Intro to College and Work now offered online to all new post-secondary students at MITT

Originally posted: August 26, 2020

Most MITT programs have students career-ready within a year. Success in an environment this fast-paced requires students quickly develop an array of skills in class and effectively apply the in the workplace—whether during a work practicum placement or after graduation. Recognizing the added pressure this can place on learners new to the post-secondary environment, MITT launched Intro to College and Work in 2015.

Originally developed to help familiarize international students with the expectations of Canadian post-secondary environments and workplaces, the program is now a two-week, virtual offering available to all incoming post-secondary students. In addition to the 250 plus registered international students, more than 45 domestic learners signed up for the program (which kicked off August 24 and runs through September 4), which consists of daily, three-hour sessions.  

Colin Fraser, the academic coordinator for MITT’s Post-Graduate, Business Administration Assistant, and Intro to College and Work programs, says students often express their appreciation for how the program helps them build their confidence and bond with their intro instructors, who are their first points of contact. He feels the decision to tweak the program format for online delivery and open it to all students is a good move.

“Students who participate in Intro to College and Work get to reflect more on what they are learning, and how it will impact the approach they take to their studies and, by extension, their careers,” says Fraser. “The curriculum is focused on providing a solid foundation for success as students enter their programs.’ 

Week one curriculum, Enhancing Skills for College and Work, introduces students to the concept of developing skill proficiency in academics and the workplace. Participants explore how they learn best as well as learning strategies tailored to their unique styles, which include time and task management, reading comprehension skills and problem-solving strategies.  Week two curriculum, Transition to Work, delves into communication skills for the workplace, particularly focusing on how important intercultural communication skills are in Canada’s dynamic, culturally diverse workplaces.

“Using technology to help build our students’ connections and confidence early on is so important,” says Dean Rebecca Brooks. “We had a fantastic response to our spring orientation session, which was held virtually. We really wanted to build on any opportunity to deepen our connection with students in a time when their in-person experiences with instructors and peers remains unpredictable.”