Beat the Odds Internship program

Beat the Odds is an inclusive, paid internship program created for students who face barriers and want meaningful, career-building experience. It supports you as you explore career options, build confidence and gain paid, real-world experience related to your studies.

By taking part, you can:

• Learn about career paths linked to your academic program.
• Build confidence in professional settings.
• Apply what you learn in class to real work.
• Develop transferable, career-ready skills.
• Receive paid support while you learn.

How the program works

Beat the Odds takes place over at least two academic terms and has two parts:

Beat the Odds Academy

The Academy is a short career-readiness training program designed to help you prepare for the workplace in a supportive environment. It includes self-paced online learning and workshops on topics such as workplace expectations, professional communication and self-advocacy at work.

To complete the Academy, you must finish the learning activities, attend one resumé workshop and one interview workshop, complete a short evaluation and follow the participation agreement.

Beat the Odds Internship

After you complete the Academy, you may be considered for a paid internship related to your academic program and career interests. While internships are not guaranteed and depend on availability, you do not need to find your own placement. The Beat the Odds team matches you with an opportunity related to your current academic program. Internships are flexible, part-time and can be up to a total of 240 hours.

Program timeline 

When you do your internship term depends on when you complete the Academy:

• Fall Academy → Spring/Summer internship
• Winter Academy → Fall internship
• Spring/Summer Academy → Winter internship