What It’s Like Being a Practicum Student at Rise Calgary

Being a practicum student can be both exciting and intimidating. You may be in your first year searching for your very first placement, or you may be looking for another placement to complete your program requirements. Whatever the case may be, Rise Calgary is eager and excited to welcome students onto our team.

Many students — and even members of the public — may not have heard of Rise Calgary yet, although we are continuing to grow our presence in the community. Compared to larger organizations, we have a smaller but steadily expanding team. Even so, we continue to establish ourselves within the sector through the programs and services we provide.

One of our most notable programs is our tax clinic, which is also one of the largest low-income tax clinics in the city in terms of the number of tax returns completed each year. At first, students may feel nervous and think, “I’m not good with numbers,” or “I don’t know anything about taxes.” That is completely okay. Tax returns are completed by trained volunteers, many of whom come from accounting backgrounds. At Rise Calgary, our role is to support clients through the intake process and coordinate with volunteers to ensure everything runs smoothly.

As a practicum student, you may help clients complete tax intake forms, especially individuals who may have difficulty reading or writing. The forms mainly collect basic personal and tax-related information. Our clients come from a wide range of backgrounds, including seniors, first-time tax filers who have recently turned 18, and many others.

After filing their taxes, some clients may also want assistance creating a CRA account. Students can support clients with the online registration process and help guide them through the required steps. When students are not directly assisting clients, they may also help answer phone calls, organize documents, or complete other administrative tasks related to the tax clinic. Throughout the placement, students are supported through training, supervision, and ongoing guidance to help them succeed.

Clients also come to Rise Calgary for a variety of other supports. Students may assist clients with applications for Income Support, CPP, Part A of AISH forms, and other government benefits or programs. Students will have opportunities to shadow staff, learn about different systems and applications, and receive support whenever challenges arise.

At times, our role is simply to listen. Clients may come in to pick up documents or ask questions, but conversations can naturally expand into discussions about personal goals, challenges, and future plans. Students may help connect clients to longer-term coaching and empowerment programs that support stability and growth. If clients require more in-depth mental health support, they can also be referred to our Insights Counselling program to meet with a qualified counsellor.

As a practicum student, you will gain hands-on experience working directly with diverse clients while learning what it is like to work on the front lines of a community and resource centre. Rise Calgary often supports individuals who may not qualify for services elsewhere or who have fallen through gaps in larger systems. Students gain a unique perspective on the challenges clients face and see firsthand how a small but flexible team can respond creatively and compassionately.

Our staff are welcoming, supportive, and committed to helping students learn and grow throughout their placement. By the end of their practicum, many students leave Rise Calgary with valuable experience, meaningful connections, and lasting memories.