The field placement is normally completed before students enter their fourth and final year, although some students may complete their placement while concurrently taking fourth-year classes.

A full-time placement is normally completed over a 6 to 8 week period (Spring or Summer) while a part-time placement is normally completed over a 12 to 14 week period (Fall or Winter).

Students can demonstrate the following skills:

• Practical and persuasive compositional skills

• Detailed and accurate editing

• Extensive knowledge of grammar

• Business and promotional writing

• Targeted research skills

• Problem-solving and critical thinking abilities

• Logical and effective organizational skills

• Proficiency in both PC and Mac platforms

• Skills in the use of online media, visual literacy and related technology

• Online writing

• Strategic communication planning and issue management skills

• Understanding of contemporary Canadian law and communication technologies within a professional communication global context

• Intercultural communication skills

• Understanding of ethics, fairness, interpersonal and intercultural issues, and professional conduct in the workplace

By the end of the third year, students may also possess:

• Technical writing

• Speech writing

• Corporate narrative (storytelling) skills

• Publication and production coordination

• Periodical writing skills

• Targeted editing skills for magazines and books