BEAT THE ODDS INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
Make a difference in the life of a student facing barriers to employment
Partner with us: Host a student intern and build a more inclusive future
The Beat the Odds (BTO) internship program is a flexible, paid internship program designed to increase access to professional experiences for equity-deserving undergraduate students at Concordia University. These students may face barriers related to race, gender identity, financial need, disability, immigration status, caregiving responsibilities, or academic standing.
We believe that hands-on, real-world experience should be available to all students — not just those with connections or privilege.
Through the Beat the Odds program, students gain:
- experience in their field of study
- access to mentorship and professional networks
- confidence, skills, and career readiness
- a pathway into industries where they are historically underrepresented.
Funding opportunities are available for Beat the Odds internships (up to 240 hours) based on program capacity. We work closely with host organizations to ensure the placement is a mutual learning experience that is meaningful for both the student and employer.
Partnering with the Beat the Odds internship program
By hosting a Beat the Odds intern, your organization will:
- Access fresh talent from diverse academic backgrounds and lived experiences
- Contribute meaningfully to employment equity and social mobility
- Be eligible for fully funded internships (up to 240 hours)
- Get support with onboarding, mentorship, and inclusive supervision
- Join a growing community of changemakers committed to equity in action
What kind of work can students do?
Our students come from all four faculties at Concordia and bring a wide range of interests, skills, and emerging expertise.
Beat the Odds interns have contributed in areas including:
- Software and application development
- Website design and updates
- Financial planning and analysis
- Accounting and administrative support
- Research surveys and data analysis
- HR support and organizational wellness initiatives
- Community engagement and partnership outreach
- Funding proposal research and design
- Communications, branding, and digital content creation
We’ll work with you to match a student whose interests align with your project needs and organizational goals.
What Support Do Employers Receive?
You won’t be alone. The BTO team provides hands-on support before, during, and after the internship, including:
- A dedicated program coordinator to learn about your organization’s needs
- Candidate matching and interview coordination
- Onboarding tips and supervision guidance
- Support with student mentorship (if needed)
What Makes BTO Internships Unique?
- Fully funded internships available
- Flexible schedule: part-time or full-time (max. 240 hours)
- Students from across disciplines and equity-deserving communities
- Structured around mentorship, skill development, and growth
- Ideal for nonprofits, startups, and organizations committed to social change
All internships are learning-focused, which means tasks should be designed with skill development in mind — not to replace a full-time employee.
Is This Opportunity Right for You?
This leadership opportunity is for you if you:
- Have a desire to support the next generation of professionals
- Can dedicate time to guide a student through deliverables and learning goals
- Are interested in mentorship, coaching, and giving constructive feedback
- Practice or want to grow in empathetic, inclusive leadership
- Can clearly communicate expectations and timelines
- Are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in the workplace
- Want to help a student gain real-world experience in their chosen field
You don’t need to be perfect — just present, patient, and ready to support someone learning and growing on the job.
Your Role as a Host Supervisor
You will play a key role in shaping the student’s first real-world experience in their field.
A great BTO supervisor:
- Welcomes and onboards the student into your team and culture
- Assigns learning-focused tasks with clear deliverables
- Sets expectations for communication and timelines
- Meets regularly (e.g., weekly or biweekly) to offer support and feedback
- Mentors and encourages the student as they build confidence
- Creates a safe space for questions, experimentation, and growth
Not sure where to start? The BTO team provides templates, checklists, and 1:1 support for onboarding, feedback, and supervision.
How it works
1. Fill out the Host Application
2. Meet with a BTO coordinator to explore your needs
3. Submit a job description (we can guide you through it)
4. Review student matches and conduct interviews
5. Confirm your intern and agree on a start date
6. Start the internship — we’ll check in and support along the way
Internship terms
- Fall (Sept-Dec)
- Winter (Jan-Apr)
- Summer (May-Aug)
Recruitment typically happens one term in advance but we accept applications all year long.
Ready to get started?
We’re currently recruiting hosts for the upcoming internship cohort.
Interested in hosting a student?
Additional questions? Reach out to us at beattheodds@concordia.ca.
