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Biomedical Engineering Technology grad credits hands-on learning at DC for lasting impact on his career

Graduate spotlight: Priyansh Maheshwari

A hands-on approach to learning, including a successful field placement, has helped Durham College (DC) Biomedical Engineering Technology graduate Priyansh Maheshwari launch his career.

An international student from India, Maheshwari pursued his program straight out of high school after the program outline sparked his interest. He explains biomedical engineering technologists are responsible for looking after medical equipment in hospitals or field service settings including repair, maintenance and procurement and ensuring equipment meets standards set by Health Canada.

“During my time at Durham College, I gained invaluable skills and knowledge that set the foundation for my career in biomedical engineering technology,” he said. “The hands-on learning approach, combined with strong academic support provided to me by my mentors, allowed me to excel in both technical and practical aspects of the field.”

Prior to graduating, Maheshwari completed an eight-week placement at Niagara Health.

“I especially appreciated the opportunity to participate in a field placement program at the end of my term where I applied my learning to real-world challenges, performing inspections and repairs on medical equipment in a hospital setting.”

In addition to gaining experience through his field placement, Maheshwari said he also made connections that served as a reference for him and helped him land a job with Vancouver Island Health Authority.

“I am enjoying my experience here and I love to apply what I have learned,” he said. “At some point, my target is medical sales and both my time at DC and my current role are preparing me for it.”

During his time as a student, Maheshwari worked on campus as a Test Centre Assistant and a Biomedical Laboratory Assistant building work experience but also creating opportunities for him to meet new people and make friends.

“I worked on campus during my school years and the colleagues that I worked with are amazing people, I love them and honestly its their support which has helped me grow further everyday. Being a part of the Test Center team was one of the most cherished memories of DC.”

From classroom to career: Brittany Andrey’s journey through the Autism and Behavioural Sciences program at Durham College

Graduate spotlight: Brittany Andrey

Brittany Andrey was ready for the excitement and challenges of the world of academics after a break. Despite initial nerves, Brittany quickly found her footing in Durham College’s (DC) Autism and Behavioural Sciences (ATBS) graduate certificate program and discovered a passion that would propel her toward a rewarding career in the field.

“I hadn’t been in school for a couple years before starting the program, so I was a little nervous in the beginning,” she shares. “But those nerves quickly faded as I began learning and becoming more passionate about the field.”

Brittany credits her instructors for easing her transition back into student life and helping her build meaningful relationships along the way. “I learned so much from my wonderful instructors and made some really great friends.”

Since completing her credential, Brittany is thriving in her new role as an Educational Assistant and Academic Strategist, supporting students at DC — a role that has given her an opportunity to put her skills into action. When reflecting on how DC prepared her for this career, Brittany points to the invaluable guidance she received from her instructors and the hands-on experience she gained during her field placements.

“Being taught by professionals in the field helped prepare me a lot. They were always willing to answer questions, give advice, and share their experiences. This was also my first time completing field placements, and getting the chance to practice the skills we learned in a real-world setting was key to preparing me for the workforce.”

Brittany’s enthusiasm for learning doesn’t stop with her recent accomplishments. With a bachelor’s degree in forensic psychology already under her belt, she’s looking ahead to exploring the fascinating overlap between the fields of forensic psychology and behavioural sciences.

For those considering the ATBS program, Brittany offers encouraging advice: “It’s okay if you don’t know much about autism or don’t have experience with neurodivergent folks. This program prepares you and provides you with the necessary skills to work in the field.”

Every year, DC celebrates thousands of career-ready graduates. Read more grad stories and how DC has helped them thrive.

Lead the way in your future career with experiential learning at DC

Experiential learning opportunities are designed to help enhance your skills, provide networking opportunities and gain valuable real-world work experience, all before graduation. At Durham College (DC), we prioritize hands-on learning because it ensures that you have the knowledge, skills and experience to lead the way in your career.

From work-integrated learning to field placements to co-ops, many different types of hands-on learning give you a range of experiences. To help answer your questions and to get inspired, read on for our most popular blog posts and stories that dive deeper into this topic and meet some of our students who are thriving and career-ready as a result of experiential learning!

  • DC journalism student, Andrew Neary, receives three awards for his work inside and outside the classroom

    Prepare to be inspired by Andrew’s story and how his dedication to work-integrated learning landed him three impressive awards and equally impressive skills.

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  • Bringing the workplace to the classroom: How DC students gain real-world experience before graduation

    Whether you’re a culinary student working in Bistro ’67 or an advertising and promotion student helping clients inside Collaboragency, the options to work with and serve real clients at DC are exciting and impactful!

    Read more

  • Answers to your top questions about hands-on learning at DC

    To help you understand work-integrated learning better, we’ve answered the top five questions we hear most!

