Sarah Croft

University students are seeking more than just internships—they’re looking for opportunities that not only build their skills but also allow them to make a difference in the community.  

The Centre for Social Enterprise’s Work Experience in Social Enterprise (WESE) program offers just that. By connecting students with local social enterprises in Newfoundland and Labrador, the program provides hands-on experience for organizations that are creating social impact, all while helping employers access the diverse skills and talents of university students at Memorial. 

Empowering Students  

For students, the WESE program provides a unique opportunity to engage with social enterprises—organizations dedicated to addressing societal issues through sustainable and community-driven solutions. Open to students from all disciplines and campuses, WESE placements offer students positions where they can apply their academic knowledge and contribute meaningfully to their employer's mission. 

The WESE program not only fosters professional growth but also encourages students to explore careers in the social enterprise sector, an area that combines business acumen with a commitment to creating positive change in the community. Through these placements, students gain insight into future career paths that they may not have considered otherwise. 

Precious Dela Cruz (MBA ‘24) is a great example of how the WESE program can lead to long-term career opportunities. After completing her placement with Again & Again (a social enterprise thrift store of Home Again Furniture Bank), Precious was hired full-time as the Marketing & Communications Manager at Home Again, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing low-income families with furniture.  

 “As an Organizational Development and Marketing Coordinator at Again & Again, I had the opportunity to take on a leadership role and apply my MBA knowledge in a professional setting. This experience improved my skills and prepared me well for my current role as Marketing and Communications Manager at Home Again. I'm grateful for the opportunity, as it contributed to my professional growth and allowed me to have a meaningful career in an organization that positively impacts our community" says Precious.

Precious’s contributions to the organization included marketing strategy development and training staff in digital marketing skills, which led to her permanent role within the organization. 

This story highlights the power of the WESE program to connect talented students with organizations that value their contributions, ultimately creating a pipeline for future employment. 

Rural Opportunities 

The WESE program also offers opportunities for students to work with rural organizations. These placements provide students with valuable experience in addressing the unique challenges faced by rural communities, such as limited resources. The placements allow for the development of new perspectives and skills that can lead to future collaboration between students and the community.  

Emmanuel Agbanah-Owa (MBA) was placed in a non-profit organization, Champney’s West Heritage Group. Champney’s West is dedicated to promoting the cultural heritage of its community and the surrounding region and is involved in preserving and promoting local heritage through the development of educational-focused facilities, including a public aquarium.  

“This opportunity provided hands-on experience in business planning, allowing me to apply and enhance my skills in a practical setting” says Emmanuel. “Beyond professional growth, I deeply valued the chance to connect with local communities, forging meaningful relationships that broadened my perspective.”  

Another rural organization supported through the program was Bonavista-based SaltWater Community Association, a non-profit focused on reducing poverty in remote and rural communities. This organization empowers individuals and communities through technology, education, and sustainable development initiatives, using innovative solutions to improve the quality of life in underserved areas. 

Louisa Amoo (MA in Political Science) worked with SWCA over the Fall. “Through this experience, I learned about various equity seeking groups with unique needs in the Bonavista community. My role was to highlight the issues these groups face along with the goals of the organization, creating awareness on all socials and ultimately receiving support to bring lasting solutions” says Louisa.  

I have developed a sense of commitment to these communities, finding various ways to leave a lasting impact even after my placement -  Louisa Amoo 

These placements show that students don’t just develop technical skills—they also learn about the cultural and social context of the organizations they work with, making connections that deepen their understanding of the communities they serve. 

Why the WESE Program Matters 

The WESE program offers significant value for both students and employers. Students gain real-world, paid, work experience while contributing to the missions of organizations that are making a positive impact in their communities. Employers, in turn, benefit from skilled, motivated individuals who bring fresh ideas and energy to their projects. 

Through programs like WESE, students are not only gaining experience—they are being inspired to become the next generation of changemakers. The program helps them understand the challenges and rewards of working in social enterprises, which often require creativity, adaptability, and a passion for social impact.