SASAH students undertake experiential learning (EL) in an impressive variety of fields. Their internships and community-engaged learning opportunities help them to develop their skills, sample careers, follow their talents and passions, and build their confidence. In many cases, their experiences have a significant, sometimes life-altering, impact on their career plans.
Click on the links below to read testimonials students wrote about their experiences.
"My internship as a copywriter with Osborne Holdings was an enriching and incredible learning experience. Over the ten weeks of this program, I gained an enhanced appreciation for the value of the strong oral and written communication skills that SASAH fosters. This experience enabled me to channel my creativity and passion for writing into tangible, real-world applications. From crafting engaging LinkedIn posts to developing blog content, I discovered how to transform my academic training into practical skills."
"Working as a Social Media Ambassador for the STEAM Education Centre was a delightful and informative dive into the content-creating world! With constant support and guidance, I learned and grew my skills, established lasting connections, and increased my understanding of the real-world industry."
"I will forever cherish the memories I have made and lessons I’ve learnt as a teacher’s aide. I helped with day-to-day tasks in the classroom such as conducting a reading comprehension activity and supporting students with subjects like math and language. I have made many good connections with staff and students, who have impacted me personally and my future career plans."
"Interning for Yesterday gave me great insight into the work that goes into influencer brand partnerships. I feel so grateful to have learnt skills like negotiation directly from the founder Kristen who is such an organized and uplifting female entrepreneur. I also loved being able to use my creativity and sense of humour to create content for Yesterday’s socials."
"Working at the Business Library gave me so many new experiences that I will be able to apply to my (hopefully) long career working in different libraries. I had so much fun and would definitely recommend working as a student at one of Western Libraries and Affiliates!"
"Working as a teaching assistant at Chippewa Public Elementary School has granted me highly applicable professional skills, such as communication skills, empathetic skills, and organizational planning skills that may assist me in future educationally focused career. I am grateful for the mentorship I received, and for the experience opportunity overall."
"My internship at Blessed Sacrament Catholic School was a transformative experience that enhanced my understanding of educators. It was more than teaching basic lessons; it was also about encouraging students to believe in themselves and their identities. This experience has solidified my desire to pursue a career that blends advocacy and life-long learning."
"My name is Kenzie Kilmer, and I completed an internship in Jayna Basson’s Grade 7/8 ECO classroom at Kettle Creek Public School. This is the only environmentally focused class in all of TVDSB and has achieved platinum status for the past seven years. With the help of several donors and the hard work of Jayna’s students in the past seven years, this class has planted a forest on the pier of Lake Erie in Port Stanley!"
"My time at ABC Montessori has been a fruitful experience, a journey alongside wonderful students and teachers within this welcoming and warm space. This opportunity has given me a better understanding of the needs of different students and the different skills you require to be a good educator."
"At LIFE*SPIN, I gained clarity about my career path while contributing to meaningful work. The Free Store tested my people skills and adaptability, while a research project expanded my writing expertise. Though challenges arose, including a major loss of work, this internship taught me invaluable lessons about purpose, fulfillment, and future aspirations."
"As an Education Intern at the Grand Theatre, I was given the opportunity to take on both individual and collaborative assignments allowing me to implement many of the skills that I learned there and from SASAH. Being such a welcoming environment, the Grand Theatre allowed me to flourish with the support of my supervisor, Breanne Ritchie, and all the other employees in both the office and the front of house."
"I will be forever grateful for my time at Cowley Abbott as an intern. The supportive team fostered both my personal and professional growth, while hands-on projects deepened my understanding of the art industry. I left with invaluable skills, lasting connections, and a newfound confidence in navigating the complexities of the art world!"
"My internship at STEAM Education Centre provided valuable professional experience in content creation, communications, and social media management. Under the guidance of Denise Love, I developed key skills in a supportive remote environment. This opportunity has significantly enhanced my confidence, creativity, and career readiness for future professional pursuits."
"Working with Western Hillel is a truly enriching experience. It offers a wonderful opportunity to engage deeply with Jewish education, programming, and community initiatives."
"I loved my internship with the Forest City Film Festival! It was a great opportunity to watch and write about some amazing films, connect with professionals in the film industry, and learn about how a film festival works. I highly recommend interning with the FCFF to anyone interested in film!"
"I was a Program Assistant at Investing in Children in the fall semester of my third year. It was an enriching experience as I explored every aspect of the organization’s programming. I learned so much about the educational needs of children in London and what incredible organizations like IIC are doing to support these needs!"
"My experience with Osborne Holdings taught me how to adapt my narrative voice as a ghostwriter. I was able to curate short-form content for LinkedIn and long-form content for an online blog, while essentially taking a crash course in marketing. I will forever be grateful to Oliver Osborne for his passion and mentorship in helping me prepare for the job market."
"My experience with Osborne Holdings taught me how to adapt my narrative voice as a ghostwriter. I was able to curate short-form content for LinkedIn and long-form content for an online blog, while essentially taking a crash course in marketing. I will forever be grateful to Oliver Osborne for his passion and mentorship in helping me prepare for the job market."
