UCalgary’s Campus Internships Open New Doors for Graduate Students
In an innovation that expands the academic horizon, the University of Calgary’s Transformative Talent Internships (TTI) program now beckons graduate students to immerse themselves in unparalleled professional experiences right on campus.
Bridging Academia to Real-World Skills
Since its inception nearly a decade ago, the TTI program has enriched UCalgary’s graduate students by marrying academic insight with professional acumen. Through the Faculty of Graduate Studies, this initiative has placed students in internships that enhance their research and academic prowess, making transformative impacts both locally and internationally.
The Launch of On-Campus Internships
In a move that underscores flexibility and accessibility, TTI On-Campus was piloted in the 2024–25 academic year. These internships provide part-time, flexible pathways for students—ideal for those managing coursework and research. According to University of Calgary, the program supports university units needing help with short-term, skill-specific projects.
A Win-Win for All
Graduate Work-Integrated Learning Specialist Lorelei Lachambre outlines a significant problem: “Staff had side-of-desk projects languishing, while students sought skill-building without committing to long internships.” The program’s on-campus format offers a perfect solution, combining the needs of campus teams with the aspirations of ambitious students.
A Resounding Success
The pilot exceeded expectations, involving 47 internships and delivering over 9,000 hours of hands-on experience. Faculties and departments across the campus—from the Cumming School of Medicine to the Werklund School of Education—enthusiastically participated.
Impact Stories Across the Campus
One inspiring tale emerged from Nicole McMillan at Development and Alumni, who credited a graduate intern with modernizing their gift intake process. The intern’s technical finesse created a seamless, user-friendly platform, vastly improving workflow and data handling.
Towards a Brighter Future
Following pilot success, FGS plans to enhance the TTI On-Campus offerings, aligning them with UCalgary’s Ahead of Tomorrow strategy. This expansion will make the program a staple option for departments needing short-term, high-impact project assistance and for students hungry to acquire career-defining skills.
For more on how you can participate, visit the Faculty of Graduate Studies’ website. With continuous support and collaboration, the UCalgary community continues to redefine career readiness for graduate students.
Explore the transformative power of applying academic knowledge to real-world challenges. UCalgary’s campus may just be the springboard your career needs.
