The Department of Geography and Environmental Studies has been offering a Practicum in Geography, Geomatics and Environmental Studies course for over 20 years. This successful program gives students an opportunity to apply their geographical and environmental knowledge and skills in finding solutions to problems, developing or researching new processes, analysing data, or providing a fresh new perspective in a real working environment. Students are placed at a sponsoring Government agency, private industry company or NGO, without remuneration, during one school term (usually 1 day a week for 10 weeks) and work or assist on a project of mutual interest. Students meet with sponsors prior to commencing the Practicum, to review and agree on the details of the project/work and to set out a work schedule. Sponsors from private industry and government agencies have participated in the program, and have greatly benefited from the fresh ideas and knowledge brought to the job by our students. Our students have a broad range of backgrounds and interests, encompassing the many fields within geography, including Geomatics, Cartography, Remote Sensing, Social Geography, Urban Studies, Economic Geography, Physical Geography and Environmental Management, Geotechnical Science, Historical Geography, Rural and Resource Development, and Cultural and Political Geography. Upon completion of the course, the students are required to submit a written report about the experience and give an oral presentation to their peers and faculty, and sponsors are asked to submit an evaluation of the student’s performance on the job. At the end of the academic year, a reception is held for all participants to celebrate and acknowledge everyone’s hard work. All that we ask is that sponsors share their interest and enthusiasm with that of our students, so that a rewarding experience is had by all!

If you are a student interested in finding out more about the practicum, click here.

If you are a sponsor interested in participating in our practicum program, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions For Students

Current Practicum Sponsor Opportunities

For further information, please contact:

Steve Prashker, Practicum Coordinator, A239 Loeb Building
E-mail: steve_prashker@carleton.ca
Phone: 613-520-2600 x2709

Judy Eddy, Practicum Administrator, B349 Loeb Building
E-mail: judy_eddy@carleton.ca
Phone: 613-520-2600 x8127