Our flagship iLEAD Business Experience Certificate, allows you to Learn through Experience, Action and Discovery while earning credits toward your business degree. The program is designed to help you gain valuable and relevant work experience through activities such as directed studies, writing an honours thesis, participating in workplace internships or studying overseas. The iLEAD program allows your learning to transcend the classroom so you can hone your personal and professional skills and realize success in all facets of your life.
For more information on how to get involved, email ilead@nipissingu.ca.
Part-way through my degree, I realized I didn’t have as much experience as I would like going into my field after graduation. I applied and was accepted for an HR Internship for the Summer 2022 semester.
I had the absolute pleasure of working for a host of wonderful individuals who were genuinely dedicated to seeing me succeed with my placement. By the end of the placement, I had created a 25-page communication guide for new hires that is still being used today. I created this guide utilizing the knowledge I acquired in my marketing and human resources related courses, with specific emphasis on Organizational Behaviour, Advertising and Promotion, and Human Resources Management.
I strongly recommend business students consider getting involved at Nipissing and within the community via the iLEAD program. This is exactly what students need to build confidence and experience, develop new skills, and expand their business networks.
Why take iLEAD courses?
- Gain valuable and relevant work experience
- Assist with research projects and/or investigate a real-life business problem
- Build strong leadership, professional, and personal skills
- Internationalize your degree and experience different cultures
- Demonstrate initiative and involvement
- Looks great on a resume
iLEAD Business Experience Certificate
Students have the option to complete the iLEAD Business Experience Certificate or elect to take one or two iLEAD courses as elective credits.
The iLEAD Business Experience Certificate will be awarded to Business students at the time of graduation, who as part of their studies, successfully complete 15 credits to satisfy the Certificate requirements. Learn More...
“The iLEAD program truly enriched my experience at Nipissing University. Through the program, I developed practical skills and gained real world experience through placements tailored to my interests. These opportunities allowed me to support small businesses and make a positive impact on the community. The iLEAD program not only prepared me for my career and further education but also was the highlight of my degree.”
Minimum Requirements
- Enrolled as a full-time student in the BCOM or BBA program
- Minimum GPA of 70%
- Students wishing to take these courses must apply in writing to the School of Business
- Students in the BCOM or BBA program can apply for iLEAD courses and proceed with their first course after successful completion of 24 credits of program requirements (minimum of 2nd year standing). Additional details can be found in the Academic Calendar
Application Process
- Schedule a meeting with the School of Business Coordinator.
- Speak with a faculty member about being your faculty supervisor for the course.
- Complete the iLEAD Application Form.
- The School of Business will let you know if your application is approved. If approved, you will be eligible to register for the course on WebAdvisor.
Application Due Dates
The deadline for iLEAD course applications is 4 weeks prior to the course start date.
“I am forever grateful for my experience within the iLEAD program. I had the invaluable opportunity to research and apply critical thinking towards an industry that is commonly overlooked by many educational institutions. Through the program, I was able to proactively evaluate and navigate a rapidly evolving business environment, with continuous support from a faculty supervisor. iLEAD expands outside typical in-class instruction, providing opportunities to enhance your personal brand and establish competitive advantages for post-graduation. It’s experiential opportunities like iLEAD that truly provide Nipissing University students with more than a degree.”
ADMN 3336 Special Projects (iLEAD) and SWLF 3916 Selected Topics in Social Welfare and Social Development
iLEAD Norway Expedition
Students from across various departments at Nipissing University took part in an incredible experience, completing a 10-day international expedition to Norway in June 2024.
Funded by GSO-TILE, this three-credit course that ran over the spring/summer semester, saw the students research the topics of environmental justice and access to nature.
Click on the blog link to read about their fantastic journey: https://nutilenorway2024.blogspot.com
iLEAD Finland Expedition
Students from Nipissing University gained valuable experience completing a 10-day international expedition to Karelia University of Applied Sciences’ Business Academy in Joensuu, Finland in May 2024.
Funded by GSO-TILE, this three-credit course that ran over the spring semester, saw the students explore various dimensions of sustainability in higher education and delve into sustainability practices and resources.
Click on the blog link to read about their incredible journey: https://ileadkarelia2024.blogspot.com/
Gain international work experience with a global brand (e.g. ADIDAS, PUMA) through this unique partnership with Ohio University and the University of Bayreuth. Students work in cross-cultural teams and apply their creative minds to solve a problem posed by the client organization. The iLEAD Germany Expedition is a two week consulting project, usually in late May and early June, and offers opportunities to explore the local Bavarian culture. This three-credit course includes pre-departure preparation meetings in the Winter term ahead of the Spring term travel.
Watch the video to see what our students have to say about the experience.
iLEAD Jamaica Expedition
For the past several years, faculty and students from the School of Business have been visiting Jamaica during the winter reading week to volunteer with small businesses engaged in sustainable tourism or community development. The students apply their skills, knowledge, and talents to identify challenges faced by the business and provide the business with solutions and recommendations. This three-credit course includes pre-departure preparation meetings during the Winter term.
