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Conestoga Applied Research
Conestoga Applied Research

Students

Become a change-maker

Experience Ventures creates entrepreneurial thinking placements (with honorarium) for students with innovative companies in Canada. Our goal is to inspire your creativity, resiliency, and future vision – so you can seize your future with the right skill set. 

Why should I participate?

Experience Ventures gives you the opportunity to work on real challenges with startups and industry partners—building the skills, connections, and confidence employers expect from new graduates. 

  • Apply what you learn by solving real venture and industry challenges  
  • Build in-demand skills like problem-solving, communication, and adaptability  
  • Gain hands-on experience that strengthens your resume and portfolio  
  • Explore career pathways in innovation, entrepreneurship, and emerging tech  
  • Connect with employers and industry leaders across Canada’s innovation ecosystem  
  • Stand out to recruiters with applied, work-integrated experience   

Plus, you’ll receive: 

  • An honorarium upon successful completion  
  • A Certificate of Completion  
  • Recognition on your Co-Curricular Record  

Step beyond the classroom and into meaningful, real-world work. With Experience Ventures, you’re not just learning about the future of work—you’re actively building your place in it. 

Who is it for? 

You’re a great fit if you: 

  • Are currently enrolled in a full-time or part-time program at Conestoga  
  • Are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or have been granted refugee protection under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act  
  • Are legally eligible to work in Canada in accordance with provincial or territorial regulations  

For projects requiring specialized skills or knowledge, priority may be given to students in relevant program 

How does Experience Ventures work?

  1. Apply  
  2. Get accepted  
  3. Get matched  
  4. Onboard  
  5. Complete placement  
  6. Get rewarded 

Choose your placement

We offer five distinct types of placements, each providing a unique opportunity to gain hands-on entrepreneurial experience. 

Applications for fall 2026 placements are not open yet. In the meantime, you can fill out the interest form to be notified as soon as applications open. Once applications are live, you will be able to apply through the links on each placement page.

Yes, you can apply to multiple placements based on your interests and availability. However, you can only be selected for one placement in either the fall 2026 or winter 2027 semester.

No, this program is limited to domestic students based on funding eligibility requirements. However, the Conestoga Entrepreneurship Collective offers other opportunities for international students. Please visit the website to explore available programs.  

In most cases, no. Teams are assigned and include students from different programs and years of study. This approach is designed to simulate a real-world work environment and provide a more diverse, collaborative experience.

No, these placements are not officially tied to your academic curriculum and do not qualify for academic credit. However, your participation will be added to your Co-Curricular Record.

You will receive an honorarium upon successful completion, depending on the type of placement. Details are available on each placement page.

Honorariums are paid within one to four weeks after successful completion of your placement. Successful completion means fulfilling your assigned responsibilities and attending all mandatory meetings.

Contact

Connect with Experience Ventures at Conestoga College to learn more about available placements and discuss opportunities for partnership and collaboration. 

108 University Ave E
Waterloo, Ontario N2J 2W2

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