For more than a decade, Interior Health (IH) and UBC Okanagan (UBCO) have partnered to provide students with valuable hands-on experience, helping them explore career opportunities, build career readiness and take their first steps into the workforce.
Many of the connections formed through this partnership have led to meaningful, long-term careers at IH for UBCO students.
Each year, IH recruitment teams connect with UBCO students through career fairs, classroom presentations, resume workshops, mock interviews and co-op opportunities, helping students learn about careers in health care while building valuable professional connections.
This work extends beyond the campus through initiatives such as the annual UBC Healthcare Travelling Roadshow, which introduces students to health-care careers and opportunities in communities across the Interior.
Learn more about connections formed through IH & UBCO partnership
Building relationships with post-secondary institutions and supporting students as they begin their careers has been one of the most rewarding parts of Maria Lopez MacDonald's 15-year recruitment career with IH.
Over the years, she has helped hundreds of students connect with opportunities across the organization, and some of those success stories remain especially memorable.
Maria recalls one instance in 2024 when she was invited to UBCO to speak with students about career opportunities at IH.
After she finished her presentation, a Master of Social Work student approached her to learn more about available positions. Maria encouraged her to stay in touch and connected her with a Mental Health and Substance Use (MHSU) hiring manager.
Within weeks, the student had secured a social worker position with IH.
"After she got this position, she sent me a very warm message thanking me for helping her with her job search," says Maria. "I am proud to say that she remains with the MHSU team on a permanent basis."
Stories like this highlight the value of connecting with students early in their careers. Through placements, recruitment events and experiential learning opportunities, students gain practical experience while building the skills and confidence needed for future roles.
According to Marie-Elssa Morency, Okanagan Health Partnership Manager, these experiences play an important role in preparing students for careers in health care.
Being able to work in clinical and professional settings enhances learning, builds confidence and supports career readiness. Access to these opportunities is a critical component of preparing students for future roles in the health system.
The impact of these opportunities can often be seen years later.
One former pharmacy student who joined IH in 2016 now serves as a professional practice leader for pharmacy in Kamloops.
"We are very lucky to have her," says Maria.
Beyond supporting student learning, partnerships with post-secondary institutions help IH connect with future professionals and strengthen workforce planning for years to come.
Over the years, IH has hired students through post-secondary partnerships, creating opportunities for learners to gain valuable experience while contributing to teams across the organization. This year alone, IH has offered 17 post-secondary student opportunities, with 11 students placed so far, including eight students from UBCO.
As IH and UBCO continue to work together, the focus remains the same: creating opportunities for students to gain experience, build confidence and discover meaningful careers in health care.
Explore co-op and internship opportunities
Learn more about how post-secondary students can gain hands-on learning and mentorship from experienced professionals.
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