7 ways the Co-op Program helps students to get jobs, get experience, and get paid!

By University Advancement and Communications Posted: May 19, 2021 10:00 a.m.

Abdul Ikweiri is a third-year finance student in the Paul J. Hill School of Business who keeps busy with his classes, volunteering in the community, and as a member of the Hill Business Students' Society.

To help pay for his education and living expenses, Abdul has worked a number of different jobs. To advance his career, Abdul joined the U of R's Co-op Program and landed a position as a Junior Auditor with the Ministry of Finance.

We caught up with Abdul who just finished his work-from-home Co-op term to chat about his experience and why joining the Co-op Program was a great choice.

1. Build your resume while still in university.

Since high school, I have been working part of full time, but never a job that was directly setting me up for my future career. I knew that building relationships and experience would be essential for my resume for after graduation, so I thought, "why not join the Co-op Program?"

2. The Co-op Program will help you land a job and make $.

When COVID-19 started to take its toll, it was very challenging for students to find work. With the help of the Co-op program, I was able to stay motivated and land my job within the Ministry of Finance.

3. Find your passion.

With the Co-op Program you get to try different jobs throughout three work terms, get an understanding of your profession, and most importantly set yourself up for future success after graduation.

4. Experiential learning will help you in the classroom, too.

Getting real-world experience has been a huge help to my studies. I'm a big advocate for supplementing your education with experiential learning, and the Co-op Program has really helped me in the classroom.

5. Get a leg-up on other students.

Many students don't understand how fast-paced the work can get. Getting experience in this environment has been a huge advantage, and given me a foot-in-the-door once I'm ready to graduate.

6. Your network is your net worth.

They always say, "It's not what you know - but who you know." With the Co-op Program, I've been able to meet so many amazing people in the industry who will be able to help me once I am closer to graduation.

7. It's a great experience.
   
   I have liked my placement a lot! The people are great, and my supervisors and team members are very supportive. I recommend the Co-op program to all students!

Benefits of Co-operative Education:

• Earn while you learn: Co-op students earn on average $12,400 per four-month placement or as much as $50K to pay for their education.
• Explore career options: Co-op students apply what they learn in the classroom to the workplace and then in turn become stronger students by applying what is learned in the workplace to academic studies.
• Develop a network of contacts in your field: Most Co-op students have permanent job offers from their employers prior to graduation.

Co-op Programs are offered in: Liberal Arts, Business Administration, Engineering & Applied Science and Science (over 50 programs @ U of R). There are also formal partnerships in place with La Cité, Graduate Studies and UR International

To learn more about the Co-op Program, click here.