Work.Learn.Repeat Podcast - S1 E6 | Dr. Richard Wikkerink and Ben McDonald
Engagement
Dr. Richard Wikkerink and Ben McDonald discuss the importance of engagement in Co-operative Education at the University of Waterloo. They explain how meaningful connections with students enhance their educational experience and help them thrive. By focusing on strategies such as professional development courses, advisor-student relationships, and facilitating job opportunities, they show how engagement can set students up for future success. The conversation also highlights skill development, including teamwork, intercultural effectiveness, and the value of regular assessments and student reflections.
Show notes
(0:00) Student engagement in Co-operative Education at the University of Waterloo.
(1:30) Student engagement and its importance in Co-operative Education.
(4:00) Professional development courses and advisor-student relationships.
(7:15) How co-op fosters teamwork, intercultural effectiveness, and other key skills.
(10:50) Importance of student reflections and regular assessments in co-op.
(14:30) How co-op provides personal and professional growth opportunities.
(18:00) Explaining the EDGE program for students without traditional co-op opportunities.
(21:45) Discussing the WE Accelerate program for first work term students.
(25:00) How employers benefit from engaging with co-op students.
(28:15) Recap of the importance of collaboration between students, universities, and employers.
Mentioned in this episode:
Dr. Richard Wikkerink
Director, Student and Faculty Relations, Co-operative Education
Dr. Richard Wikkerink is the Director, Student & Faculty Relations at the University of Waterloo. In this role, he leads the creation and delivery of the University's co-op student experience and faculty engagement strategy, ensuring alignment with the academic mission and the principles of co-operative education. He is committed to innovation and continuous improvement in work-integrated learning, as well as the well-being and success of all co-op students.
Ben McDonald
Senior Manager, Work Integrated Learning Programs
Ben McDonald is the Senior Manager of Work Integrated Learning Programs at the University of Waterloo. In this role, he oversees the development and implementation of work-integrated learning programs, including the EDGE certificate program. Ben works to facilitate connections between students and industry employers, enhancing experiential learning opportunities and ensuring students gain relevant skills. He leads initiatives focused on career preparation, offering workshops on skills identification and tailored career development courses.