On this page:
→ Recruitment & Partnership
→ Intellectual Property, Social Media & Non-disclosures
→ Meetings & Presentations
→ After Experiential Learning
Recruitment & Partnership
When do you start looking for course-based projects?
Typically, about 6-8 weeks prior to the start of the course project. For Fall term courses, this means July to September; for Winter term courses, this means November to January.
Does this participation cost anything?
No, it is completely free.
What other organizations have you worked with?
McGill Desautels students have worked with everything from large, multi-national or international firms to grassroots and local organizations in one area of a city.
In the past, students have worked with larger companies from various sectors, like Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) and Uniqlo. In other courses, students pair with NGOs or Montreal-based businesses, such as Lufa farms. In our Directed Experiential Learning Practicum, students reflect on their own part-time work in various organizations, extracurricular leadership roles, or student societies.
What are some examples of past projects that I can draw ideas from?
Some organizations enter partnerships with a specific issue in mind. In contrast, some courses are design-based, and students develop their own projects based on an organization’s needs. In other cases, students attend a course while in a full-time or part-time internship and their project depends on their work experience. A wide variety of project and internship types have been compatible with the experiential learning model.
When working with larger organizations in banking and retail, our students have addressed the following research questions:
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How can we get new Canadians and immigrants to sign up for the bank?
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What actions can we take to open more stores in Quebec?
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How might we hire the appropriate new talent for our expanding franchise?
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What partnerships should occur for the best digital experience?
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What best practices should we have to retain internal talent?
For smaller organizations, like start-ups, NGOs, and local businesses, some examples of research questions are:
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How might we leverage our relationships to universities and receive more donations?
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What’s our next step to a larger client base?
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How might we work towards a for-profit model? What are some ways to generate income?
What if I’m not selected this term?
Sometimes not all organizations we contact are able to work with student teams right away, either due to low course enrolment (typical in summer terms) or the instructor has decided they would like a certain type of organization or fit for the course. In this case, you will be added to our repository of Industry and Community Partners, and we’ll keep you in mind for next term!
What if I realize I can’t commit mid-way through the term?
Commitment is key to maintain good relationships with student groups and instructors. Try your best to commit fully throughout the term, as students have likely started on projects connected to your organization. In extenuating circumstances, attempt to find a replacement contact in your organization. Commit to only the number of groups/managers in your organization you are certain are available throughout the term.
Intellectual Property, Social Media, & Non-disclosures
When students complete a project, who owns the intellectual property? Can I use the students’ work?
Your organization may use the ideas and materials derived from student work, giving credit when necessary. Generally, it is understood that student work may not be usable as-is, since our students are not professional consultants. However, your organization does have the right to draw from student work if desired.
Can I film students and take videos?
Yes, if students are aware and provide consent to being filmed, you may use the footage and images.
Your participation can result in great visibility for your organization, as you are taking on students to provide hands-on learning opportunities. Please feel free to tag us in your content! This page has all McGill Desautels’ social media handles and our LinkedIn page is here.
How does tagging students in photos on social media work?
For photographs:
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If someone from your organization takes the photos and uses them for your social media accounts, then your organization is responsible for the photos and can use them as desired. However, any concerns or complaints arising from the photos must be addressed by your organization.
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If a McGill photographer (or someone from McGill) takes the photos and uses them for a McGill page, they must request permission before posting. Permission for McGill students can be obtained with this form and permission for non-McGill people can be obtained with this form.
How do you manage non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in course-based projects?
This depends on the course and whether the instructor and/or your organization asks that an NDA be signed. If neither party requests an NDA, please share only publicly available information with students. In other cases, NDAs can be signed if necessary. We have a McGill-approved NDA template for your review and the Vice-Dean, Programs will sign it on behalf of the Faculty. For more information, please contact us at el.mgmt [at] mcgill.ca (subject: Industry%20or%20community%20-%20FAQ) .
Meetings & Presentations
Are meetings held virtually or in person? Can I provide a tour of our offices?
Most meetings with students will be held virtually, but they can occur in person if that is your preference (and if students are available). Students can also visit offices.
Do presentations and Q&A sessions occur during class time?
In most cases, students will meet with representatives from your organization outside of class time. Student deliverables (e.g., oral presentations) will likely occur during class.
Can I attend student presentations?
Absolutely, we welcome you to attend student presentations.
After Experiential Learning
Is it my responsibility to grade student projects?
No, assessment is solely the responsibility of the instructor. However, your feedback on student work and/or deliverables is highly valued. It would be great for students to hear your thoughts, for example, if you are able to attend final presentations.
How can I post a job so that McGill students can apply?
Employers can create an account to post on McGill’s job posting platform, myFuture. Your account will be verified by an employee from our Career Centre, to ensure that the job is legitimate and that it is a paid opportunity for students. Click here for more information or contact the recruitdesautels.mgmt [at] mcgill.ca email account.
