At BCIT, the Industry Sponsored Student Projects (ISSP) program provides real-world challenges for Computing students and connects the next generation of computing professionals with industry sponsors.
Earls, a premium casual dining chain with 70+ restaurants in Canada and the United States, recently collaborated with Computing Diploma students to digitize a longstanding manual process, showcasing ISSP’s innovative potential.
From manual to digital: Innovating staff perks
When Earls sought to streamline its staff discount process, the ISSP program offered a unique solution.
“The manual process for staff discounts was clunky and prone to errors,” shares Rashpal Ahluwalia, Vice-President of Technology at Earls.
“The goal was to replace outdated physical discount cards with a sleek digital system utilizing Google Wallet and Apple Wallet. After 12 weeks of collaboration, the students developed a solution that allows us to issue, track, and revoke digital discount cards seamlessly. This modernized experience benefits both employees and the company.”
With a rather significant scope, the student team managed to build 80% of the solution, and Rashal plans to finish the project internally and implement it in February.
“The new system promises greater efficiency, control, and an enhanced user experience—an achievement that underscores the power of student-industry collaboration,” says Rashpal.
Why industry should join ISSP
When asked about how Rashpal would pitch ISSP to prospective sponsors, he points out four main advantages that ISSP offers:
1) Access to innovative solutions
ISSP connects companies with the fresh ideas and skills of driven BCIT’s computing students. Students bring a unique, unfiltered perspective that can spark creativity and lead to out-of-the-box solutions.
Sponsors benefit from having tailored prototypes or proof-of-concept solutions developed at minimal risk, allowing them to explore innovative approaches to their challenges.
This process can also help organizations identify new opportunities and areas for improvement they may not have considered before.
2) Recruitment opportunities
ISSP acts as an extended interview process, giving sponsors a first-hand look at student capabilities and delivering value beyond the immediate scope of any single project.
Throughout a project, companies can observe not just technical skills but also soft skills such as problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and adaptability. This in-depth exposure provides more insight than a traditional hiring process, making it easier to identify potential hires who align with the organization’s culture and needs.
Many past sponsors have transitioned student participants into full-time roles, creating a seamless recruitment pipeline that benefits both parties.
3) Talent development
For Earls, the ISSP project wasn’t just about solving a technical challenge. It also provided an opportunity to assess internal team members.
“The junior software developer assigned to liaise with the students gained invaluable project management experience,” explains Rashpal.
“Acting as the primary point of contact between the students and Earls, he managed communication, clarified requirements, and ensured the project stayed aligned with company goals. While the role came with its challenges, such as balancing technical oversight with project management responsibilities, it became a valuable learning experience, and it confirmed his potential for leadership opportunities within the company.”
4) Influencing the future
Having once been a BCIT Computing student himself, Rashpal appreciates the program’s impact. “When I participated in ISSP – this year exactly 20 years ago – it shaped my career direction. I realized I was more interested in project management than just software development,” he recalls. “Now, as a sponsor, it’s fulfilling to influence the next generation.”
Rashpal concludes: “For Earls, the collaboration has been a win-win, delivering tangible business value while fostering professional growth for everyone involved.”
Interested in collaborating with our Computing students? We offer ISSP three times a year. Submit your project for the next term to start working with our driven and skilled students.
Bonus content: See how some of our BCIT alumni are shaping the tech behind Earls!
Justin Quan, a Computer Systems Technology (CST) grad, works as a Full Stack Software Developer.
Margaret Dang, a Computer Information Technology (CIT) grad, contributes as a System Administrator.