Wavemakers: The Free, Game-Changing Program, Open to ALL Students in Canada

Why TRU Recommends Wavemakers

What is Wavemakers?

Wavemakers is a free, innovative hands-on program that helps you gain career-ready experience while working on a project for social good, all in an exciting, virtual environment.

Final Project and Workload

  • Design a Project with Impact: Work in teams with a mentor to create a project that aligns with a United Nations Sustainable Development Goal. Think global impact!

  • Dedicated Time to Work Together: You’ll have built-in session time to work with your team.

  • Minimal Homework: Expect no more than 4 hours of homework across the whole program (about 30-60 minutes per week).

  • Choose Your Pace: Select the cohort option that suits you (1 session/week or 2 sessions/week).

Session Breakdown

Introductory Session

A critical session that sets you up for success. Meet your peers, learn to navigate the virtual campus and start your Wavemakers journey.

4 Interactive Speaker Sessions

Learn from industry experts who are changing the game.

Each session is 2 hours.

3 Mentor/Team Working Sessions

Dedicated time to work with your team and mentor on your final project, in the virtual campus.

Final Session

Presentation day for you and your classmates.

What You Get as a Wavemaker

  • Differentiate yourself in a competitive market with in-demand career skills and a professional network

  • Digital completion certificate

  • Digital credentials that showcase your future-proof skills.

  • Opportunity to win a scholarship; financial support available*

  • Exclusive access to career networking and development events

  • Build meaningful connections with peers, mentors, and employers. Gain access to:

    • 50,000 2nd-level connections on LinkedIn

    • 1000+ Wavemakers alumni and community members

* Eligibility requirements apply.

Is Wavemakers Really Free?

Yes, Wavemakers is supported by the Government of Canada through the Innovative Work-Integrated Learning Program, making it completely free for eligible students to participate.

What Does the Wavemakers Virtual Campus Look Like?

The Wavemakers Virtual Campus is a fun, fully inclusive space where you can customize your avatar to authentically reflect who you are.

Check out this quick walkthrough video created by a Wavemakers alumni, where she explores the campus and customizes her avatar.

No headset required.

The Wavemakers Virtual Campus in action

Upcoming Cohorts

We offer multiple cohorts at different times so you can choose the cohort that works for you.

June 18 – August 13 2025

  • 1 session/week

  • Wednesdays

  • Time: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. ET (Quebec/Ontario) / 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. MT (Alberta) / 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. PT (British Columbia)

July 10 – August 7, 2025

  • 2 sessions/week

  • Tuesdays & Thursdays

  • Time: 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. ET (Quebec/Ontario) / 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. MT (Alberta) / 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. PT (British Columbia)

“Deloitte was at the Wavemakers Career Fair. I had never thought about applying until talking to the recruiter at the event. 2 months later I got the job at Deloitte.”

Isabelle Michels, Wavemakers alum

“At the Wavemakers Career Fair, I spoke to professionals and recruiters from a whole bunch of different companies. That was definitely my favourite part. I actually got two interviews for internships through that.“

Mya Walz, Wavemakers alum

wavemakers alum testimonial - Mya Walz
Isabelle Michels, Wavemakers alum - testimonial

Still have questions? Visit our FAQ for more information on what is work-integrated learning and eligibility criteria for Wavemakers.