For 27 years, this unique, OSSD-credited program has given SMLS students a distinct advantage. By stepping into professional environments, our students don’t just build their resumes, they: 

Below are highlights of some of our students’ experiences, showcasing the steep learning curves, the moments they had to step outside of their comfort zone, and the moment they felt everything clicked. 

When you think of a high school internship you don't usually picture a student designing plans that a company will implement. But that’s exactly what Tara did. During her four weeks at Enwave, she took charge of developing real customer schematics. She then presented her completed work to senior leadership. Her supervisor summed it up perfectly: "Tara did a great job for the few weeks she was with us. The team was very impressed with her."

Grace admits she thought she would spend her time observing at CLHIA. Instead, she was pulled right into the daily workflow. "The most rewarding part of my placement was being able to contribute to the team and actually helping out," Grace told us. "When I first arrived, I thought I would be only learning things and not really having any hands-on experience, so being able to contribute to different parts of the organization felt really rewarding."

For Nada, the biggest challenge wasn’t the technical nature of the work, it was the fast-paced environment. "It took me a few days to adjust to the busy back-to-back schedule," Nada reflected. "I had to learn to be quick yet efficient when cleaning and setting up the operating rooms between patients. I also had to ensure that all tools needed for appointments were properly sterilized and ready for use." By the end of the month, the busy schedule became second nature, teaching Nada the kind of real-world efficiency and adaptability you can only learn from diving right in. 

Sophie spent her four weeks navigating one of the province’s largest medical hubs at Sunnybrook Hospital. "The most rewarding part of my placement was gaining the trust of the healthcare team and being included in their daily workflow," Sophie said. "As time went on, I was given more responsibility and more opportunities to observe procedures, ask questions, and contribute in small but meaningful ways. It was rewarding to see how much my confidence and understanding grew." Sophie proved just how quickly a student can adapt when given the chance, highlighting exactly how invaluable hands-on learning is. 

An experiential learning program requires local businesses, clinics, and organizations willing to open their doors, share their expertise, and mentor the next generation of women leaders. We want to extend a massive thank you to all of our incredible placement partners.