"As a communications intern at the London Heritage Council, I gained valuable skills and learned to use professional tools that will be useful for similar future roles. I am fortunate for the experiential learning experience provided by SASAH, and I look forward to exciting future opportunities that await."
"I had an incredible time working with the TD Customer Experience & Insights team. While supporting TD’s behavioural and marketing research, I honed my personal skills and gained valuable mentorship and professional connections. I was unfamiliar with the corporate world before this internship, but I couldn’t have asked for a better experience!"
"My internship with the Forest City Film Festival was truly enriching. It afforded me invaluable insights and hands-on experience in the film industry. The opportunity to contribute to such a vibrant event and establish valuable connections with local filmmakers has undoubtedly shaped my understanding and passion for film."
"Being the Student Writer-in-Residence is a dream come true. I’ve had so much fun speaking with younger students, hosting open mics, and performing at events. It’s been such an honour to follow in the footsteps of our past SWIRs, especially those in SASAH who have mentored and inspired me."
"The Undergraduate Summer Research Internship has been one of the best opportunities that have experienced at Western! I never thought that I would be able to call creating art and going to the gym “work” but with this research project, I made it happen!"
"This Retro Bag internship opportunity provided me with a solid understanding of how to run a small fashion retail business in the real world. Adesola Ogunsakin was not only my boss but also a great mentor who provided me with work freedom and flexibility. She assisted me in developing content marketing skills that will prepare me for future jobs and internships."
"My placement with Investing in Children was a great opportunity for me to discover ways I can help children in my community. I learned about how to run events and programming in the local area. The workplace itself was friendly, dedicated, and truly committed to serving the community. I am beyond grateful and lucky for my experience at Investing in Children."
“Working as a USRI intern for the summer writing a handbook chapter about the Sociology of Ageism has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I have developed skills such as collaboration that will help me in my academic and personal ventures as well as contributed to an understudied field of sociology”
"The Story House Program was an amazing opportunity to experience first handedly the convergence of Scientific disciplines with the Arts and Humanities. The experience, though uncertain at the beginning, became a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. As I move forward from this experience, I am confidently prepared to navigate the complexities of the professional world."
"Working with the HBHAS gave me the wonderful opportunity to work with a team of talented and dedicated individuals who guided and mentored me throughout this journey. Assisting with this exhibition helped me see the possibilities of careers in the arts as well as what I was capable of when I committed myself to a meaningful cause."
"As an Education Intern at Blyth Theatre Festival, you will have the opportunity to learn many new skills because it is a small organization who relies on their team to be flexible. I did everything from reading and reviewing playscripts to peeling tape off the stage, and I loved every minute of it!"
"I was a Project Administration Intern at Youth Opportunities Unlimited in the fall semester of my second year. It was a wonderful experience and gave me an understanding of the foundations of project management. It was well balanced with schoolwork and my supervisor was amazing. I could not have asked for a better first internship."
"Storyhouse was an amazing experience that taught me so much about communication, research, and communicating that research. Not only that, I learned more about the world, but also myself. Going on that stage to present the story myself taught me a confidence that I couldn’t have found elsewhere."
"The Storyhouse Project has been an experience that I will forever value. The Storyhouse is founded on the beauty of human connection and bridges sciences and humanities studies to establish science communication and knowledge mobilization. This project is beyond rewarding and provides the ideal environment for growth and achievement thanks to the incredible Storyhouse team."
"My internship at The Walrus has been an enlightening journey. In this, I was able to work at the intersection of two interests of mine: writing and digital media. From scripting podcasts to crafting social copy, I've honed my writing skills and found joy in storytelling. My supervisors provided me with much flexibility and support, encouraging me to explore new avenues."
"Conducting research in the physics department, with Dr. Erdemci-Tandogan, was the perfect supervised introduction to working in applied sciences. The opportunity to develop countless technical and soft skills along with their complex scientific applications is something you could never get from a classroom or textbook - only first-hand experience."
"In my transformative journey at Forest City Gallery, I discovered unparalleled support and a chance to explore new tasks. Ruth Skinner's genuine interest in my growth allowed me freedom to explore beyond my role. Amid health challenges, her unwavering guidance and appreciation made even seemingly mundane tasks profoundly impactful. I've learned to value every contribution, adapting with commitment and gratitude. Despite imperfections, this experience unveiled my passion for non-profit work, fostering a desire to contribute meaningfully and witness direct impact. Ruth and Forest City Gallery, thank you for the invaluable perspective and lessons."
"This internship offered me amazing opportunities to see the inner workings of the field of family law. From shadowing during calls to drafting emails, I got to see what life could be like if I pursue law as a career. Jenna and the rest of the BBY team made this experience extra special for me by including me in their weekly meetings, never failing to make sure I understood the legal side of any given issue, and being their happy and welcoming selves. "
"Working at Camp Kadimah has been a fabulous learning experience! I tried so many new activities, ventured out of my comfort zone, and took the time daily to reflect on my growth. I would absolutely recommend this internship to anyone who wants hands-on experience working with kids!"
