Experiential learning
Absolutely! The Telfer School of Management and the University of Ottawa provide a wide range of entrepreneurship opportunities, programs and resources to support students who want to develop their own business ideas.
Entrepreneurship opportunities at Telfer
Entrepreneurship option (in the BCom program)
- Specialize in Entrepreneurship and Innovation as your BCom option.
- Courses cover topics like startup development, business planning, venture finance and design thinking.
- Work on real business projects and develop your own startup ideas as part of class assignments.
Enactus uOttawa
- A student-run organization focused on social entrepreneurship.
- Participate in projects that make an impact while gaining real leadership and business experience.
Case competitions and startup challenges
- Pitch your ideas at events like Startup Garage, uOttawa Entrepreneurship Week and business pitch competitions.
- Get feedback from investors, professors and business leaders.
Entrepreneurial resources and support
uOttawa Entrepreneurship Hub (eHub)
- A central resource for students interested in launching a startup.
- Offers mentorship, work space, funding opportunities, and workshops on business strategy, pitching and product development.
- Discover the eHub
Startup Garage
- A summer accelerator program that helps student founders take their ideas to the next level.
- Includes seed funding, coaching and investor networking.
Mentorship programs
- Connect with alumni entrepreneurs, faculty mentors and industry experts who can help you refine your idea and business plan with the Executive Mentor Program.
Incubators and funding
- Access to campus incubators, like Invest Ottawa, and other local organizations that provide funding, legal help and startup tools.
Yes! The Telfer Career Centre is dedicated to helping BCom students prepare for the job market and secure meaningful employment after graduation. From career coaching to networking opportunities, the centre provides personalized support every step of the way.
Telfer Career Centre services
Career coaching and advising
- One-on-one sessions to help you:
- Explore career paths
- Build a job search strategy
- Set short- and long-term career goals
Resumé and cover letter review
- Get feedback to craft polished, professional application materials tailored to your industry and job targets.
Mock interviews and interview coaching
- Practise answering behavioural and technical questions.
- Receive feedback on your communication style, tone and confidence.
Workshops and seminars
- Topics include LinkedIn optimization, networking strategies, salary negotiation and job search tactics.
Career fairs and employer networking events
- Telfer regularly hosts career events where you can meet employers, learn about job opportunities and make professional connections.
- Includes exclusive recruitment sessions for BCom students with top firms.
Career Launch Job Board
- Access job and internship postings aimed at Telfer students.
- Filter by industry, program and graduation year.
Support after graduation
- Alumni continue to have access to career coaching and job search tools for up to two years after graduation.
- You can also join Telfer United, which offers mentorship and job referral opportunities through our alumni network.
Learn more about the Telfer Career Centre and book an appointment.
A case competition is a fast-paced academic event where students work in teams to solve a real-world business problem, often provided by an actual company. You analyze the case, develop a strategy or solution and present your recommendations to a panel of judges (usually Telfer school members or industry professionals).
As a Telfer BCom student, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in case competitions and consulting projects, both of which are key forms of experiential learning that build your business skills and connect you with real-world challenges.
Internal competitions
We host four internal case competitions annually.
The competitions let you show your abilities and engage in a dynamic learning experience, while also connecting with classmates, alumni and the greater Telfer community.
Telfer case competition opportunities
- JDC Central (JDCC)
- Jeux du Commerce (JDC)
- Happening Marketing
- Telfer Internal Case Competition (TICC)
- Rotman Commerce Strategy Case Competition
Telfer offers training sessions, workshops and coaching to help you prepare. Some courses even include internal case simulations as assignments.
Experiential learning is a hands-on approach to education that allows you to apply what you learn in the classroom to real-world situations. At the Telfer School of Management, experiential learning is a key part of the Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) program, helping you build practical skills, confidence and a competitive resumé.
Key features of experiential learning at Telfer
Co-op placements
- Alternate between study terms and paid work terms with employers in business, government and non-profits.
- Gain up to 16 months of work experience before graduation.
Consulting and capstone projects
- Solve real business challenges for local companies or organizations.
- Present your recommendations to clients and receive feedback from industry professionals.
Case competitions
- Work in teams to analyze real business problems under time pressure.
- Compete locally, nationally and internationally in events like JDC Central or the Jeux du Commerce.
Business simulations
- Take part in interactive, tech-driven simulations where you make strategic decisions in areas like finance, operations and marketing.
- Helps build critical thinking, teamwork and leadership skills.
Entrepreneurial projects
- Develop and pitch your own business idea in entrepreneurship courses or through the uOttawa Entrepreneurship Hub.
- Access mentorship, funding and incubation opportunities.
International exchanges and global learning
- Study abroad or participate in global virtual projects, gaining intercultural experience and global business insights.
The co-op (co-operative education) program at Telfer allows Bachelor of Commerce students to gain real-world, paid work experience while earning their degree. It’s one of the best ways to build your resumé, develop professional skills and explore career options.
How the co-op program works
Alternating study and work terms
- Starting in second year, co-op students alternate between study terms and paid work terms.
- You complete three or four work placements (each lasting four months), adding up to 12 to 16 months of experience.
Paid positions
- Work placements are full time and paid, with employers in:
- Government departments (especially in Ottawa)
- Corporations and startups
- Non-profit organizations
- Positions fit with your BCom option (e.g., finance analyst, marketing assistant, HR co-ordinator).
Support throughout the process
- Telfer’s co-op office helps you prepare with:
- Job search coaching
- Resumé and interview workshops
- Employer connections
Academic credit
- Co-op is an official part of your degree.
- Your work terms appear on your transcript and add valuable context to your classroom learning.
You have access to a wide range of international exchange opportunities, allowing you to study abroad for one or two terms while earning units (credits) toward your degree. These exchanges are a fantastic way to develop global business insight, improve language skills and gain cross-cultural experience.
