Thinking about your future career while deciding where to study? It’s a big decision, and it’s about more than just lectures and textbooks. At REGENT Business School, you don’t just learn in the classroom; you also gain hands-on experience through Work-Integrated Learning (WIL).
WIL is your opportunity to apply what you’re learning in a professional environment while you’re still studying. It helps you build confidence, develop practical skills, and connect with employers in your chosen field.
Whether you’re interested in business, supply chain, finance, or marketing, WIL helps prepare you for the job market after graduation, starting from day one.
In this Student WIL Guide South Africa, we’ll explain what WIL is, how it benefits your career, and how REGENT Business School supports you every step of the way. If you’re looking for experiential learning in business education, you’re in the right place.
What is work-integrated learning?
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) is your bridge between the classroom and the real world. At REGENT Business School, WIL is a key part of your academic journey, designed to help you apply the theories, concepts, and strategies you’ve learned in class to real workplace scenarios.
In simple terms, WIL gives you a taste of the professional environment while you’re still studying. This might be through:
Internships and placements at REGENT
Co-operative education
Community-based projects
Simulated work environments
These are all carefully designed to complement your coursework.
But it’s not just about “getting some work experience.” WIL is a structured learning process. You’re not just expected to show up and make coffee, you’re there to reflect, grow, and actively contribute while building the confidence, skills and knowledge needed to thrive after graduation.
At REGENT, WIL is seen as a two-way street. While businesses benefit from fresh insights and eager students, you get the chance to build a professional network, sharpen your workplace readiness, and gain clarity on your career path.
In short: WIL connects theory to practice, learning to doing, and students to opportunities. And when done right, it can be the launchpad for a successful and fulfilling career.
Benefits of work-integrated learning & how it helps your career
Work-integrated learning at REGENT Business School is one of the best ways to prepare for a successful career. It gives you more than just theoretical knowledge, it provides real-world exposure, builds your confidence, and helps you stand out in a competitive job market.
1. Gain real-world experience before you graduate
Imagine this: You’re a marketing student placed at a local digital agency. Instead of just reading about campaign strategy, you’re assisting with an actual brand activation for a major retailer. You get to sit in on brainstorming meetings, observe how teams manage deadlines, and even present a few ideas of your own.
This hands-on experience prepares you for life after graduation. In fact, research shows that two-thirds of employers look for graduates with relevant work experience.
2. Build a stronger professional network
WIL placements allow you to connect with industry professionals, mentors, and peers in a work environment. These relationships can lead to references, job offers, or long-term mentorships.
You never know, the colleague you meet during your internship could be your future business partner or boss.
For example, imagine if a REGENT student working in the finance department of a logistics company made such a strong impression that they were offered a graduate role even before finishing their final exams.
3. Develop in-demand soft and technical skills
In a real-world setting, you sharpen essential soft skills like communication, problem-solving, time management, and adaptability, all of which employers value highly.
At the same time, you’ll likely get hands-on experience with industry tools, platforms, and processes that make your CV stand out.
Employers often cite a lack of “job readiness” in graduates. In fact, only 25% of employers strongly agree that school and college leavers are work-ready at the point of hire, leaving the majority uncertain or dissatisfied with new hires’ readiness for real-world demands.
This is where WIL can help!
4. Discover your strengths (and career direction)
Sometimes, WIL helps you discover what you don’t want to do, and that’s just as important.
Being in a real job setting gives you insight into your strengths, preferences, and career aspirations. It can help you refine your future goals and make more informed decisions after graduation.
For example, a REGENT logistics student thought they wanted to work in warehousing but realised through their WIL stint that they were more interested in procurement and vendor management, and adjusted their job search accordingly.
5. Stand out in a crowded job market
South Africa’s job market is competitive, especially for recent graduates. WIL gives you that extra edge, not only do you graduate with a qualification, but you’ve also got work experience, references, and stories to tell in your job interviews. This can help you land a job more easily.
How does REGENT help students find WIL placements?
At REGENT Business School, you’re not left to figure it all out on your own. The WIL programme is supported by a strong structure that helps students access internships and placements that align with their studies and career interests.
Here’s how REGENT supports your WIL journey from start to finish:
Dedicated career support services: REGENT’s Career Centre plays an active role in helping students source and secure WIL placements. This team connects with a wide range of employers across industries, from finance and logistics to marketing, HR, and more, to create partnerships that benefit both students and businesses.
Placement matching & recommendations: Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, REGENT takes into account your field of study, academic performance, and career interests when recommending placements. This helps ensure that the work you do aligns with your goals and adds meaningful value to your CV.
Employer partnerships & MoUs: REGENT actively builds relationships with reputable companies and organisations through memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and strategic partnerships. This ensures a steady pipeline of WIL opportunities and helps students gain access to employers that trust the quality of REGENT’s academic programmes.
FAQ
Are WIL programmes available for all qualifications at REGENT?
Work-Integrated Learning is a core component of many qualifications at REGENT Business School, especially within diploma and degree programmes.
However, the availability and structure of WIL may vary depending on your specific qualification. Some qualifications include compulsory WIL modules, while others may offer optional or project-based experiential learning opportunities.
Do I need to submit reports or portfolios for WIL?
Yes, as part of the academic and assessment process, students are generally required to submit structured reports, reflection journals, or portfolios that document their WIL experience.
These submissions help demonstrate what you’ve learned, how you’ve applied your academic knowledge in the workplace, and how the experience has contributed to your professional development.
Can I complete my WIL online or remotely?
Yes, depending on your programme and industry, remote or online WIL placements are possible. Since the shift in workplace culture brought on by COVID-19, many organisations have adopted hybrid or fully remote models, and REGENT has adapted accordingly.
Study through WIL with REGENT
REGENT offers many different undergraduate and postgraduate programmes you can pursue. Through Work-Integrated Learning, students have the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge in practical settings, gaining valuable experience while they study. Many of our programmes are also offered through distance learning, meaning you get to work while studying.