"My education internship with the Blyth Festival was truly incredible! I got the chance to experience the inner workings of a theatre festival and provide an engaging program for high school students who performed at Blyth in the NTS Festival. Ashley Williamson and the rest of the Blyth team were wonderful to work with!"
"My internship with The Retro Bag Canada allowed me to develop my communication skills and apply them to a small business as I initiated an email marketing campaign! I am incredibly grateful for this experience and the mentorship I received."
"My internship with Western Heads East (WHE) brought me to Rwanda for 3.5 months, where I contributed to improving community health, increasing economic development, and empowering women through the process of probiotic yogurt making. It was an eye-opening experience where I developed a strong interest in global health equity and practiced cultural and critical reflexivity."
“During my digital marketing internship at Qode Media, I had an incredible opportunity to travel with a client to a gold mine in Côte d’Ivoire as a photographer and documentarian. This experience further opened my eyes to the vast potential and need for Arts-educated individuals in all sectors and industries.”
"Being an intern with the Forest City Film Festival this year was a fantastic experience! I got to try so many new things, watch some amazing films, meet very cool people, and learn more about the London arts scene. I would definitely recommend this internship to anyone who is interested in media and who loves to try new things!"
“Osborne Holdings was a great learning experience. Not only did I learn how to transfer my academic skills to the non-academic world, but I also saw the different career options my degree offered. Your degree does not define your career or path, you choose that for yourself. It was truly comforting to know that I could use my skills in another environment and society.”
"My internship with the Morrissette Institute was incredible; I got to work extensively on developing my small business and receive fantastic mentorship from executives. My experience has greatly shaped my leadership style, entrepreneurial approach, and helped to set my business up for success going forward."
Siobhan and her business, GoFacepaint, was featured on the Morrissette Institute's news page. Read the article here.
"My internship as Summer Student Administrator at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP gave me valuable experience in legal marketing and the field of corporate law. I grew both personally and professionally under the strong mentorship of Lynda Monteith, Chief Marketing Officer. I would highly recommend an internship at Osler to any student who is considering a career in law, especially corporate law."
“Working as a research student for Dr. Karen Pennesi in the Anthropology department has been an incredible opportunity to develop my qualitative-research skills and learn to translate research findings into a creative output. I analyzed the linguistic techniques used in songs and poems with my research partner and learned about different ways to uphold allyship in the context of anti-racism. I definitely recommend for SASAH students to take on an undergraduate student research internship (USRI), as it allows you to explore a topic of interest while building your research knowledge, which can be invaluable for various disciplines.”
“Working as a USRI Student in researching the history, development, and future of Black scholarship in academia has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve advocated for diversity and anti-racism in curricula during my time at Western, and this opportunity has given me the chance to participate in active change on campus.”
"As someone who is interested in marketing-related fields, I appreciated the opportunity to develop a digital marketing portfolio for Aspire Naturopathic Health Clinic, based in Vancouver, Canada. The opportunity challenged me in in a myriad of skills, including graphic design, marketing campaigns, social media content creation, independent work and project management."
“The Rwanda trip with Professor Boyi is an eye-opening journey that allows you to discover what is truly necessary to become a global citizen. With the daily service work and the explorative, laid-back travels in Rwandan afternoons, the trip is the perfect balance of hard work and immersive cultural experiences.”
“Working as a communications intern with the Mississauga Steelheads was an incredible experience during which I gained invaluable insight into what it is like to work in the sports industry. I was able to get hands-on experience in sports communications, social media, and community relations while making connections and building on my professional skills.”
"Working with Professor Wakeham of the English department and Indigenous Elders Dan and Mary Lou Smoke has been an experience I’ll be forever grateful for. Knowing I’ve helped to ensure the survival of Indigenous teachings in London has been a rewarding and educating experience."
“My experience with Metatherapy was very insightful and pushed me to redefine myself and broaden my horizons. The hands-on techniques were a valuable experience; however, the personal advice from therapists made the experience so much more. Metatherapy is a wonderful clinic filled with a community of passionate therapists who care for what they do, and it was such an honour being a part of the team. I felt that the four months really prepared me to see and feel what it was like to work at a clinic and if this career path were really meant for me.”
“I am so grateful for the experience I had as a People Operations Intern at Publicis Sapient this summer! From speaker series to intern socials to exciting challenge projects, it exceeded all my expectations (and more) for my first in-person office job!”
"Writing a novelette was a truly transformative experience. Getting the creative freedom to express my own ideas was really freeing and forced me to trust my own instincts and find value in my work. Truly, it changed me as a person and made me feel confident in my work and myself."
“I’m grateful and proud to have had the opportunity to work as an Events Intern with The Walrus! I loved how close-knit and friendly the entire team was. From my very first day, everyone made me feel welcome and continued to support my growth until the end.”
