Alumni

Work-integrated learning (WIL) and economic recovery were key themes at the recent (World Association of Co-operative Education (WACE) Conference in Waterloo. A panel of employers shared insights about the potential impact that future-ready talent, like co-op students, can have on the economy. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP), Manulife and Deloitte shared their experiences with WIL and how it can help contribute to economic recovery. The University of Waterloo’s Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE) unit hosted the conference on June 28-30, 2023.

Waterloo’s Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE) unit has once again displayed innovation in sustainability with another award-winning project. CEE’s focus on sustainability through international work terms has earned the unit the Sustainability Education Award - Silver at Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Reimagine Education Conference and Awards.

New study finds that 13 per cent of students in the University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Environment carried out work related to the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Waterloo created a pilot program to help increase both co-op student and employer awareness of SDGs.

Associate Provost, Co-operative and Experiential Education, Dr. Norah McRae (she/her) and Director of International Strategic Initiatives, Shabnam Ivković were awarded best paper at WACE’s 4th International Research Symposium on Cooperative and Work-Integrated Education in September, 2022.

There is growing focus on graduating global citizens who can advocate for and operationalize sustainable futures. In this paper, researchers conducted a pilot study to classify a sample of international internships in terms of their impact on one or more of the 17 United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Work-integrated learning (WIL) has a significant contribution to education. Not only does it deepen academic understanding, but also enhances employability outcomes, fostering the exchange of knowledge between students and workplaces. Implementing the ideal environment for WIL consists of understanding stakeholders' goals and needs, creating a supportive environment, as well as navigating diverging interests. Dr. Norah McRae, associate provost of CEE, discusses with the National Skills Network, the distinction between experiential education and practical work experience, and how WIL plays a role in contributing to the broader educational framework.

New York-based Balyasny Asset Management (BAM), engaged with University of Waterloo co-op students at a fireside chat recently. On May 24, at the University of Waterloo’s Davis Centre, BAM hosted a fireside chat with one of their leaders in technology followed by a “Bubble Tea with BAM” networking session.