Blog

by Bhavana Balasubramanian | 3 min read

Alex Zhu (he/him) is a third-year student in the Computer and Financial Management program, in the Faculty of Math. He is a recipient of the Co-op Student of the Year Award for his role at Mastercard as an associate consultant intern. Alex discusses his journey navigating the corporate world while diversifying his professional skills.

by: Bhavana Balasubramanian | 4 min read

As a child, Isaac found his passion for astronomy by looking at the brightest stars in the night sky. Today, Isaac is a recipient of the Co-op Student of the Year Award for his work at the Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Centre (HAA) in the National Research Council Canada (NRC).

Isaac Cheng (he/him), is a third-year Physics and Astronomy student in the Faculty of Science. Isaac discusses the many facets of this role and reflects on his experience working in the field of astronomy.

by: Bhavana Balasubramanian | 4 min read

Jennifer Tsai (she/her), a third-year Biomedical Engineering student is the recipient of the Co-op Student of the Year Award for the Faculty of Engineering. Jennifer’s curiosity in science mixed with her engineering skills put her on track to great achievements in her co-op positions. She is being recognized for her incredible work at the Cembrowski Lab at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Jennifer reflects on her experience at the lab and recounts the learnings she gained there.

by: Bhavana Balasubramanian | 3 min read

Jeremy Ernest (he/him) is in his second year of the Master of Public Service program. CEE is recognizing him for his achievements during his co-op term at the Treasury Board Secretariat (Ontario) with the Co-op Student of the Year Award for the Faculty of Arts. Jeremy shares the story behind his success and explains his motivation towards consistent and impactful work.

by: Bhavana Balasubramanian | 5 min read

Rachel Almaw’s (she/her) dedication to research has resulted in remarkable work, for which she is being recognized with the Co-op Student of the Year Award for the Faculty of Health. She is a fourth-year student in the Health Studies program, with a minor in Gerontology. Rachel shares the various elements of working in a research lab and walks us through her passion for bridging the gap between health and race.

by: Bhavana Balasubramanian | 4 min read

Breanna DeFreitas (she/her) is in her fourth year, studying Geography and Environmental Management, specializing in Climate Change and Environment. She is the recipient of the Co-op Student of the Year Award for the Faculty of Environment. Breanna delves into the details of her journey at Evolugen by Brookfield Renewable, who nominated her for this recognition.

by: Kaitlin Trendel | 7 min read

Maddie Savage is a University of Waterloo Master of Arts co-op student in English Rhetoric and Communication Design, in the Major Research Paper stream.

by Kaitlin Trendel | 3 min read

I think we can agree that co-op is a wonderful opportunity that will provide you with life-changing experiences that can accelerate your growth and development.

However, I think most co-op students can also agree, finding a job is hard and doing so while juggling university is even harder.

By: Fatima Muni | 4 min read

It’s nearing the end of your co-op work term. You have probably come across different challenges, successes, and, hopefully, have learned a few valuable lessons along the way. Now it’s time for you to reflect on these experiences. As I’m sure a lot of you already know, you need to write a few work term reports in order to receive your co-op degree. So, without further ado, let’s get to writing!

By: Fatima Muni | 4 min read 

The job search is stressful, challenging and can sometimes make you lose your patience. Not to mention, you’re on a study term so that just adds even more to your plate. Searching for a job can be difficult, but just like most things, it’s a learning process. You might apply for a hundred jobs and end up getting one or two interviews, or sometimes even zero. But don’t lose hope just yet! There are many ways for you to find a job and I’m here to sprinkle a little bit of guidance into your job search tactics.