Student Opportunities

Since 2003, undergraduate, master’s and PhD students have been welcomed into the Social Innovation Research Group (SIRG) collective as practicum students and researchers seeking to hone their skills and contribute to community-based research within the Kitchener-Waterloo community and beyond. Each semester, SIRG work closely with the Faculty of Social Work field office to welcome a select number of students who are seeking an innovative, didactic and creative learning opportunity.

What Sets Us Apart

Student placements distinguish themselves from research assistant roles in that they allow practicum students to be embedded in the day-to-day operations of the projects for which SIRG is responsible. Students actively participate in the design, execution and delivery of all research and community development projects. Students are also encouraged to contribute their own ideas for research and community development, which are then nurtured by the SIRG team.

In the past, students have worked locally and provincially on projects with diverse populations (i.e, with survivors of war and torture, survivors of gendered and sexual violence, sex trade workers, etc.). Students learn a variety of skills in the SIRG incubator, including: transcribing, data analysis, report writing, grant writing, public speaking, conference organizing, networking, community development, and multiple other forms of community engagement. 

Our Philosophy

The philosophy that guides the SIRG team is that public intellectuals should be of service to the communities in which they operate. Students avail their expertise and skills to a host of community groups, partners and funders with whom SIRG interacts on a daily basis.

The SIRG placement is highly sought after, and as such, prospective students are encouraged to reach out to the Director, Ginette Lafrenière (glafreniere@wlu.ca), to explore the possibility of a practicum experience.