As an Operations Management major and Business Technology Management minor, Jingyao’s co-op journey is one of growth, adaptability, and learning. With work terms at the City of Edmonton and PCL Construction, Jingyao gained both technical expertise and personal insights that shaped how she views work, life, and future opportunities.

What interested you about joining the Business Co-op Program?

For Jingyao, joining the Co-op Program was about gaining meaningful work experience as an international student. “Being able to work full-time while still a student was really important to me. Work experience is a significant part of my journey, and co-op gave me that chance,” she shared. Beyond professional development, she also appreciated the strong sense of community the program fostered. “A lot of my friends and colleagues were in the co-op program, so there was a natural bond and connection with others who shared the same path.”

What was the job application process like?

Jingyao began preparing early, building her resume in her second year and seeking guidance from her Co-op Coordinator. “As an international student, the process was more challenging because of language and cultural barriers. I also needed a work permit, so I made sure to start early,” she said. Although it was stressful at times, this preparation paid off when she landed her interviews and the first offer.

What responsibilities did you have in your co-op work terms?

In her first position as a Business Analyst Student at the City of Edmonton, Jingyao worked on improving data management processes. “Previously, the team manually transferred data from Google Spreadsheets into other systems. I learned to use software like FME to automate this process, which saved time and improved efficiency,” she explained. She also documented workflows for future team members, ensuring continuity.

At PCL Construction, her role as a Business Systems Analyst Student was more technical and involved maintaining and improving a long-standing HR-related software system used across Canada, the U.S., and Australia. Her work included gathering feedback from users, supporting monthly software updates, and leading communications to help clients adopt new features. “My biggest accomplishment was conducting a gap analysis to understand what features clients wanted in future upgrades and presenting that back to the team,” she said.

What did you learn about yourself while in your co-op work terms?

Jingyao’s biggest personal learning was about balance. “At the beginning, I was really ambitious and thought work had to be my entire life. But after 12 months, I realized work is only part of my life, not all of it. My mentor reminded me that personal time matters too, and I learned to value both work and life outside of work.”

What is one valuable skill you learned that you would not have learned elsewhere?

She highlights workplace interpersonal skills. “At school, you don’t learn how to build ongoing workplace relationships. I learned that small daily interactions matter. If you want help from a manager or colleague, it’s important to maintain the relationship over time. Even a quick chat by the coffee machine can help before you ask for support. That balance of friendliness and professionalism is something I could only learn in the workplace.”

What did you find most surprising about your co-op positions?

For Jingyao, the most surprising aspect of her co-op experience was the warmth of workplace relationships. “I had expected the office environment to feel cold and strictly professional, but it was the opposite. We celebrated birthdays, supported one another, and built connections that felt more like family than just coworkers.”

She also added that adjusting to new systems and communication styles came with challenges, but each one helped her grow more confident and adaptable in a professional setting.

What was your favorite memory?

At the City of Edmonton, Jingyao’s favorite memory was the monthly team lunches with her group of nine colleagues. “It felt like being part of a family, and everyone cared about each other.”

At PCL, she enjoyed the Christmas party, where she could bring friends, enjoy food, and celebrate with the team. “There was even a photo booth, it was such a fun and memorable experience.”

Do you believe networking helped land your position? If so, do you have any tips for students?

While networking didn’t directly land her first work term, Jingyao sees it as essential. “Networking is most helpful when you’re not desperate for a job. If you approach people only when you need something, it creates pressure. Instead, build connections gradually, through coffee chats or follow-ups after an accomplishment. That way, your interactions feel natural and genuine.”

If you could go back and change the past, is there anything you would have done differently during your co-op experience?

“No, I wouldn’t change anything. I did my best, and even mistakes became valuable experiences. Everything that happened taught me something,” she reflected.

What advice would you give to new co-op students or those considering joining the Program?

Jingyao encourages new students to prepare early and seek opportunities proactively. “Be an early bird. Start building experience from your first year, whether it’s through part-time jobs, student clubs, or volunteering. Don’t wait until you need a job to start building your skills.”

She also emphasizes the importance of courage: “Don’t be afraid to ask for opportunities. Sometimes, it’s as simple as being in the right place at the right time, that’s how I became a teaching assistant. If you ask, people will help you.”

Finally, Jingyao hopes her story inspires other international students, especially those who may feel shy. “I know many students hesitate to ask for opportunities because they’re worried about judgment. I want to encourage them - if I can do it, you can too.”

Meet Emily Nguyen, a fifth-year Marketing major at the Alberta School of Business. With co-op work terms at Invest Alberta and the Careers and Work Integrated Learning (CWIL) office at the Alberta School of Business, Emily has built a solid foundation in marketing, communications and event planning, all while discovering how far curiosity and community can take you in the workplace.

What interested you about joining the Co-op Program?

"I knew several people who joined the Co-op Program, including my brother and other students, who found a lot of success through it. I also knew I wanted to gain real-world work experience while I was still a student. Hands-on work is very different from what you learn in the classroom. I wanted to discover what I truly enjoyed (and didn’t) in the real world."

What was the job application process like?

