WILP

Work-integrated Learning Programme

Offered by The Department of Accountancy

Offered by The Department of Economics and Finance

Offered by The Department of Management

Offered by The Department of Marketing

Overview

The Work-Integrated Learning Programme (WILP) is a core experiential learning initiative of the School of Business, designed to bridge classroom theories and academic knowledge with authentic real-world workplace practice. Through structured work placements, students develop a grounded understanding of business operations and explore targeted career pathways, building practical readiness for post-graduation employment. Completion of WILP is a mandatory graduation requirement for eligible undergraduate business programmes, to be rolled out progressively on an intake cohort basis.

WILP as an Mandatory Graduation Requirement​

Covered Programmes

All students enrolled in the programmes listed below must fulfil the WILP requirement prior to graduation.

  • BBA-CGC
  • BBA-FAFT
  • BBA-FB
  • BBA-GB
  • BBA-GBM
  • BBA-MGT
  • BBA-MKT
  • BBA-PA

*Note: BBA-HRM is exempt from this WILP requirement, as the programme operates its own dedicated internship scheme as a mandatory graduation component.

Requirements

Completion of an Approved Internship Programme
(Minimum WILP Hours: 135 hours)

Student Intake Cohort

The requirement will be rolled out progressively by student intake cohort:

  • Year 1 entry (4-year curriculum): effective from AY2026/27 intake onwards
  • Year 2 entry (senior year entry): effective from AY2027/28 intake onwards
  • Year 3 entry (senior year entry): effective from AY2028/29 intake onwards

Grading

Complete / Incomplete (with no effect on GPA score), a “Complete” grade is considered to be a graduation requirement of the student.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of WILP, students should be able to:

Integrate knowledge and theory acquired in the business curriculum and apply to a real work situation

Establish professional network in a career field of interest

Express ideas in a clear and organised manner in both oral and written communication

Provide solutions to solve simple organisational problems

Features

Dual Supervision

  • WILP Supervisor (Academic Guidance and Support)
  • Company Supervisor (Workplace Performance and Mentorship)

Multi-Format Assessment

  • Progress Report (Formative Assessment and Project Management)
  • Oral Presentation (Communication and Professional Skills)
  • Final Written Reflective Report (Critical Reflection and Deep Learning)

WILP Application Workflow

Placement Sourcing and Application

Students may secure eligible WILP assignments through two channels:

  • Career Planning and Development Office, Student Affairs Office
  • Self-searched Placements

Students are strongly advised to consult their respective Programme or Department prior to application, to confirm the placement satisfies all WILP eligibility standards. Students holding an existing part-time job or internship may apply for WILP recognition for an extended period of the role, provided that the extended duration meets the minimum requirement of 135 WILP hours.

Normally WILP assignments can happen any time during the calendar year. Students are required to submit their application online via the Internship Management System (IMS) at least one week before commencement of WILP assignment. The system will route the application to the respective programme for review and approval.

Approval & Supervisor Assignment

Upon approval of a student’s WILP application, a dedicated HSUHK’s WILP Supervisor will be assigned to the student to provide ongoing guidance and oversight throughout the full duration of the placement.

The assigned Supervisor is responsible for overseeing students’ workplace learning progress, evaluating their placement performance, proactively establishing formal communication channels at the outset of the assignment, and clarifying all placement requirements, contact protocols and support pathways to align mutual expectations between all parties.

Host organisations shall appoint a dedicated Company Supervisor for each participating student. The Company Supervisor is responsible for arranging a work placement aligned with the student’s academic curriculum and professional development objectives. All compensation terms for the WILP assignment shall be negotiated and agreed upon directly between the student and the Company Supervisor.

The Company Supervisor is strongly advised to fulfil the following practices:

  • Deliver a comprehensive onboarding induction prior to placement commencement, covering core job responsibilities, internal company policies and workplace health and safety protocols
  • Monitor and assess the student’s day-to-day work performance on an ongoing basis
  • Provide targeted guidance and support to help the student achieve their defined learning objectives
  • Maintain close, regular communication with both the student and the assigned HSUHK’s WILP Supervisor throughout the full placement period
  • Coordinate and facilitate on-site visits attended by the student and the HSUHK’s WILP Supervisor
  • Provide continuous qualitative feedback on the student’s overall performance
  • Complete a formal end-of-placement performance assessment for the student

WILP Period & Submission of Progress Report

As core participants in the Work-Integrated Learning Programme (WILP), students assume the dual role of workplace learners and institutional representatives of the School of Business for the full duration of their placement. They are expected to fully fulfil their assigned work duties, actively apply classroom knowledge and subject expertise to practical tasks, and proactively seek supervisory guidance to achieve their predefined learning outcomes. At all times, students must maintain a professional, diligent and respectful demeanour, and fully adhere to the host organisation’s internal policies, workplace codes of conduct, and health and safety protocols.

