Work & Volunteer Experience

Gain experience & build your professional skills

Students working at a whiteboard

When talking about gaining experience for your resume, we’re not just referring to paid work experience, especially early on in your career journey. To build your experience and skills, you can take part in a wide variety of activities, including:

  • Internships
  • Co-op work terms
  • Paid work (part-time, full-time, and contracts)
  • Mentorship programs
  • Case competitions
  • Starting your own business
  • Volunteering
  • Team & club participation
  • Group projects in the classroom

These experiences will help you gain transferrable skills, make connections, build your story for future job applications, and clarify your career goals.

Ways to get started

Self-guided toolkits designed for UBC Sauder students

Work & Volunteer Experience

Work & Volunteer Experience Toolkit

Your previous work and volunteer experiences are essential indicators to employers of your capabilities.

This Toolkit explains how to gain experience strategically to align with the career path you want to take. It also highlights the 70% rule: You don’t need to meet 100% of the job requirements to apply!

Access on COOL

Job Search Toolkit

Job Search Toolkit

Searching for work, whether you’re looking for an internship, Co-op work term, part-time position or full-time role, takes time and planning.

Read this toolkit to learn about effective job search strategies and how to use your time best.

Access on COOL

Career Goals Toolkit

Career Goals Toolkit

Setting specific goals about gaining work experience will help you take your next steps forward.

This toolkit will give you strategies to tackle your big goals by breaking them down into small steps.

Access on COOL

Access additional Career Toolkits on other career-related topics like resumes, cover letters, and interviews on COOL.

CWL login is required to access all Toolkits.

Where to find opportunities

COOL (Career Options On-Line): UBC Sauder’s exclusive all-in-one career platform where you can find internships, Co-op work terms, and full-time job postings from companies actively recruiting UBC Sauder students.

Access Job Postings on COOL

(CWL login required)

How to apply for jobs & set up job alerts on COOL

Embedded thumbnail for How to apply for jobs & set up job alerts on COOL

In this video, we will walk you through the process of applying for jobs and setting up personalized job alerts on the COOL (Career Options On-Line) career platform.

CareersOnline: Browse this job and volunteer board for all UBC students. Find Work Learn positions along with other on and off-campus opportunities.

Access CareersOnline

(CWL login required)

LinkedIn Learning

Enhance your skills with LinkedIn Learning to help you achieve your goals. All degree-seeking UBC Vancouver students have access to LinkedIn Learning, where you can build skills, browse career ideas, and achieve your personal goals. Register to access over 16,000+ free courses covering topics such as leveraging your skills and experience, transferable skills, and more.

Other things you can do

Connect with:

  • Employers actively recruit UBC Sauder students at Company Recruitment Sessions held throughout the year (register on COOL to attend)
  • Peers and business professionals at student club events and conferences. Learn more about student initiatives

Apply for:

  • Work Learn Program: gain part-time work experiences at UBC, where you can learn from a mentor and expand your professional network while a full-time student.

Go international with:

  • Go Global Research Abroad: Build your academic network and get hands-on research experience at a university outside of Canada

Get involved with your community through:

  • Student Initiatives and Government: As a UBC BCom student, you’re a member of the UBC Alma Mater Society (AMS) and the Commerce Undergraduate Society (CUS). Funded by your student fees, both societies facilitate services and opportunities to enhance student experiences. Explore leadership and community-building involvement opportunities, case competitions, and networking events.
  • UBC Spark Orientation: Spark welcomes first-year and transfer students to the UBC Sauder community and is vital to the UBC Sauder experience. Get involved as an Orientation Leader, leading cheers as a Spirit Leader, or supporting with logistics as a volunteer.
  • Imagine UBC: A UBC-wide orientation event where students can gain leadership skills and the opportunity to connect with first years.
  • UBtheChange: Develop leadership and career skills as a Student or Community Activator while working towards broader social and environmental initiatives.
  • Student grants for community projects: The Centre for Community Engaged Learning funds student-led projects that partner with BC-based community organizations. Build on your experience working with the community and get creative with what you can do to address community needs.

Have questions?

Stop by Drop-in to chat with the BCC’s team of Career Peer Advisors.

When: Weekdays during the term, 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Where: CPA Hall, in front of the BCC

Or, book a career coaching & advising appointment on COOL for personalized 1:1 support.

Book on COOL

(CWL login required)

Navigate Your Career Journey

Trying to figure out what type of work interests you? Or maybe you’re wondering what resources can help you achieve your goals? No matter where you are in your unique career journey, you can use our career development model to help navigate your personal and professional goals at UBC Sauder and beyond.


Hide Menu

Explore myBCom