"For my first work term, I wasn’t too strategic. I applied to fewer than 20 jobs, mostly anywhere that simply sounded interesting. It was a pretty straightforward process. “During my first term's job search, I applied to fewer than 20 positions, mostly to roles that sounded interesting. It was a fairly straightforward process.

By the second round, I was more intentional and selective, applying to fewer than 10 positions. When I saw the CWIL posting, I immediately knew that was the one I wanted. It helped that I had a referral, but I also felt more confident and prepared after going through interviews during my first round."

What responsibilities did you have in your co-op terms? Essentially, what did you do?
"At Invest Alberta, I managed social media content across platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube. I also wrote blog posts and other copywriting pieces, and jumped in wherever my team needed support, essentially covering anything under the broader marketing umbrella."
"At the Careers and Work Integrated Learning office, I was heavily involved in event planning, from organizing Career Cafés to coordinating field trips for both undergraduate and MBA students. With CWIL hosting many events throughout the year, there was always something going on! I also helped out wherever needed, and the collaborative nature of the office made it easy to stay engaged and adaptable."

What did you learn about yourself while in co-op?

"I’ve learned that I like to ask a lot of questions. I think I’m just a naturally curious person, and I like to understand why things are the way they are. Through my co-op experiences, I came to realize that this curiosity is actually one of my strengths!"

What is one valuable skill you learned that you would not have learned elsewhere?

"I learned that nobody really knows what they’re doing, even if they seem like they have it all together. As cliché as it sounds, you just have to fake it till you make it. Be confident, even if you’re still figuring it out."

What did you find most surprising about your co-op positions? Were there any unexpected challenges you had to face?

"One thing that surprised me was how important it is to build strong relationships with your coworkers. It makes the workday not only smoother but also genuinely more enjoyable. At CWIL, you could truly feel that everyone genuinely cared, not just about the work, but about each other. That sense of mutual support made it so much easier to collaborate and share ideas, because everyone was invested in each other’s success."

What was your favorite memory at your co-op terms?

"At CWIL, we had a little ‘intern corner.’ I could come into the office every day knowing I had a good group of people to talk to. I could easily pop into someone’s office to ask for help or get feedback, which made the experience not only more enjoyable, but also far more productive."

Do you believe networking helped land your position? If so, do you have any tips for students?

"Absolutely - networking definitely played a role in landing my position at CWIL. I knew someone who had worked there before, and they spoke highly of their experience. That connection had me interested in applying and helped me to understand the role and workplace culture better."

If you could go back and change the past, is there anything you would have done differently during your co-op experience?

"No regrets!"

What advice would you give to new co-op students or those considering joining the program?

"Network! After helping plan career fairs from behind the scenes, I realize how valuable it is to get your name out there. Even if a recruiter or company doesn’t remember you specifically, being able to reference that interaction in your cover letter can really help you stand out.

Get involved as much as possible. Every little piece of experience adds up."

Meet Marlow, a driven and ambitious fifth-year student majoring in Business Economics and Law, with a minor in Finance. Through the Co-op Program, he has been able to explore multiple sectors within the finance industry, from consulting to global markets. With three co-op terms already completed and a clear path ahead, his journey offers key insights for anyone considering the Program! 

What interested you about joining the Co-op Program?

“The opportunity to get experience in various sectors and take calculated risks with my career choices. I’ve lived in three different cities and filled a lot of unique workplace functions. I wouldn't have been able to do this without co-op. I appreciated being able to try many diverse careers in a relatively short time frame.”

What was the job application process like?

“Collectively, I applied to 150-200 postings over every co-op year. I was either attending networking events and meeting employers or doing multiple interview rounds.”

What responsibilities did you have in your co-op terms? Essentially, what did you do?

“My first position was at Mastercard for four months as an Associate Consultant Intern. I focused on data analysis using proprietary software tools. Within this, I visited client sites and presented my analyses. My employer was very good about bringing me out to social events with clients and teammates.”

“At Scotiabank, my role as Sales and Trading Intern was pretty focused on compiling a large amount of market commentary for clients. I wrote daily commentary on oil and gas markets and put together pitch decks for trade ideas for clients to help manage their risks. I also did some trading simulations with people in full-time roles.”

“My latest co-op term was at BMO as a Global Markets Intern. In that role, I did a lot of financial modeling. I worked on project finance transaction models and putting together pitch decks. I met several officials from provincial governments, such as finance ministers, and attended budget events. I did some presenting and a fair amount of coding as well across all of my co-op terms!”

What did you learn about yourself while in your co-op work terms?

“I learned a lot about how to pick up technical skills in the product areas I worked in. Picking up complex topics and learning difficult skills in a short time frame has been a great experience, especially when it comes to understanding the more granular technical things we do in finance. Given I have a lot more technical experience now, I am more confident for my roles in the future.”

What is one valuable skill you learned that you would not have learned elsewhere?

“Learning how to talk to corporate clients in a professional setting; you don’t get much experience with this in school. Understanding how to provide exceptional service is really important, and learning the level of excellence expected is a great skill that has been highly beneficial for my professional endeavours.”

What did you find most surprising about your terms? Were there any unexpected challenges you had to face?

