Math Co-op Students of the Year reflect on career-defining moments and paying it forward
By: Emily Totzke (she/her)
Two Faculty of Math Co-op Student of the Year alumni shed light on their careers after graduation.
For many students at Waterloo, the co-op program is more than just a way to gain work experience, it’s a transformative journey that shapes their career after graduation. This is especially true for math alumni Ryan Goldford and Henry Shi, whose co-op experiences launched them into successful careers in the financial and tech industries.
Goldford (BMath ’21) learned resilience through challenging coursework and co-op placements at Sun Life. Shi (BCS ’14), with a passion for tech and business, honed his skills through co-op terms at Scotia Capital and Bloomberg Sports, eventually venturing into Silicon Valley.
One thing that both Math alumni have in common is their recognition as Co-op Student of the Year for the Faculty of Mathematics. Goldford received the award in 2020, while Shi received it in 2012.
As the Co-op Student of the Year Award program celebrated its 20th anniversary this year, the alumni reflected on their co-op journey and how it shaped their careers after graduation.
Ryan Goldford (he/him) (BMath ’21)
Director, Fixed Annuity Valuation, Investment Solutions, Sun Life
Goldford’s path began at Waterloo in 2016 when he started in the Math program. The structure of the program left a lasting impression.
“It teaches you resilience,” Goldford says. “You go from a high school classroom to learning from world-class mathematicians. It’s humbling and hard work.”
During his time as a student, Goldford completed multiple co-op work terms at Sun Life, where he worked in client solutions pricing, financial risk management and group retirement services valuation.
It was on his final work term with Sun Life that Goldford received the 2020 Co-op Student of the Year Award for the Faculty of Mathematics.
Ryan Goldford (BMath ’21), director, Fixed Annuity Valuation, Investment Solutions, Sun Life
“I remember feeling like I didn’t deserve it, to be honest,” Goldford says. “I was just grateful for the honour and the peers, managers and mentors that helped me along the way. I used it as extra motivation to keep me going and stay focused.”
After graduating and returning to the company full-time, he joined Sun Life’s formal actuarial rotation program, where he held roles in both of Sun Life’s Canadian group and individual businesses.
Goldford’s impact hasn’t been limited to the financial side. As a former co-op student, he now gives back to the very program that shaped his career. As Sun Life’s actuarial recruiting co-lead for Waterloo, he was instrumental in mentoring and hiring new students, many of whom are just beginning the same journey he took.
“I didn’t realize how much work goes into recruiting from the employer side,” Goldford says. “But it’s also incredibly rewarding. The students coming through now are even more impressive than when I was there.”
His involvement in recruitment has only deepened his appreciation for the value of co-operative education.
“As a student, you see it as a series of stepping stones,” Goldford reflects. “But from the employer side, you’re thinking longer term. How can we help someone grow into the leader they want to be?”
Looking back on the impact his co-op experiences had on his career, Goldford offers some words of advice to current co-op students.
“The degree is your foundation, but co-op is the icing on top,” he says. “Use it to branch out, try new things and always keep your networks strong, especially with your peers. Many of them are going to become future industry leaders.”
Henry Shi (BCS ’14)
Co-founder, Super.com
Shi entered the Computer Science program as a student with a deep passion for tech and business. Over his co-op work terms, he developed skills in the financial industry at Scotia Capital and then entered the startup world at Bloomberg Sports.
Shi’s work term at Bloomberg Sports earned him the 2012 Co-op Student of the Year Award for the Faculty of Mathematics. Although unexpected, he reflects on how he felt receiving the award.
“It was a little bit unexpected because it was only in my second term,” Shi says. “But I got a chance to work on some pretty cool projects helping baseball teams with their analytics. It was a great honour.”
Henry Shi (BCS ’14), co-founder, Super.com
After dipping his toes in the world of startups, it was his time working on his startup that solidified his passion for entrepreneurship.
“It was a great experience,” Shi says. “It gave me the opportunity to experience building a startup while I was still a student.”
Shi’s co-op journey then took him to Silicon Valley for a work term at LendUp, a startup backed by Y Combinator (YC), where he gained firsthand experience in scaling an early-stage tech company. All of his diverse co-op opportunities were instrumental in shaping his entrepreneurial mindset.
“Co-op gave me an opportunity to see big companies, small companies, startup within a big company, YC company and do my own company,” Shi says.
“It was an awesome array of experiences, and it really helped formulate my energy, passion and excitement to be an entrepreneur.”
Today, Shi’s company employs more than 200 people across North America and its product has reached more than 50 million users. Shi continues to give back to the community by mentoring entrepreneurs and hiring Waterloo co-op students.
“It’s a win-win for everyone,” Shi says. “Students gain valuable experience, and we get fresh perspectives.”
Reflecting on his career, Shi encourages students to broaden their horizons and make the most of every opportunity they come across in their co-op journey.
Even if you don’t end up where you think you will, those experiences will shape your future. Take risks and try new things. Don’t limit yourself.
Transforming careers through co-op
For both Goldford and Shi, co-op was more than just a series of work terms, it was a transformative experience that equipped them both with the skills, knowledge and network to excel in their careers.
Their journeys highlight the value of co-operative education and the effect it can have on future generations, whether through mentoring students, funding aspiring entrepreneurs or offering career guidance.
Waterloo co-op students have access to a powerful network of more than 253,000 Waterloo alumni across the world. As you prepare for graduation, lean on your network for insights, advice and assistance.