Become a Practicum Host

Each year, Western Continuing Studies invites marketing professionals to host post-degree diploma students for the practicum component of the Diploma in Marketing. We work with you and our students to coordinate the best possible professional practicum placement for the applicant and organization. 

Program Overview

The Diploma in Marketing is a post-degree program that includes 10 diploma-credit courses plus a student practicum for which the student receives academic credit. Students are eligible to apply to the Diploma in Marketing only after successful completion of an undergraduate degree from an accredited university.

Practicum Timing

The practicum is the final term of the Diploma in Marketing.  Students must complete 560 hours at their practicum site between May and August (exact dates may vary slightly).  During this period, students are expected to be on site on a full-time basis (i.e. 35 hours per week). 

Practicum Activities

There is not a prescribed list of activities that must be completed. Instead, the Practicum Supervisor helps the student to create six learning goals for the four month practicum based on the student’s interests, and current projects at the site.

Requirements of Practicum Supervisors

As students’ skills are at an entry level, supervision, explanation, and direction are vital. The student’s supervisor should be a practitioner who has at least 5 years of relevant marketing experience. Although the student can be expected to work fairly independently, contact and supervision is expected from the supervisor. 

The Role of the Practicum Supervisor

• Help the student to create six learning goals for the practicum; evaluate their performance in meeting the goals at the end of the practicum
• Review weekly journal entries submitted by the student; evaluate the student’s performance in reflecting in their journal at the end of the practicum
• Meet with the student once per week to discuss their progress
• Provide the student with a range of experience in as many aspects of the industry as possible
• Orient the student to the organization, including policies, procedures and personnel
• Monitor work assignments and provide constructive feedback
• Be available and accessible for counsel and advice
• Provide the student with networking opportunities

Course List

• Foundations of Digital Marketing
• Integrated Marketing Communications
• Market Research and Analysis
• Contemporary Media
• Introduction to Market Strategy
• Emerging Trends in Marketing
• Digital Marketing: Strategies and Tactics
• Advanced Marketing Strategy
• Brand Management
• Professional Practice for Marketers

Through the course work, students have developed knowledge in:

• Developing, executing and evaluating communications strategies
• Creating a marketing communications plan
• Writing effectively for web and print
• Developing strong presentations, speeches, creative briefs, key messages
• Determining research strategies and evaluating data
• Creating an integrated media plan
• Understanding emerging trends and utilizing digital media
• Developing and executing a branding plan
• Working with design professionals           

Submit a Posting

Contact Ashleigh Lerch, Work Integrated Learning Coordinator with the following information:

• Name and email address 
• Learning opportunities
• Skills required/valued
• Information regarding payment, honorarium, professional development opportunities, etc. (if applicable)

Looking forward to partnering with you during the upcoming year!

Find out more about the Diploma in Marketing program.