“I have only a limited programming background through school, yet I picked up a position where I had to code in multiple different languages, and sometimes needed to integrate them together. Picking those skills up quickly and realizing how many resources are out there to learn was something that I feel will pay dividends for me in future roles. I’ve been able to push myself through these positions beyond the boundaries of my coursework.”

What was your favorite memory at your co-op terms?

“I had the opportunity to meet several provincial politicians during my time at BMO! I met with the finance ministers of Quebec and Ontario, and got to chat briefly with them and get perspective on government fiscal policies. I had opportunities to meet a lot of cool people with diverse experience across the financial field!”

Do you believe networking helped land your position? If so, do you have any tips for students?

“For two of my positions, yes. It was a mix for me since sometimes I applied knowing no one at the company. For Scotiabank, I met a recruiter at a networking event. It is extremely helpful, and there is nothing wrong with networking. It’s important to utilize the resources the school gives you, so go to events and take part in things around campus.” 

“Also, keep in mind how you are presenting yourself because finance is a very small world and you never know how your reputation will come back to help or hurt you in the future.”

If you could go back and change the past, is there anything you would have done differently during your co-op experience?

“No; I’ve taken a pretty good path and discovered what I’m interested in. I have a great idea of what I want to do in the future. Even if a co-op term doesn’t reflect precisely what I end up doing in my career after graduation, the skills are always very transferable.”

What advice would you give to new co-op students or those considering joining the program?

“There are a lot of people I know who enter internships knowing exactly what they want, but don’t be afraid to take risks and try things outside of your comfort zone. Making use of your ability to try jobs where you won’t be judged for jumping around is a privilege; it’s the only time you’ll really be able to do that. Make sure you're not discounting yourself to one level of job or profession. Apply for positions that you don’t think you’re qualified for. Most students applying for internships ultimately have similar skills and experiences, so just shoot for the moon because you don’t know what will fall into your lap.”

Meet Grace Whiteley, a 5th-year Finance Major pursuing a Bilingual Bachelor of Commerce, who has experienced significant personal and professional growth throughout her academic and career journey through Co-op. Grace completed a 12-month position as an Investment Analyst at Invico Capital Corporation in Calgary, where she gained invaluable experience in finance and investment analysis. This opportunity allowed her to explore various industries, build technical skills, and clarify her career path!

What interested you about joining the co-op program?

“I think the biggest draw for me was being able to leave university with actual professional experience. When you're heading into the workforce, that’s invaluable. It’s not just about having the skills on paper but being able to put them into practice. During my co-op, I was exposed to so many areas in finance that I didn’t even know existed! Now, I’m taking classes that directly align with what I did in my co-op, and it feels like I’m set up for success.”

What was the job application process like?

“It was kind of unique. I originally applied for a regular analyst position meant for post-grads, but even though they were looking for someone long-term, they thought I could be a good fit. I made a case for why they should consider a co-op student instead of someone full-time, and I reached out to a connection on LinkedIn. After pitching my idea, they got back to me pretty quickly.”

Grace explains she took extra time to help prepare for the intensity of finance interviews. She had a behavioral interview with two VPs, which was easier since her finance classes prepared her for technical questions After a one-hour Excel test that gave her insight into the company’s work, she had the final interview. Since she had networked with someone from the company beforehand, it made the process smoother.

“Being bilingual definitely helped too; it really makes a difference when you’re job-hunting in Alberta!”

What responsibilities did you have during your co-op?

Grace’s first position involved a lot of investment analysis. She analyzed pitch decks from various financial advisors and investment banks for potential opportunities. This gave her exposure to many different industries, which she found eye-opening. She helped build business cases for investment and was also responsible for monitoring existing investments bytracking contracts and changes to ensure companies could make their payments on time.

“As time went on, my responsibilities grew. I was able to take on a bigger role after some changes in the team, which was both exciting and a bit intimidating at first.”

What did you learn about yourself during the co-op?

“I learned a lot about adaptability. I worked with a wide range of teams, from marketing to finance, and realized how important it is to communicate differently depending on who you’re talking to. It’s also key to stay in touch with the people you work with—you never know what you might learn from someone else.”

What’s one valuable skill you learned that you wouldn’t have learned elsewhere?

“Definitely contract reading. I got a lot of exposure to in-depth financial contracts. We’d have to go back to our loan agreements frequently, and I really enjoyed it. It’s not something you typically dive into in a classroom setting, so I feel lucky to have had that experience.”

What was the most surprising part of your co-op? Were there any unexpected challenges?

"I was honestly surprised by how hard work can really translate into getting more responsibility. I didn't expect them to trust a co-op student with such sophisticated tasks, but I think once I got a chance to prove my abilities, they really trusted me. It felt like I was really contributing, which was a breath of fresh air as a student."

One of the biggest challenges for Grace was mastering the technical aspects, particularly financial models and instruments. Private and secondary credit are areas that many students, including herself, aren’t familiar with, making it a steep learning curve.

Do you have a favorite memory from your co-op?

