Starting second year at SAF is exciting – but let's be real, the idea of securing your very first co-op placement can feel incredibly overwhelming. From creating a standout resume and captivating cover letters, to acing interviews and networking to get your name out there... It can be a lot. That's why the Co-op Ready Conference was such a game changer.
From the moment we all walked in (dressed to impress in business formal), the energy was buzzing. The morning kicked off with a breakfast and casual chats. It was so nice to get to know other students who were just as nervous and curious as I was.
The main event was the speakers. First up was Victoria Salim, a University of Waterloo and Wilfred Laurier University alumni who is now a senior manager of Definity. Victoria taught us how to ace our interviews, and how to stand out with confidence. She broke down the interview process in an organized way by explaining how to prepare, tips and tricks and how to follow-up with employers following the interview. Hearing about her experience from the employer side helped us understand what hiring managers are really looking for, as well as how to show that our strengths fit right in.
Next up was Anjie Persaud and Mike Cole. Anjie is an account manager with the Co-operative and Experiential Education Department, and Mike is a Student Relations Manager, both here at Waterloo. They discussed how to do well professionally and gave us a rundown about how to present ourselves, communicate effectively, navigate work expectations and how to grow not only as an employee but as a person.
One of the most reassuring parts? Hearing from senior SAF students who already have co-op experience. They were honest, relatable and full of helpful tips from navigating WaterlooWorks to finding jobs through personal connections. It felt like talking to future versions of ourselves and their advice made everything seem way more doable.
After a mouthwatering Greek lunch buffet at FED Hall, we got one-on-one resume feedback from upper year students. That personal touch made such a difference and wasn’t as intimidating as I was expecting it to be. They helped us highlight our strengths and suggested ways to make our resume pop, which is crucial when employers only spend seconds skimming through them.
Finally, the day ended with a networking event that included real employers and real conversations. Students got to meet representatives from 13 high-profile companies like Loblaws, IG Wealth Management, Kraft Berger, Ford Keast and more. It was a perfect way to put everything we learned into action and make connections that may lead to future opportunities.
If you're a first-year: trust me, when your time comes, Co-op Ready is the event you won’t want to miss. Not only will you receive valuable, actionable advice, but it’s empowering, energizing and fun. You’ll walk out feeling like you got this, because you do.
Co-op students from left to right: Abby, Aparna, Hailee, Cailyn
SAF co-op students registering in all the second years for the conference