Beat the Odds Internship program
Flexible internships that level the playing field for students in need
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
Who can participate?
You may be eligible if all four requirements apply to you:
- You are a current Concordia undergraduate student. You must be registered in a degree or certificate program and enrolled in at least one course during the internship term.
- You identify with one or more equity-deserving groups. Examples include students with disabilities, Indigenous students, Black students, students of colour, international students (full-time), LGBTQ2S+ students, parents, caregivers and refugees.
- You are facing one or more challenges, such as financial need, risk of leaving your program, a CGPA of 2.5 or lower or low self-confidence.
- You are not in a program that includes a mandatory internship, including Co-op and Career Edge.
Is this a paid program?
To reduce financial barriers for students, both parts of the program are paid.
- Beat the Odds Academy: You will receive a stipend of $120 after you complete all requirements.
- Beat the Odds Internship: You will receive an award for your internship in two installments, based on the number of hours you work, at a rate of $20 per hour. Each internship is usually a total of 120–240 hours. Hours can be adjusted if needed, with approval.
Accessibility and support
We aim to make Beat the Odds accessible and inclusive. You can request accommodations when you apply. You’ll also receive workshop details and materials in advance, so you know what to expect and how to prepare.
Thinking about applying?
If you’re looking for paid experience, structured support and a chance to build confidence for life after university, Beat the Odds may be right for you.
Applications open twice a year: at the beginning of the winter term in January and at the beginning of the fall term in September. If you’d like to be notified when the next application period opens, simply complete the form below and we’ll email you a reminder.
For employers and partners
Interested in hosting a Beat the Odds intern at your company or organization?