“I remember going into my first investment meeting where I was super nervous, which isn’t like me. But after pitching an investment opportunity, I came out feeling really proud. It was a moment of validation for all the hard work I’d put in.

We also had a ski trip to Lake Louise with the team. That was so much fun, and a great way to bond with my coworkers outside of work!”

Do you think networking helped you land the position? Any tips for other students?

“Absolutely. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have gotten the job without networking. My main advice is to be genuine. Don’t overthink it -just approach people with a real interest in learning from them. People can tell when you’re reaching out for the right reasons and it makes a difference. “

If you could go back and change anything about your co-op experience, would you?

“I’d probably ask more questions at the start. I was a bit hesitant because I didn’t want to seem like I didn’t know what I was doing, but asking questions shows you’re engaged and eager to learn. If I’d done that earlier, I think I would’ve felt more confident in the beginning.”

What advice would you give to new co-op students or those considering joining the program?

“Co-op is an amazing experience if you really dive into it. It’s a big change from school, but in a good way. It’s your chance to prove to yourself what you’ve learned so far and figure out what interests you. It also helps you narrow down the direction you want to take in your career, which is incredibly valuable.”

Meet Carter Ison, a fourth-year OM major, whose quest for self-discovery led him through a rewarding co-op journey in which he gained valuable insights into the professional world! With experiences as a Project Coordinator at SAT Consulting & Construction and a Consulting Analyst at MNP, Carter recognized his true potential and feels more confident entering the workforce post-graduation. 

What interested Carter about joining the Co-op Program?

After taking a gap year after high school to unwind and explore potential career paths, Carter was intrigued by his friends' professional journeys kickstarted by their participation in co-op programs. Initially pursuing a finance major, Carter's journey has been his path of continual evolution, with his gap year and co-op experiences playing crucial roles in his personal and professional growth. 

What were your job responsibilities while on your co-op work terms? 

At Carter’s position at SAT Consulting & Construction Inc. as  Project Coordinator Intern, he was given a lot of responsibility ranging from creating proposal documents to negotiating work with other companies, and helping to manage projects on a daily basis. He described this varied experience as “great for learning.”  

As anticipated, Carter’s job hunt was more straightforward the second time around when he landed an 8-month co-op at MNP as a Consulting Analyst! In this role, he got the opportunity to tackle a wide range of assignments, from completing a market analysis for a small company to change management support for the provincial government! His OM knowledge proved valuable, particularly in data analysis, proposal development, client presentations, and crafting reports and surveys. 

What did you learn about yourself while on your co-op work terms?

“I realized that I was capable of far more than I initially thought. Coming into the co-op program without professional experience, I doubted my qualifications. But once entering the workforce, I was pleasantly surprised to find that I was not just seen as a co-op student but a valuable team member given a decent amount of responsibility.”

What was your greatest accomplishment during your co-op positions?

Carter described that while at SAT Consulting & Construction, he independently wrote a 30-page proposal worth $170,000 for a demolition project near Fort McMurray. 

He took this challenge head-on with little to no experience writing a report of this magnitude. From crafting content to adding visual flair, he felt an incredible sense of accomplishment. In addition, Carter’s proposal ended up being selected by the client, beating over 30 other companies that submitted proposals for the same project!

What advice would you give to new co-op students or those considering joining the program?

"I wouldn't be where I am without the co-op program. It's given me access to such an amazing network of employers and the confidence to enter the workforce after graduating." 

Meet Malcolm Scott, a fifth-year Operations Management major and this year's President of the Cooperative Education Students' Association (CESA). 

"Wondering why I joined CESA? Well, my co-op coordinator suggested getting more involved on campus, and CESA seemed like the perfect fit. I wanted to help students going through situations similar to mine."

What interested Malcolm in joining the Co-op Program?

During the week of welcome orientation, Malcolm's campus tour guide turned out to be a business co-op student, who introduced him to the Program, leading Malcolm to eagerly apply at the end of his first year. From there, co-op allowed him to develop his transferable and technical skills that are critical as a business student, as well as how to write a resume, prepare for an interview, and more!

What was Malcolm’s recruitment process like?

Starting his second year, with limited experience and connections, he applied to over 50 positions but was unsuccessful. Undeterred, Malcolm, taking the advice of his co-op coordinator, rebounded by redirecting his energy into campus involvement, joining clubs like CESA.

Armed with newfound experiences and connections, Malcolm relaunched his job search at the start of his third year with the odds were much more in his favour. He secured an 8-month co-op work term as a Data Analyst Intern at Solution 105 Consulting LTD. He felt a  compelling cover letter mentioning a connection he had made with someone in the company set him apart. Not too long after, Malcolm landed his next co-op position as a Business Intelligence Analyst at KAG Canada, where he still works part-time. 

“The journey was tough, but those twists and turns led me to some incredible opportunities!”

What did you learn about yourself while in your co-op work term?

"I wanted to be a consultant. I thought it was the dream, but I found out it wasn't for me. I realized that I need to have something tangible, where I get to see the end result, not just write a report on how to get there. That's why I really enjoy working at KAG Canada, where I get to see the results of my efforts, and if it weren't for Co-op, I wouldn't have come to that realization."

