Unlocking career potential: networking in diverse co-op positions
Hamisha Ramesh (she/her) is a fourth-year Health Sciences student. In her blog, Hamisha discusses the benefits that accompany diversifying her co-op job experiences, advice for learning new tasks on the job and expanding her network through meaningful interactions.
Hamisha's co-op journey
Work term one: Hamisha assumed the role of health coach at m-Health Solutions, where she helped patients of various ages troubleshoot issues with heart monitoring technology. She also worked closely with doctors and nurse practitioners to distribute patients’ medical reports.
Work term two: For her second work term, Hamisha took on the role of assistant co-ordinator with the Volunteer Resources department at the Region of Peel. In this role, she was involved in the recruitment and screening of volunteers for the region’s health programs. She also formed weekly volunteer schedules for COVID-19 vaccine clinics.
Work term three: In spring 2023, for her third co-op term, Hamisha was a pedorthic assistant at Bioped Footcare and Orthotics in Orangeville. She aided in the fabrication of custom-made orthotics and helped conduct bio mechanical assessments.
Work term four: For her final co-op term, Hamisha was the alumni engagement assistant, with the Alumni Relations team at the University of Waterloo. In this role, she assisted with the planning and execution of alumni events both locally and across the globe. She also worked with CEE to host an event catered to co-op students called Navigating Entrepreneurship with E Co-op Alumni.
Q&A with Hamisha
What motivated you to explore such diverse roles during your co-op experiences?
“I had initially decided to pursue a Science degree with the sole intention of pursuing a career in medicine. However, throughout my time here in the Health Sciences program, I realized that health science leads to more than just a career in primary health care. Once I started studying and working, I was introduced to several unexpected career paths that I thought were worth exploring further.”
“Exploring various career paths during my co-op terms gave me the opportunity to get my feet wet before deciding to fully commit to a career path. Working in diverse co-op experiences allowed me to explore what I wanted to do in the future; I understand myself and my interests more now than I did as an 18-year-old first-year student.”
How has diversifying your co-op jobs contributed to your personal and professional growth?
“My diverse co-op job experiences have been beneficial for my growth both personally and professionally. Each job exposed me to different environments and challenges, allowing for me to develop a wide range of transferrable skills. Every job taught me a new skill that was proven to be useful in other co-op terms and even in my academics.”
“These experiences not only made me more adaptable but also helped me gain an understanding of the many career paths available in the field of health sciences. Co-op helped me have a better understanding of what I am truly passionate about, ultimately guiding my career decisions after university.”
What strategies do you use to learn new tasks quickly on the job?
“The biggest tip I would provide to learn new tasks on the job is to make use of your downtime at the beginning of your work term. Typically when I start a work term, the first few weeks are quieter as I get acquainted with the role. This time is usually for training modules and get to meet people across the organization.”
“I like to take this time to go over “how to” documents and training manuals on my own and attempt the outlined tasks if possible. It may seem daunting at first, but I find that getting my hands in the work really helps me learn quicker than waiting for someone to teach me.”
The beginning of your work term is also usually when your manager and/or supervisor is most available to help you. It’s they likely have time set aside to ensure that you are getting the support you need and adjusting well to the workplace. Do not hesitate to ask your manager and/or supervisor for help. It’s always best to ask earlier in your term to understand their expectations and minimize errors later.
“As undergraduate students, we also have free access to LinkedIn Learning. Using this resource to nail down fundamental skills such as Excel can give you a head start for many jobs.”
What approaches have you found most effective for expanding your professional network?
"Getting out of my comfort zone and making conversation with those I work with was the most effective way to expand my professional network. It demonstrates to your co-workers and supervisors that not only are you good at your job, but that you are also committed to fostering a positive workplace culture.”
“As an introvert, I found this hard but soon learned that nothing good comes without discomfort. Making good use of LinkedIn to stay connected with those you have worked with is also a great idea.”
“Near the end of my work terms, I make sure to add supervisors, managers and other colleagues to my LinkedIn network to share updates and stay connected. In short, make yourself known and step out of your comfort zone!”
What advice would you give to other students about making the most of their co-op experiences?
“My biggest piece of advice is to keep an open mind during your recruiting terms. Many of us have a specific goal and/or idea in mind when trying to find a job, which isn’t entirely a bad thing. However, narrowing down your job search too much can limit the number of jobs and valuable skills available for you to learn.”
“I’d highly encourage co-op students to diversify their job portfolios to learn new skills and open doors for potential career paths. At this point in time, the future is uncertain, and it is important to learn as many transferrable skills as we can to stand out in the workforce.”
What’s next for you?
“After graduation in winter 2025, I am looking to pursue graduate studies in speech language pathology! I always found it a fascinating field and I really think my extensive experience with patient-centered care would help me excel in this field.”