Student’s career path illuminated by work-integrated learning

In recognition of National Day of Work-Integrated Learning on March 26, we’re sharing this story about one of our accomplished students.

By combining her passion for helping people with her commitment to learning, Developmental Services Worker student Ritika turned a field placement into a life changing experience.

The international student from India embraced her Durham College (DC) program’s opportunities for work-integrated learning, including a 260-hour full-time position in a group home from October to December. There she worked with four clients, including a non-verbal individual. Faced with the unique challenge of supporting someone who couldn’t speak to her, she decided to learn American Sign Language (ASL). She even created a video to help staff and residents learn basic ASL signs, which became an invaluable resource for improving communication in the home.

“It allowed me to connect with him in a meaningful way, and it inspired me to keep on learning, improving and advocating for inclusion and better communication methods for individuals with disabilities,” said Ritika.

She also completed a 98-hour field placement with Community Living Ajax-Pickering & Whitby in early 2024, providing support to individuals with developmental disabilities, helping them with arts and crafts, cooking and recreational activities.

In addition to setting her up for career success, her fine work during her field placements has gained her national recognition. She was nominated for the Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning (CEWIL) Canada and Emery-Dufault Student of the Year Awards for 2024, and was one of only four recipients of an Honourable Mention.

“This recognition means a lot to me, because it acknowledges all the hard work, dedication and passion I have put into my learning and placements,” she said. “This award is not just about me. It also reflects the support and guidance I received from my professors, my mentors and placement supervisors who helped me grow along the way.”

She is now completing her third placement, this time at St. Hedwig Catholic School in Oshawa. There, she works closely with children who need assistance with their daily activities.

“These learning opportunities have been extremely valuable. I’ve gained real world experience that a classroom alone could never provide,” she said. “I now feel more prepared, motivated and ready to make a difference.”

Her work-integrated learning experiences have reaffirmed her commitment to a career in the developmental services field. After two years at DC, she’s ready to graduate this spring and launch that career.

“I’m excited for the future and the opportunities ahead. DC has given me skills, confidence and memories that I will carry with me forever.”


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.

    Read more

  • 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!

    Read more

  • 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.

    Read more

  • 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.

    Read more

  • 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.

    Read more

  • 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.

    Read more

  • 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.

    Read more

  • 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.

    Read more

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