Work Integrated Learning brings 360° experiential learning for TRIUMF

"This program seeks to support and develop TRIUMF’s high-achieving early-career professionals by empowering them with the breadth and depth of skills they require to succeed across their careers,” said Vishnu Vardhan, lead for Work Integrated Learning and Employee Engagement. “It is critical that we are providing co-ops with access to a wide array of tools that can supplement the world-leading technical expertise and training they receive as part of their 9-to-5 workday here at the lab.” 

Trends in employer data and career survey results point increasingly to the importance of developing well-rounded candidates who can navigate collaborative environments, challenging team environments, and increasingly global workspaces. To stay at the leading edge of the workforce, early-career employees are being pressed to adapt.  

“We’re seeing an expansion of what ‘highly qualified' actually means,” said Vardhan. “Some of the skills and tools we’re training on have, in the past, been labeled ‘soft skills’ when in reality, modern spaces and teams demand collaboration, empathy and emotional intelligence, self-confidence, and clear communication. By fostering these skills, we are ensuring that our student community can succeed as they navigate their careers and go on to make a long-standing impact, in science and beyond.” 

In September and October, students participated in a variety of activity-focused workshops and training activities, including identifying professional strengths and working styles (“Know your Strengths: Gallup Strengths Finder”), building job search skills, developing tools to work dynamically within teams, and more.  

Vardhan’s approach leverages hands-on activities and entertaining content to maximize group interaction and home in on salient points. Students are also encouraged to consider how the strategies and activities can translate to work experiences and opportunities for growth in a variety of environments.  

Eight weeks in, the program has proven to be a smashing success among the lab’s three dozen co-op employees.  

“We’ve been able to learn more about my coworkers, as well as different ways to work in a team,” said Jayani Mehta, a UBC Psychology (minor, Commerce) co-op employee who works with TRIUMF Human Resources’ Student Program Recruitment team. “The workshops have also helped me realize the strengths that I bring to my workplace and how to best capitalize on them. I’m meeting various other co-op students and learning about their backgrounds and experiences. This greatly helps with being able to work with a diverse group of individuals.” 

“I have learned so much throughout my terms at TRIUMF, both in terms of work ethic, communication, and time management – in addition to learning about particle detectors and camera calibration,” said UBC Honours Physics co-op employee Michael Sekatchev. “Vishnu's workshops have been an excellent venue for socializing and meeting other students. They've also helped me learn more about myself and my personality and have taught me ways to improve my relationships at work. I have been able to get a taste of the exact kind of work I want to do in the future, and the professional development workshops can help me learn how to excel in an environment that I want to spend my career in.” 

(Image: Students participate in a design-and-prototype activity called the Spaghetti Marshmallow Challenge, which is used widely at institutions like the Stanford School of Design)