In 1992 Memorial’s Employment Services Centre was directed to create a student employment program that would provide work experience and financial support.  

The result was the launch of the groundbreaking Memorial University Career Experience Program (MUCEP), one of the first of its kind in Canadian universities. It has served as a model for other programs at Memorial and across the country. 

From the employers on campus who gain excellent part-time employees to the students who gain valuable work experience in their areas of study or interest, the program is a benefit to all.

It also provides students an opportunity to work on campus, conveniently between classes, providing a better blueprint for university success.

One of the things that sets MUCEP apart from other part-time employment, and that makes it truly experiential, is the reflection component of the program. Employers and students sit down at the start and discuss the skills and opportunities the students will have over the course of the position. They then reflect on these program components at the completion of the position, thus creating an enhanced level of awareness of the skills the student has developed.  

Participating students recognize the opportunity is more than just money in their pocket. MUCEP positions also provide the kind of experiences that build resumés, strengthen interviews and confidence.

“Reflection is what sets MUCEP apart because it exemplifies valuable experiential learning, ensuring our students are aware of the skills they have developed and can effectively articulate that in a resumé or an interview,” said Jennifer Browne, director of Career Development and Experiential Learning (CDEL). 

MUCEP prepares students for their future employment, she added.

“These employment opportunities provide students with the experiences useful for building their resumés and cover letters or writing statements to pursue further education. Memorial strives to produce excellent graduates with the skills to succeed. MUCEP offers practical experience and assists students to learn and grow as individuals.”

In the last 20 years the program has employed more than 30,000 students in a variety of positions. It reaches beyond offices and even onto the cliffs of Newfoundland and Labrador.  

“I have to say that the MUCEP program has been a terrific boon to seabird research in Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Dr. Bill Montevecchi, a renowned seabird researcher and University Research Professor of psychology, biology and ocean sciences. “Besides offering real-world, state-of-the-art research experiences for students, they have made very important contributions to our research and have at times earned co-authorships on peer-reviewed scientific publications.” 

“The demand for MUCEP, from both the university community and students, has grown significantly in the last two decades, and has touched every division and department at Memorial,” said Ms. Browne. “This is a celebration for us all. MUCEP is something Memorial should be very proud.”

To celebrate this significant milestone, Career Development and Experiential Learning invites the community to share stories and refreshments at a gathering of friends and supporters on Tuesday, Nov. 20, from 10-11:30 a.m. at the CDEL office in the University Centre on the St. John’s campus.