How did co-op align with your academic and career goals?

"My co-op work terms weren't just jobs; they were a hands-on extension of my OM classes, giving life to the theories I'd learned in the classroom. As someone who dreams of owning my own business one day, the Business Co-op Program allowed me to get a taste of businesses of all sizes, from start-ups to large corporations, and figure out where I fit in and where I see myself heading."

What unexpected challenges did you face during your co-op work terms?

“Interpersonal communication was my biggest challenge and biggest win. You have to learn how to be a good communicator, especially when working with so many different kinds of people and areas of business. It can be difficult at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s smooth sailing!”

What advice would you give to new co-op students or those considering joining the program?

"Don't stress about finishing your degree in four years! I took five, and it was the best decision for me. I gained a ton of different experiences and opportunities" and "When it comes to co-op, connect with your coordinator. Get to know them not just on a professional level, but as a person."

In a sea of enticing job opportunities, Daniel caught the perfect role for him! Daniel Sune, a 4th-year newly declared Marketing major, decided to take a chance that helped him secure his first co-op position as the inaugural Work and Integrated Learning Intern for the CWIL office in the Alberta School of Business!

What interested Daniel about joining the Co-op Program?

"Co-op has always been on my radar. What intrigued me the most was the idea of opportunities that I didn't even know existed, and I knew Co-op would help me get my foot in the door to finding a career and learning what I want to do." 

Like many students straight out of high school, Daniel grappled with uncertainty about his academic path. With a vague inclination toward Business, he landed on majoring in Business Studies. It wasn't until his first co-op position that he "finally pulled the trigger" and solidified his decision to major in Marketing, and hasn't looked back since! 

What led Daniel to apply to the co-op positions he secured?

Freshly admitted to the Co-op Program, Daniel occasionally browsed Career Connect, applying for roles here and there. One day, while walking to class, Daniel received a call from an unknown number. Hesitant to answer, he picked up the call and was greeted with congratulations on successfully landing an interview. Before he knew it, he was heading towards the CWIL office in the Alberta School of Business, stepping into his new role as the first-ever Work and Integrated Learning Intern! Pioneering his way through this position, Daniel has spearheaded different projects, trying to find easier ways for other students to navigate their way while in the Co-op Program. He’s been collecting and organizing data, introducing data visualization tools, and creating a bi-weekly enewsletter for co-op students about upcoming employer events, job opportunities, and much more!

What did Daniel learn about himself while on his co-op work term? 

Like forming a good study routine, Daniel figured out a workflow that maximized his productivity. Over time he learned how to effectively prioritize his tasks and handle any roadblocks, all while managing to take breaks to rejuvenate his energy. 

What was an unexpected challenge he’s had to overcome?

Sometimes all we need is a nudge in the right direction to help us push out of our comfort zones. Daniel explains he's "not a very outspoken person by nature," but this co-op position has allowed him to break out of his shell. The communication element of his role was "definitely challenging at first," however, over time he’s learned how to come across as an effective writer and enhanced his interpersonal relationship skills both in and outside of the workplace. 

What advice would Daniel give to new co-op students or those considering joining the program?

“To those considering joining co-op, I highly encourage you to! It makes finding a job so much easier than if you were on your own.” 

and

“I encourage other co-op students to jump at opportunities for work, whether that is applying for any kind of position that they're interested in, or within their current co-op work term, and being willing to take on any projects or assignments that come along as good learning opportunities.”

Hoping to work in business since he was a kid, his childhood dreams slowly became a reality. Reese Au, a 4th year Accounting major began his job hunting process as a student in the Fall of 2022 and, in the very next semester, gained the title of Assurance Associate at PwC! 

What interested Reese about joining the Co-op program?

Inspired by his friends in Engineering along with the encouragement from his dad, Reese applied to co-op as a means to explore how he could utilize his classroom knowledge in a real world setting, and is grateful that he did. 

What led him apply to the Co-op positions he secured?

While attending a ‘Big 4’ CPA Panel event, Reese was captivated by the stories shared by CPAs about their time in Accounting. Among them, Reese found himself resonating with PwC’s’s core values. Eager to explore this further, Reese researched PwC and began connecting with professionals within the company. His networking efforts proved worthwhile, and he soon earned the title of Assurance Associate at PwC, landing an 8-month co-op position! He spent his days working in the Asset and Wealth Management sector, diligently working to help prevent material misstatement, detect fraud, and provide assurance to stakeholders. 

What did Reese learn about himself during his work term? 

“I’ve learned that I like being in challenging environments—ones that I can adapt to, as they give me something to consistently improve on. I need to be in an environment that’s constantly changing, and find myself enjoying taking on more responsibility.”

What was Reese's favorite workplace memory?

Reese remembers a cherished memory of the time where he attended the Connect’23 Conference in Calgary. There he got the privilege of meeting some incredible individuals within PwC. Apart from having the opportunity to listen to others' experiences within the company, he enjoyed watching others showcase their incredible karaoke skills, and looked forward to attending more team building events in the future. 

How did co-op align with Reese's academic and career goals?