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  • Gaining on-the-job skills before graduation sets DC students up for success

    No matter the form of learning, it’s all about gaining valuable experience while completing your studies to be job-ready on graduation day. And DC is here to help you get there.

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  • Video production student heads to Ottawa to highlight benefits of DC-led trip to Guatemala

    Shane Friedman, a video production student, helped teach youth abroad about media production and shared the benefits of the trip with education and government leaders in Ottawa.

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  • Work study students enliven L Wing with original artwork

    Four DC Fine Arts students transformed the L Wing with their artistic talent and built a remarkable portfolio in the process.

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  • Future firefighters and fitness professionals team up at DC for hands-on learning experience

    Students participated in a unique, collaborative learning opportunity created in response to Canada’s fitness and first responder needs.

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  • DC serves up unique student learning opportunities at Harvest Dinner

    This signature event offered students from a number of programs opportunities to create an unforgettable dining experience for the community.

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  • Leading the way with AI: How Durham College can prepare you for the future

    The demand for professionals with expertise in AI is rapidly evolving and DC’s AI Hub is offering students the opportunity to work on real-world projects in the field of AI.

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Have a specific question about experiential learning? Email co-op@durhamcollege.ca to connect with a member of the Experiential Learning team today!

Bringing the workplace to the classroom: How DC students gain real-world experience before graduation

At Durham College (DC), gaining hands-on learning in your chosen field isn’t just a ‘nice-to-have’ – it’s a must. Offering creative and engaging work experience opportunities ensures you have the hands-on expertise required to lead the way in your career, and the options are impressive.

Check out some of the opportunities to work with and serve real clients and members of the public while offering benefits to our community as well. A true win-win.

  • Bistro ’67

    Students from the Faculty of Hospitality and Horticultural Science have the opportunity to work collaboratively at Bistro ‘67, DC’s full-service, green-certified teaching and learning restaurant, which is also considered one of Canada’s most scenic restaurants. Here, culinary management students prepare flavourful dishes inspired by fresh ingredients from DC’s own gardens and other local suppliers across Durham Region. Members of the community who are looking for a unique field-to-fork dining experience can book a reservation at Bistro ‘67 online. 

    Culinary Management and Event Planning students also have the opportunity put their skills to use for special events on and off campus, as well as raising funds for a Faculty Classroom Led Abroad trip to Italy each January.

  • Collaboragency

    Students from DC's Faculty of Media, Art & Design have the chance to work together to serve real clients inside the college’s full-service communications agency, Collaboragency. From social media strategy development, creative advertising and brand strategy to media planning and promotion, future advertising and marketing professionals have a unique opportunity to put their skills to use in the real world while supporting local business owners through communications and marketing help at a reasonable cost.

    Interested in hiring the Collaboragency team? Schedule a free consultation online.

  • Dental Clinic

    DC’s Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting students gain first-hand experience working with clients in the college’s working dental clinic at Oshawa campus. The clinic is open to the public and accepts patients of all ages. Students provide dental hygiene care to clients under the supervision of registered dental hygiene faculty members and a licensed dentist.

    For a low one-time fee, clients can receive services including X-rays, dental cleanings, periodontal scaling, oral cancer screenings, topical fluoride treatments, an examination by a dentist, plus so much more.

    To learn more and to book an appointment, visit the Dental Clinic online.

  • Justice Hub

    The Justice Hub (the Hub) at the Durham Community Legal Clinic provides a field placement opportunity for DC’s Paralegal diploma and Paralegal Graduate Certificate students to offer legal services to members of the community who have limited resources, under the supervision of a licensed lawyer or paralegal. Students in DC's Paralegal Bachelor’s Degree program will have access to the Hub in 2026.

    The Hub helps the community reduce poverty and homelessness rates, improve clients physical and mental health, as well as increase collaboration between social service and justice agencies.

    Community members can apply for legal services through the Justice Hub by completing the online intake form. 

  • DC Spa

    Students in the Massage Therapy, Cosmetic Techniques and Management and Esthetician – Spa Management programs gain real-world experience in a professional working spa open to the public at Oshawa campus. Accompanied and supervised by trained professionals, students perform a number of treatments and services while clients benefit from a lower cost as DC Spa prices are set to correspond with the developing skill levels of student practitioners.

    Interested in booking a treatment? Visit the DC Spa online to explore a comprehensive list of services.

    At DC, we believe the best way to succeed in your chosen field is to immerse yourself in it. This will help you develop the skills you’ve learned in the classroom, network with others in your industry and gain real-world work experience to give you a competitive advantage in the workforce.

Discover the different types of experiential learning at DC online.