Student interest list
Curious about
startup work
Our private interest list is open to people based in Canada who are studying at a college, university or other postsecondary school, or who finished their program in the past 12 months. Every field of study is welcome.
If a role matches, we’ll email you the tasks, hours, pay, location and supervisor. You decide whether we share your details with the team. The startup then chooses whom to interview.
Join the student interest listWhen can I volunteer?
Say a nonprofit startup runs a free tech clinic for neighbours. Helping people use their phones there could be a volunteer role. You could also volunteer alongside a startup team at a local food bank. For each opportunity, we check the duties, who benefits and which employment rules apply where you’ll do the work.
If a startup needs someone to build its product or look after customers, you should expect a paid role. Choosing to volunteer doesn’t waive your right to pay when the duties make you an employee.
A school placement is another option. If a placement counts toward your program, it can be unpaid when your school approves it and the applicable rules allow it. Your placement coordinator can confirm the terms with you.
Check the rules for your role
- Find employment standards for your province, territory or industry
- How Ontario distinguishes employees and volunteers
- Who counts as an employee in B.C.
- Student internships in federally regulated workplaces
If you’re an international student, some unpaid activities count as work under immigration rules. Check your permit conditions before you start. IRCC’s off-campus work guidance