Want to follow the students’ adventure? Follow iLEAD Jamaica Expedition blogs, where Nipissing students share their experiences and discoveries.
iLEAD Jamaica Expedition 2019
This year, students and faculty from Business, Social Welfare and Social Development, and Nursing will be working on two management projects with Geddes Estate in Claremont, in the parish of St. Ann. Follow this year's expedition from February 18-25, 2019.
iLEAD Jamaica Expedition 2017
The annual trip to Jamaica is an integral component of the School of Business iLEAD program, offering learning through experience, action and discovery. This is the sixth time that Nipissing students have travelled to Jamaica as part of the iLead program. The team will be working in Jamaica from February 21 – February 28.
iLEAD Jamaica Expedition 2016
Nipissing University's iLEAD program is proud to have the opportunity to send a team of 11 advanced business students and faculty members for the 5th consecutive year on a special international project to Jamaica. The The trip departs on Sunday, February 14 and returns on Sunday, February 21, 2016. This year, they will be offering consulting work to an Eco-tourism resort called Fern Forest Eco-Village.
iLEAD Jamaica Expedition 2015
Nipissing University's iLEAD program is proud to have the opportunity to send a team of 12 advanced business students and faculty members on a special international project to Jamaica during February 13th-23rd, 2015. This year, they will be offering consulting work to an Eco-tourism resort called Great Huts, as well as working with the Portland Rehabilitation center.
iLEAD Jamaica Expedition 2014
Nipissing University's iLEAD program is proud to have the opportunity to send a team of advanced students and faculty members on a special international project to Jamaica during February 14th-24th, 2014.The project this year involves offering free consulting services to an organization called Great Huts, which operates a resort, a rehab centre, and a night shelter for the homeless, the elderly, and for people with special needs.
iLEAD Jamaica Expedition 2013
11 Students and 4 Professors are gearing up for our adventure to Jamaica to take part in research and projects with a local Jamaican business, Green Castle Estates. Green Castle is a small estate property located in St. Mary Jamaica. We will be working with Green Castle to make them Eco Certified as well as Micro Farming. Although these are new areas of expertise for the students, everyone has been working hard to educate themselves on the issues in order to better help the business.
iLEAD Jamaica Expedition 2012
In February, a group of ten upper year students will be participating in the School of Business’ iLEAD Jamaica Expedition. This opportunity has been created by business professors who are conducting research in tourism including eco-tourism operators in Jamaica. The students will be working on projects with operators to formulate creative solutions to some of their business issues.
ADMN-3337 Field Placement I (iLEAD) & ADMN-4337 Field Placement II (iLEAD)
During their Field Placement, students work within an organization or business and gain insights into its operations and practices. As they contribute their talents, knowledge, and energy, students gain valuable work experience and confidence, build on their expertise, and enhance their soft skills.
Field Placement Application Requirements
Students must submit the following to the School of Business:
- iLEAD application form
- Letter of support from organization and faculty supervisor
- Position description/ work plan
- Unofficial transcript from WebAdvisor
"Any student that has the opportunity to participate in the iLEAD program in the School of Business should definitely do so. I would highly recommend this program without hesitation. Not only did I learn about the accounting field that I want to enter into as a professional after graduation, but I also got to experience, prepare and participate in the workforce. I had the opportunity to expand my learning in a number of fields and apply my knowledge and skills in the areas of accounting, human resources, organizational behaviour, and marketing during my field placements. I got paid to do an internship while earning credits toward school, how cool is that?
I will take the things that I did throughout obtaining my iLEAD certificate with me throughout my entire career; it was a great experience and definitely helped me grow as a young adult who is soon entering the workforce.”
As a general statement, Jessica was either the best or one of the most proficient iLead students we have hosted at PosPro and I think that is worth noting. Not only did she perform well, but in finding out she has ended up taking a job in our industry, we felt it was a bit of a testament to our work here too. Jessica ended up having to head back home to New Brunswick mainly due to COVID uncertainty. However, if she was able to stay in Ontario, we are confident she would have been our next Business Manager.
We look forward to working with you folks again next year and also will be looking into the possibility of a co-op student potentially next year as well.
Kevin Wilton BBA (Hon.)/C.A.L.E.
Director of Operations
iLEAD student – Winter 2021
Jimena was a great asset to the Gateway Theatre Guild. She helped us write and submit two major grants for capital funding for a project we are involved with as well as helping us connect with other funding opportunities to support our operating budget. Even though she was working remotely, it felt like she was a part of the team – always ready to help and dive deeper into whatever she was working on. Her final report clearly outlined further ideas we could take to support our funding needs. This was a great experience for both Jimena and Gateway Theatre Guild and we hope to work with an iLEAD student again in the future!
Johanna McPherson
President
Gateway Theatre Guild
iLEAD student – Winter 2024
www.gatewaytheatreguild.ca
Yes. The iLEAD Business Experience Certificate is designed specifically for business students. However, non-business students can participate in iLEAD Expeditions as elective credits.
No. You may elect to take only one or two iLEAD courses if you wish.
Organizations often reach out to the School of Business to express their interest in hosting an iLEAD field placement. These opportunities are advertised to business students via ilead@nipissingu.ca.
Aside from these opportunities, students must secure their own field placement. However, the School of Business will provide guidance and suggestions to students who are looking for field placements. Students are encouraged to reach out to the School of Business Coordinator at ilead@nipissingu.ca to discuss placement options.
Tuition fees are applicable to the iLEAD courses.
Other fees will apply for international exchanges, such as travel costs.
Yes. Internships can be completed in North Bay, your home town, or even overseas.
Field placements are generally unpaid.