A firsthand look at why work-integrated learning matters—for students, employers, and the Future of Work.

By Jennifer St. Denis

I didn’t expect to change careers in my forties.

For years, I worked as a restaurant manager. I loved the pace, the people, and the daily rhythm of solving problems on the fly. It was where I built my confidence, developed leadership skills, and found real pride in my work.

But life shifted, as it does. Without much warning, the career I’d spent years building came to an end. I hadn’t planned for a change, but it turns out that sometimes the best chapters begin when the old one closes unexpectedly.

What came next reshaped not only my career, but also how I see my future, the importance of lifelong learning, and what it means to thrive in today’s world of work.

Taking a leap into the unknown

With the future wide open, I decided to enroll in an HR management program and dove into a whole new field through classroom and work-integrated learning (WIL). It was unfamiliar, humbling, and exciting. My WIL term at Challenge Factory is where everything began to click.

“WIL is a tool for students to gain practical, early career experience in their field of study,” says Barbara Wilson, Consulting Director at Challenge Factory. “But sometimes a ‘student’ is someone going back to school mid-career, with a decade or more of work experience. It’s a way to build new skills and knowledge—or, like Jenn, to navigate a career shift into a new field.”

When I joined Challenge Factory’s team, I was still finding my footing in HR. I knew I had transferrable skills, but I wasn’t sure how they would translate in a new industry. What I found was an environment that not only welcomed those skills, but also helped me see them in a whole new light.

From the very beginning, I was encouraged to contribute, ask questions, and get involved in real projects that have a real impact. The team didn’t see me as someone “starting over.” They saw me as someone bringing a fresh perspective—and valuable experience—to a new path.

That mindset made all the difference.

Values-aligned work makes a difference

One of the most rewarding aspects of my WIL term was how much the work aligned with my values. At Challenge Factory, conversations about meaningful careers, social change, and the Future of Work aren’t just academic. They’re at the core of every project.

This alignment helped me reconnect with something I hadn’t felt in a long while: purpose. It wasn’t just about building a career—it was about creating a career that matters. One where I could use both my experience and new knowledge to contribute to work that supports others in navigating their paths.

“The importance of WIL can’t be understated,” says Justin Doran, Challenge Factory’s Project Operations Manager. “It provides immeasurable hands-on, real-world learning and opportunities for students to showcase their skills and apply what they’ve learned in the classroom.”

More than just transferrable skills

I didn’t just bring classroom learning to Challenge Factory. My background in restaurants might seem far removed from HR, but the two worlds share more than you’d think. Leading teams, resolving conflict, managing pressure, and staying people-focused are core skills in both settings.

WIL helped me reframe that experience as an asset. I gained hands-on exposure to talent development, organizational learning, and culture-building—while also learning to approach new challenges with curiosity, not fear. I stopped seeing myself as someone starting over and started recognizing the value of my unique perspective.

More than job experience, WIL gave me momentum. It bridged the gap between education and employment, offered support during a time of transition, and helped me rebuild my confidence. I didn’t just learn how HR works—I discovered where I belong within it. That clarity has been invaluable as I plan what comes next.

“A hands-on professional practicum was part of my own mid-career transition over 20 years ago,” Barbara shares. “It led to a new full-time role and confirmed for me that my new career trajectory was the right choice.”

Why WIL matters—for everyone

Challenge Factory sees WIL as a strategic way to engage emerging talent—individuals who bring academic insight, professional curiosity, and a strong desire to contribute meaningfully. These students expand capacity on key projects, offer fresh perspectives, and come ready to take initiative and adapt quickly. Just as importantly, WIL provides a low-risk, high-reward environment to identify and cultivate future talent, aligning short-term support with long-term workforce strategy.

“As an employer, WIL doesn’t just provide our team with additional team members,” Justin explains. “It also gives us the unique opportunity to pass along years of experience and wisdom.”

By investing in WIL placements, Challenge Factory not only strengthens internal leadership through mentorship, but also reinforces its commitment to building future-ready teams, gaining immediate value and developing long-term potential in the process.

At its best, WIL is a true partnership—a shared investment with meaningful returns on both sides.

Putting career development into practice

My experience at Challenge Factory brought CERIC’s Guiding Principles of Career Development to life. These principles emphasize that careers are lifelong, shaped by change, and enriched through reflection and support—ideas that deeply resonated during my WIL term. The experience also echoed themes from “Career Work in Action: Discussions and Activities for Professionals – Post-Secondary Students,” a resource that explores reflective practice, experiential learning, and meaningful connection to work.

At Challenge Factory, these weren’t just abstract concepts—they were part of the daily culture. Through hands-on projects, thoughtful mentorship, and an environment that encourages growth, I was reminded that career development isn’t reserved for early career stages. It can unfold at any point, especially when we engage with purpose, stay open to learning, and surround ourselves with people who value both personal and professional evolution.

“Challenge Factory puts career development and the value of an intergenerational workforce at the centre of everything we do,” Barbara says. “I’m proud that, especially as a small company, we provide real-world internships, research projects, and work experience for students at any age or stage.”

A new path with purpose

CEWIL Canada reports that WIL placements lead to higher confidence, stronger career clarity, and better employment outcomes—and I saw all of that play out in my own experience. This placement gave me practical skills, a clearer sense of where I fit in the workforce, and, most importantly, reassurance that I’m on the right path.

But the most meaningful outcome wasn’t what I achieved—it was how I evolved. After an unexpected career shift, my time at Challenge Factory helped me rediscover my ability to adapt, contribute, and thrive in a new professional space. It reminded me that growth is always possible, and that my skills remain valuable, even in unfamiliar settings.

I hadn’t planned on returning to school or pursuing HR, but the journey that unfolded brought me somewhere better than I imagined. WIL gave me the space to reclaim my professional identity, realign with my values, and envision a future driven by purpose.

Justin puts it simply: “That kind of mentorship helps shape students’ futures and supports their growth into valued employees.”

For anyone navigating change, whether planned or not, here’s what I’ve learned: you don’t have to know exactly what comes next. When you stay open, take a chance on something new, and surround yourself with the right people, the path forward often becomes clear.

Sometimes, it leads somewhere even better than you imagined.