Current students for General Science Internship Program (GSIP)

Employability Skills Workshops are held before the start of the internship. Once you are accepted into the General Science Internship Program (GSIP) you will be sent an invitation by email.

Attendance at workshops

Workshop attendance is mandatory. The workshops aim to equip GSIP students with career development skills useful in securing jobs and being successful in the workplace.

If you are unable to attend a workshop, please contact the General Science Internship coordinator before the workshop. Attendance checks will be made at each workshop and missing a workshop without permission may lead to suspension or withdrawal from the Internship program.

Step 1: Preparation

• Prepare your resume and cover letter in consultation with your coordinator. Work on any required revisions.
• Follow the General Science Internship manual to learn how to copy your unofficial transcript from Aurora and save it as a PDF. If you are a transferred student, you will need to upload your transcript from the other institution. All transcripts from other post-secondary institutions should be combined in one file. Do not alter the transcript, including the order of it, in any way. Ensure that your name appears at the top of the document and that your student number is removed.
• Prepare all other documents indicated on the job posting.
• Upload all documents to your UMConnect account.

Step 2: Applying for jobs

• Jobs are posted onto the UMConnect portal as they are received. You are expected to view the postings regularly.
• All jobs have a deadline date and are typically posted for a minimum of one week (unless the employer advises otherwise). You must submit your application by 9 a.m. on the closing date. Late applications will not be accepted.
• When reviewing the job description, consider the following criteria: the job title, duration, location, duties and responsibilities, relevant skills required, description of the employer, corporate culture, size, special requirements, and qualifications that are considered to be an asset for the job.
• You must write a cover letter for every job you are applying for (unless stated otherwise in the job posting). The maximum length of a cover letter is one page.

All application packages must be assembled in the following order:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Transcript
• Any additional documents specific to the employer (if required)

The Internship Office reserves the right to send your resume directly to employers who do not post jobs on the General Science Internship portal.

Please ensure that your portal account contains a default portfolio with an updated resume and transcript so the coordinator can forward your application to employers.

Requirements to pass an internship

In order for students to receive a passing grade for their internship experience, students must:

• Receive a satisfactory evaluation from their employer
• Complete their internship assignment
• Submit all required internship documents by the specified deadline

Under the following circumstances, the General Science Internship office may issue a failing grade to a student:

• The student is dismissed with just cause by the employer
• The student quits the job without permission from their internship coordinator and their internship employer.
• The student receives an unsatisfactory evaluation from the employer
• The student did not submit the internship assignment at the end of the internship

Overview of Canadian workplace culture

During your internship, you will likely be asked to work with people who are different from you. Different in terms of their age, gender, ethnicity, education or first language. By increasing your awareness of the ways cultural differences can affect communication in the workplace and by reviewing some guidelines for behaviour, you should have fewer problems during your internship. Note, though, that cultural differences often manifest themselves in subtle ways. Identifying stumbling blocks to communication that are the result of cultural differences is not easy, and requires perception and practice. Never hesitate to talk with your coordinator if you have problems or questions.

Internship requirements

Each student must complete an assignment at the end of their internship and the employer will complete a final student evaluation at the end of the internship.

Internship schedules