“As an accounting major with a finance minor, my co-op position aligned perfectly with my professional aspirations. During my co-op term, I worked in the asset wealth management sector, where my primary focus was auditing diverse investment portfolios. This experience allowed me to leverage the knowledge I gained in my accounting and finance classes, providing me with a deep understanding of how to handle and assess different investments and financial assets, and ultimately reinforcing my passion for both. 

What advice would Reese give to new co-op students or those considering joining the program? 

“When selecting co-op positions, it's crucial to find a workplace that aligns with your career goals and future aspirations. To determine this, take a proactive approach during your job search and delve into the qualities and values of potential employers. Discover what genuinely interests you and where you can apply your skillset to gain practical knowledge, develop crucial skills, and build a strong career foundation. Lastly, embrace stepping out of your comfort zone and take on new challenges."

With an ambitious mindset and approach to life, Mahek Co-op's story illustrates her unwavering determination to forge her own path to achieve her goals. Mahek Seth, a 5th-year Finance student, shares the tumultuous journey that allowed her to land her first Co-op position at Deloitte, Vancouver as a Tax Analyst.

We asked Mahek what interested her about joining the Co-op program.

As an international student from India, Mahek had limited experience and knowledge regarding entering the Finance industry in Canada. She recognized the value of the support of a Co-op coordinator, including obtaining access to resources, getting connected with employers, and helping to navigate Canadian work environments. 

We asked Mahek what led her to apply to her Co-op work terms and about her workplace experience. 

From the beginning of her job search, Mahek had only one goal—to find a job in Finance, particularly one in one of the top finance or accounting firms. Senior students and employers she previously networked with advised her to submit numerous job applications, but Mahek decided to chart her own course. She focused on quality over quantity and eventually secured an 8-month co-op position at Deloitte as a Tax Analyst. Although it wasn't specifically a finance-focused position, she knew that taking on an accounting role would be foundationally beneficial to her career, especially when working for a company like Deloitte. Mahek knew she would be able to gain visibility within the business community and the exposure to grow professionally and personally. 

What did Mahek learn about herself while on her co-op placements?

She noticed herself flourishing when working in a team environment and prioritizing work-life balance. Her work ethic and personality enabled her to thrive in fast-paced environments which resulted in her pursuit of working with the finance advisory team. From there she not only developed valuable leadership skills, including hosting corporate events, but also fulfilled her initial goal of gaining experience in Finance.

We asked Mahek what she has learned about the Canadian workplace culture that she finds different from her country of origin?

Canadian workplace culture, from her experience, tends to be incredibly inclusive with a diverse set of employees. They emphasize the importance of work-life balance and healthy work environments, where Mahek said she always felt that her voice was heard and treated like an equal. 

When asked, what advice would she give to new Co-op students or those considering joining the program?

“Get inspiration but pave your own path. There is no one way of doing things or reaching a goal. The key is to seek growth and prepare yourself for the opportunities that will take you to the next level." and “Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Everybody is willing to help you succeed even if they are strangers to you.” 

Although Annie Tan completed a degree in Finance and took part in the Co-op program, with work terms at IMPAPER and AltaML, her trajectory was far from linear. Following encouragement from ASoB Alumni and a desire to gain professional experience, Annie took a chance and opened herself up to unexpected opportunities that ultimately led her to learn more about herself. Primarily applying to Finance opportunities with the odd Accounting and HR roles, she took a chance and secured her first internship as a Marketing Operations and Growth Intern at IMPAPER, a position she learned a lot from and extended to a part-time position. Continuing on the trend of learning, Annie went on to her third Co-op term with AltaML, an AI/ML technology company.

We asked Annie what interested her about joining the Co-op program.

She first heard about Co-op from ASoB Alumni who had gone through the program and recommended it. Initially, she wasn’t sure if she had the credits she needed to apply, but a quick meeting with the CWIL office confirmed she met the criteria. With 3 days left to the application deadline, she applied immediately and got in! She knew she would have to take the lead on securing Co-op terms herself. However, she appreciated her Co-op Coordinator’s guidance.

We asked Annie what led her to apply to her Co-op work terms and about her workplace experience. 

Annie began applying for Co-op terms early on in the process. However, she felt she didn’t have enough work experience to compete for Finance roles and focused on other areas of her major instead. Through her job search, she found IMPAPER, a social enterprise in the paper-goods industry, and enjoyed the social impact of the company while allowing her to expand her horizons in Marketing. 

Taking on the remote role of Marketing Operations Growth Intern at IMPAPER, Annie learned a lot about smaller businesses' challenges. Through her first term, Annie was responsible for B2B outreach, helping with operations, creating campaigns, logistics, and quantitative data compiling. Annie chose to extend her internship into a second work term. With her finance background, flexibility in her role and IMPAPER being a smaller business, her responsibilities extended into finance, allowing her to take on additional financial tasks. Overall, she enjoyed watching a small business grow, the entrepreneurial spirit, and being a part of a friendly office culture. 

After getting a taste for Marketing, she learned Finance wasn’t the right fit upon returning to a year of classes. With this personal insight, Annie continued her final Co-op job search with marketing and business analysis in mind, before finding a great fit at AltaML and declining a Finance related role in the process. 