 

Students must also maintain regular, transparent communication with both their company supervisor and designated HSUHK WILP Supervisor, and uphold the University’s reputation throughout the placement. In addition, students are required to submit a mid-term progress report to the HSUHK WILP Supervisor at the midpoint of the WILP period.

Once a WILP placement is approved and has commenced, any termination of the approved role or change of position without valid justification will result in an “Incomplete” grade. If termination of the WILP placement is necessary, students must notify their designated HSUHK WILP Supervisor immediately. Failure to comply with this requirement may also result in an “Incomplete” grade.

Assessment by Company Supervisor

As the on-site supervisor throughout the placement, the Company Supervisor is responsible for delivering a formal end-of-placement evaluation based on the student’s overall on-the-job performance. Core assessment areas include:

  • Quality of Work
  • Working Attitude & Teamwork
  • Self-Imitative & Proactiveness
  • Communication Skills
  • Use of Technology

The Company Supervisor shall complete the official WILP performance assessment form, include qualitative feedback on the student’s strengths and areas for improvement, and submit the completed document to the HSUHK WILP Supervisor within the specified timeframe.

Assessment by HSUHK’s WILP Supervisor, Oral Presentation & Submission of Reflective Reports

Upon completion of the WILP assignment, students are required to submit the full set of required documents to their assigned HSUHK’s WILP Supervisor by a mutually agreed deadline, which includes:

  • Completed Company Supervisor Assessment (CSA) Form
  • Written Reflective Report
  • Oral Presentation

The assigned HSUHK’s WILP Supervisor will conduct a comprehensive holistic review to determine the student’s final WILP grade. The review is based on all submitted student works, alongside formal verification that the student has completed the minimum 135 hours of approved WILP assignment.

Following the review, the HSUHK’s WILP Supervisor will award a final grade of either Complete or Incomplete. Students will receive an “Incomplete” grade if they failed to complete any task herein stated before completion deadline. The WILP grade does not contribute to the student’s Grade Point Average (GPA), and a Complete grade is a mandatory requirement to satisfy the WILP graduation criterion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

In general, WILP assignments should:

  • be directly related to the student’s programme of study and career goals;
  • provide meaningful and worthwhile learning activities;
  • provide opportunities for personal growth and professional preparation.

The following organisations are considered suitable for offering WILP assignments in Hong Kong / Overseas:

  • a corporate or firm;
  • a professional, industry or commercial association;
  • a statutory body / quasi-government organisation;
  • a government bureau / department / committee;
  • a non-government / charitable organisation;
  • a social enterprise;
  • a sports association;
  • a recreation club;
  • an administrative / academic / research unit in an education institution;
  • any other environment approved by the Programme Director / Department (e.g. a simulated environment on campus or a research/consultancy project conducted by other Schools / Centres of the Hang Seng University of Hong Kong); and
  • similar categories of WILP attachments can also be arranged with equivalent organisations Overseas.

Eligible organisations offering WILP assignments normally meet the following criteria:

  • have a valid Business Registration or License;
  • have been operating for at least 2 years;
  • have 5 employees or more;
  • able to dedicate 1 full-time staff with relevant competencies to supervise and assess students (Company Supervisor);
  • have clear and relevant learning outcomes for students; and
  • have proper office setup and safe working environment for students.

Under normal circumstances, students should take the initiative to find WILP assignment opportunities.

Resources such as the JINESS job portal, SAO-CPD website and its job posting emails, the LinkedIn job listing sites are good ways for students to search for WILP assignments. Only if students have difficulties should they approach their Programme Directors and/or Department for help.

WILP assignments can be in the format of one of the following:

  • internship / job-shadowing with at least 135 hours;
  • full-time / part-time employment with at least 135 hours;
  • services provided under a service contract / contracted services;
  • non-paid or voluntary work;
  • corporate projects/assignments work;
  • undertaking ITN3001 or HRM3021 in their respective programme; and
  • any other special arrangements approved by the Programme Director / Department.