is an employer information session series that connects organizations directly with students at the University of Manitoba. Hosted by the Experiential Learning Partnerships office, these sessions give employers an opportunity to share their workplace culture, recruitment practices, and early-career opportunities with students.

Each session features one employer and may be held virtually or in person. Sessions are scheduled throughout the academic year and promoted broadly to students across all faculties.

Why Participate?

  • Build awareness of your organization among a highly engaged student audience
  • Highlight recent hires or alumni and share real career pathways
  • Share your hiring process, current opportunities, and employee development pathways
  • Connect directly with students in an accessible, no-cost format
  • Strengthen your recruitment pipeline and campus presence

Arranging UM Behind the Hire Sessions

If your organization is interested in participating in UM Behind the Hire, sessions can be booked through our online booking system.

Bookings for the 2026–2027 academic year are expected to open in July. Sessions are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.

If the series schedule is full, we are also happy to explore other opportunities for your organization to engage with University of Manitoba students.

Book an Employer Information Session (Opening Soon)  Questions? Reach out to us via email.
 

Work-Integrated Learning

Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) is a form of experiential learning that enables students, employers, and the university to collaborate on applied learning opportunities connected to real workplace or community needs.

Through WIL, students apply academic knowledge in professional settings while organizations benefit from student contributions across areas such as research, writing, finance, technology, marketing, field and laboratory work, data analysis, health, and more.

How partners benefit from WIL

  • Students bring fresh perspectives, new ideas, and enthusiasm to organizational projects and initiatives.
  • WIL programs provide access to a diverse pool of motivated students from a wide range of academic disciplines.
  • Short-term placements or project-based work can support organizations during periods of increased workload or when additional capacity is needed.
  • WIL placements may allow employers to observe students’ skills and fit within their organization prior to future recruitment opportunities.
  • Students can contribute to a variety of tasks, from defined projects to broader operational support. (adapted from CEWIL Canada).

What does work-integrated learning look like?

There are many ways employers and industry partners can participate in work-integrated learning at the University of Manitoba, ranging from classroom engagement and industry projects to internships and applied research collaborations.

Co-ops and Internships

Many academic programs at the University of Manitoba offer co-operative education and internship opportunities that allow students, employers, and the university to collaborate through structured workplace learning experiences. Employers who host co-op students gain access to highly motivated students who are eager to apply their academic knowledge while contributing to organizational projects and initiatives.

To learn more about hiring co-op students, email elpartnerships@umanitoba.ca or visit our co-ops and internships website.

Industry and business projects 

  • Small Business Consulting (IDM 4050): This undergraduate course provides students with hands-on consulting experience while supporting small businesses in Manitoba. Student teams work with organizations to explore solutions to real operational or strategic challenges.
  • Engineering Design (MECH 4860): In this course, mechanical engineering students work on industry-sponsored design projects. Students apply engineering principles to real-world challenges, progressing through stages such as problem definition, conceptual design, and detailed design development.

Events 

  • Stu Clark New Venture Championships: This annual competition brings together student entrepreneurs and industry experts for several days of business plan and elevator pitch presentations. Industry professionals participate as judges and mentors, providing feedback to help student ventures develop and grow.

Curious about what work-integrated learning can look like for your organization? Email us at elpartnerships@umanitoba.ca to learn more!

University of Manitoba Employer Guidelines

The Career, Community and Experiential Learning Centre (CCELC) serves as a liaison between the University of Manitoba and the employer community. We work with employers to support student career development and facilitate experiential learning opportunities that align with the university’s standards and values.

CCELC aims to foster a professional and respectful environment for students, alumni, employers, and university staff. All employer engagement activities and opportunities shared with students are expected to support positive learning and professional experiences.

Employers engaging with University of Manitoba students are expected to adhere to applicable employment legislation and to provide opportunities that reflect ethical and professional practices.

UM Employer Guidelines

Employers engaging with University of Manitoba students are expected to provide an inclusive environment that is free from harassment and discrimination and that aligns with applicable employment legislation. The CCELC follows national and provincial standards, including those outlined by CACEE and Manitoba Labour Standards (outlined below).  

Opportunities Not Permitted

The following types of opportunities will not be posted on UMConnect or permitted at University of Manitoba recruitment events, including career fairs and information sessions:

  • Opportunities that do not clearly identify the employer name, job title, or job description
  • Opportunities that require applicants to pay upfront fees as a condition of employment or application
  • Opportunities associated with multi-level marketing plans or pyramid selling schemes, as defined under Canada’s Competition Act
  • Opportunities that appear to be unlawful, misleading, or inconsistent with the university’s standards for professional conduct
  • Unpaid opportunities that do not comply with applicable Canadian and Manitoba labour legislation and the CACEE Statement on Unpaid Internships

UMConnect Employer Account and Job Posting Requirements

Employers creating an account and posting opportunities on UMConnect must provide the following information. Incomplete registrations or postings may be declined or removed if they do not meet these requirements.

  • The full name of the primary contact person, including a phone number and corporate email address. Registrations submitted using generic email domains (such as Gmail or Hotmail), or email addresses that do not align with the organization’s website domain, may be subject to additional verification or declined.
  • A clear description of the nature of the opportunity and the type of position (e.g., full-time, part-time, summer, temporary or contract, internship, or volunteer).
  • A detailed job description outlining responsibilities and required qualifications.
  • An application deadline.
  • A clear description of the application method (e.g., email submission, employer website, or application through UMConnect).
  • All required fields completed within the posting.

Registration on UMConnect does not guarantee approval or the ability to post positions. All postings are reviewed by the CCELC and may be declined if they do not align with the University of Manitoba’s employer guidelines.

On-Campus Recruitment Guidelines

Employers interested in recruiting or promoting employment opportunities on campus must coordinate with the Career, Community and Experiential Learning Centre (CCELC).

Organizations wishing to book space on campus to recruit or promote employment opportunities must contact CCELC at cs.reception@umanitoba.ca. Employers who arrange or rent space through University of Manitoba Conference & Catering or other campus booking services must also notify the CCELC and adhere to the employer guidelines outlined in this document.

The CCELC reserves the right to review and decline recruitment activities or space bookings that do not align with these guidelines.

The only exception applies to employers booking space to connect specifically with Asper School of Business students in the Drake Centre, which will follow the Asper School of Business employer requirements.

Employer Conduct on Campus

Employers recruiting on campus are expected to conduct their activities in a professional and respectful manner. While on campus, employers must:

  • Comply with all applicable fire, health, safety, and building regulations.
  • Occupy only the display or recruitment space assigned through CCELC, Conference & Catering, or another authorized campus booking service, and only during the dates and times agreed upon.
  • Limit recruitment and promotional activities to the designated location that has been reserved.
  • Engage with students in a respectful manner and interact with students who voluntarily approach the recruitment space.
  • Refrain from approaching or following students outside of the designated recruitment area, including classrooms, lecture halls, libraries, dining areas, study spaces, or other campus facilities.

The Career, Community and Experiential Learning Centre (CCELC), including Career Services, reserves the right to determine which organizations may participate in career events and employer information sessions and which opportunities are approved for posting on UMConnect. The CCELC may decline, suspend, or restrict an employer’s participation in events or services if their conduct is inconsistent with the University of Manitoba Employer Guidelines. Complaints regarding recruitment practices or the treatment of students, staff, or faculty may be submitted to the CCELC. Upon receiving a complaint, the CCELC may review the matter and, where appropriate, refer it to the relevant university office or external authority.

Resources for future partners

Contact us

Find out what an experiential learning partnership with UM can do for you!

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