Through her third and final Co-op term at AltaML, Annie learned about consulting, project management and helping create solutions for other businesses. She gained experience in conducting industry research and explored innovative ways to generate value by measuring it through KPIs. She also had the ability to expand her knowledge by learning and working on projects in new industries. In all, she learned her passion for quantitative work and analysis with creative problem solving, thus tying in her finance background.

We asked Annie what she learned about herself while on her Co-op work terms.

In short, Annie learned about career exploration. Having veered from her initial path in Finance, she found her passion for having a strong balance of creative and quantitative work and challenging herself in new industries.

We asked Annie what workplace accomplishment or skill she is most proud of.

Thanks to her diverse work experience, she is proud to have developed strong communication skills. Initially, she looked to improve her professional communication. However, with prolonged exposure to new projects and working alongside collaborative teams, she gained a greater ability to put her skills into practice. 

When asked, what advice would she give to new Co-op students or those considering joining the program?

“Don’t be afraid to reach out to those around you for help and utilize the resources available to Co-op students” and to "try out roles you didn’t expect to see yourself in, you learn so much about yourself through work experience.”

A piece of advice that Business Co-op student, Holly Bilinski, has for new co-op students is “don’t be afraid to take risks”. Holly finds that “some of the best opportunities come from outside of your comfort zone”. Her journey into co-op is a great example of just that. Holly worked for a small tech company located in the hamlet of Villeneuve called Pegasus for her three work terms. While her position may be considered unconventional, she was able to take on multiple responsibilities from providing accounting and administrative support to eventually taking on a leadership role as Key Account Manager for Emergency Management for the company. 

Holly initially applied for co-op “to get a jumpstart on professional experience while completing [her] degree”. As a major in Natural Resources, Energy and the Environment, Holly was not looking for what might be considered a traditional business job. But during her job search, she found what turned into a great fit at Pegasus. Pegasus uses aerospace technology like drones to gather environmental data to aid governments and industry in decision making. Their technology has been used to help detect early wildfires, and track and monitor species in a non-invasive manner. 

Holly is proud to have been a part of a company that is taking action in addressing climate change. One of her most satisfying accomplishments has been her role in helping Pegasus receive a multi-million dollar grant from Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC). She was a part of the grant writing team and helped in the application process from start to finish and was integral to its success. 

Her co-op experience with Pegasus  has inspired Holly to work towards reaching a senior leadership position. As a manager in the company, she enjoyed exploring the responsibilities associated with leadership, an opportunity she believes she would not have gotten this early if she was not in co-op. When asked about what advice she would give to students interested in pursuing co-op she had this to say:

“To prospective co-op students, joining the co-op program has been the best decision I have made towards advancing my personal and professional development.”

Through the Co-Operative Education program, accounting student Red Enorme has had the opportunity to boost his resume and define his career goals — all while studying. Through work accounting experiences at both Kingston Ross Pasnak (KRP) and Deloitte, he’s gained a wealth of knowledge.

“At KRP and Deloitte, I was responsible for preparing compilations, reviews, and audit engagements, as well as personal and corporate tax returns, which allowed me to learn about the different kinds of businesses and industries that the firms provide services to,” he said of his experiences. “Because I was constantly learning and taking on new challenges, my co-op experience has opened a lot of doors for me.”

When asked what made the Co-op program worth it, he said “...being able to take on a variety of projects and tasks on my work terms and having that hands-on experience allowed me to define my career path and set personal and professional goals for myself in the short term and long term.”

For BCom Finance student Hanna Luu, the Cooperative Education program has reaffirmed that she is on the right academic path.

“I think being in the Co-op program gives a substantial meaning to why I chose to pursue the finance field in the first place,” she said. “Co-op is all about the experience and what it feels like to work in the area you're interested in, and that's exactly what I get.”

Her first Co-op placement was with world-renowned AstraZeneca Canada, where she was a procurement and finance intern during the summer of 2021. During the Fall and Winter of 2021-2022, she worked at the City of Edmonton as a business analyst Co-op student.

“It was a humbling yet memorable experience to be a part of an amazing team [at AstraZeneca] and working diligently behind the success of a multinational pharmaceutical, especially amidst a pandemic,” said Hanna. “For my second Co-op, I had the chance to learn about the workings of a public municipality like the City of Edmonton and contribute my skills and knowledge to analyzing Business problems facing the city.”

Before finishing her final year at the U of A, Hanna will be joining the Alberta Investments Management Corporation (AIMCo) as a business technology, derivatives operations summer student.

“This is an experience that I'm particularly excited about since I have been interested in learning about this type of financial instrument ever since I've been interested in finance itself,” Hanna said of her placement with AIMCo. “If it weren't for the Co-op program and the insightful and honest, professional career advice from my Co-op advisor, all this experience would be absent from my university years.”

When asked what advice she would give to a student considering the program, here is what Hanna had to say:

“If I were to give a tiny bit of advice to prospective Co-op students, I'd say it's really important to diversify your network and portfolio of experience. We never know where the future might take us, so treasure your connections and don't be afraid to reach out to people leading the job of your dream.”

Muneeb Ahsan’s post-secondary journey has been anything but conventional. Despite changing three majors, two degrees and three cities since joining the University of Alberta, the Alberta School of Business bachelor of commerce student said joining the Cooperative Education Program has been the most exciting and rewarding experience yet. Muneeb said the program allows you to be “comfortable being uncomfortable,” relating real-life experiences to classroom settings.

Here’s what he has to say about his Co-op experience:

Being a co-op student at Enbridge has allowed me to understand the information technology industry, consulting sector and the inner workings of an energy company — all while having the opportunity to be part of projects which would impact millions of people. I had the opportunity to lead a team of 30 Co-op students in a collaborative, silo-busting and skill-building data labeling pilot program at the Technology + Innovation Lab which increased the overall process efficiency by 80 per cent by training a machine learning model using Artificial Intelligence. During this time, I also won the Co-op Student of the Year Award and got more involved at the School of Business as a digital consultant and teaching assistant.

Meet Raghav, a fifth-year Finance major and Marketing minor at the Alberta School of Business, who has completed three co-op work terms across the public and private sectors. From preparing financial statements at RBC Capital Markets, to managing performance analytics at AIMCo, and building dashboards for the City of Edmonton, Raghav’s co-op journey is a testament to the power of hands-on learning and saying yes to new challenges.

What interested you about joining the Co-op Program?

"Joining the program appealed to me because it gave me the chance to work at an actual firm and to get exposure to what life after university will look like. It helped prepare me for the challenges I’ll encounter after graduation and helped me become more productive academically as well. It also showed me how to interact with my fellow employees and how to engage in a professional setting."

What was the job application process like?

"It was quite interesting! It was my first time exploring CareerConnect and LinkedIn. I applied to tons of jobs at first. The application process felt like it came in stages: starting off, improving, and then putting my best foot forward. Each interview gave me feedback I could use the next time.

Networking was a big help, it gave me a better understanding of what employers are looking for. The interview process in finance can be unpredictable, with different types of questions each time, so staying current on financial markets and industry terminology really mattered. It was a learning curve, but each application and interview made me feel more prepared.”

What responsibilities did you have in your co-op work terms? Essentially, what did you do?

"At the City of Edmonton, I was responsible for the E-Park zones. I built a dashboard on Tableau to track revenues and analyzed data trends. I also worked directly with the public to resolve conflicts and made sure all the parking machines were functioning properly."

"At AIMCo, I managed portfolio dashboards for clients across asset classes such as  real estate, private equity, and fixed income. I told performance stories through reports and worked with automation and AI tools for client reporting. In the finance systems team, we calculated daily net asset values and adjusted for errors or events like stock splits."

"During my time with RBC Capital Markets, we prepared monthly financial statements in line with IIROC requirements and calculated margins on trades to ensure compliance. I also worked on a project analyzing financial statements of various companies to classify them correctly for margining and reporting purposes. It was interesting reading through statements and collaborating with cross-functional teams."

What did you learn about yourself while on your co-op work terms?

"I learned that I can present well, even to Vice Presidents, and that I’m capable of much more than I thought. I pushed myself to work longer hours when needed and found that I actually thrive in competitive environments, in a healthy way. I also discovered how important it is to ask questions and stay connected with your team. There are no silly questions when you're just starting! Just be professional and ask away."

What is one valuable skill you learned that you would not have learned elsewhere?

"For soft skills, definitely communication. It’s very important to know how to express ideas clearly in a professional environment and manage challenges. On the technical side, I learned Power BI and advanced Excel. I got really comfortable working with large data sets and learned how to analyze them efficiently."

What did you find most surprising about your co-op terms? Were there any unexpected challenges you had to face?

"Something that really surprised me was how supportive my managers were. They encouraged me to grow personally and professionally, welcomed my ideas, and gave me real responsibilities. One of them even ended up being my case competition judge, which was such a cool full-circle moment!"

What was your favorite memory at your co-op work terms?

"At RBC, we had a symposium where interns were put into random groups and had to solve a problem in just fifteen minutes. I love presenting, so that challenge was exciting. I also really enjoyed the student orientation and networking events. RBC is so big with so many departments, and the connections I made there were incredible."

Do you believe networking helped land your position? If so, do you have any tips for students?

"Networking didn’t directly land me a job, but it helped me understand what recruiters and managers are looking for. Talking to people who’ve been in the industry helps you figure out where you want to go.

Case competitions were also amazing for networking. I think networking should be about learning, not just getting a job. It’s a way to stand out and build real one-on-one relationships."

If you could go back and change the past, is there anything you would have done differently during your co-op experience?

"I don’t think I’d change much. Maybe just start earlier and ask even more questions in all my roles. But overall, I’ve grown so much. It’s been a rollercoaster, but being passionate and eager to learn really made my co-op journey successful."

What advice would you give to new co-op students or those considering joining the program?

"Don’t get discouraged by rejections. Resilience is key! Keep networking, show up for experiential learning events, and take every opportunity to talk to people in the field you’re interested in. Communication can set you apart and it’s not just about having skills, it’s about how you connect."