U of R’s Co-op Program: get experience, get paid, and get hired
Posted: April 29, 2021 1:00 p.m.
Students who participate in the Co-op Program gain career related experiential learning, build relationships with employers, and earn money to support their education. UAC
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| Bahiyyih Mehregani Photo provided by Bahiyyih |
For more than 50 years, the University’s Co-operative Education and Internships Program, or Co-op Program, has provided valuable work placement experiences for thousands of U of R students. Students who participate in the Co-op program gain career related experiential learning, build relationships with employers, and earn money to support their education.
Bahiyyih Mehregani, a fourth-year accounting student in the Paul J. Hill School of Business, is one of the many success stories from the Co-op Program. She has been recognized as one of the school’s top performers through the Accounting Fellowship Program, the Dean’s List, and several scholarships, and believes the Co-op Program has greatly enhanced her U of R student experience.
Currently working in her third-and-final Co-op placement as an Accounting Intern with Dudley & Company Chartered Accountants LLP, Bahiyyih discussed how the program has set herself up for career success.
Explore career options while you are a student.
“The Co-op Program gives you a chance to try out different positions within your field without a sense of obligation to stay if it is not a great fit,” said Bahiyyih. “With three work terms, you have the opportunity to get a sense of what you really want to do for work.”
| Co-op students alternate work and study semesters for the last three years of their program or complete an internship between their third and fourth year of study. |
Co-op students can find their passion.“Based on my experiences, and realizing what I want to focus on career wise, I have found the Co-op Program helpful in choosing which university courses I want to take to help further develop my skills,” said Bahiyyih.
Gain valuable experience in the field.
“By participating in the Co-op Program, I have been able to apply my classroom knowledge in a real-work application,” Bahiyyih stated. “I knew that participating would be a chance to jump start my career and help give me an edge against other applicants when I graduate.”
| Students have obtained more than 27,000 work placements and earned $330 million (in 2021 dollars) in salaries since the founding of the U of R’s Co-op Program. |
Co-op students get a leg-up in the job market.“The work I am doing is very relevant to my future career and I am learning a lot through this hands-on experience,” stated Bahiyyih. “Once I graduate and start my career, this will be a tremendous advantage.”
Develop a network of contacts.
“You have a chance to practice what you have learned in class, gain new skills, and get a chance to work closely with professionals in your field,” said Bahiyyih. “You can only benefit from the work experience as it is a great way to get your foot-in-the-door at many different companies.”
Build career confidence.
“My confidence in my abilities to perform in this field have blossomed and I don’t feel nearly as intimidated when I think about launching my career,” Bahiyyih stated.
| Despite the challenges caused by COVID-19, 759 students obtained work placements through the Co-op Program in 2020. This represents 87% of pre-pandemic placements. |
Participating in the Co-op Program helps students to get hired.
“I already have a couple of job offers for when I graduate, which is something that would not be possible without my participation in the Co-op Program,” said Bahiyyih.
Taking advantage of the Co-op Program will help you make the most of the university experience.
“To anyone who is thinking about applying to the Co-op Program, do it,” exclaimed Bahiyyih. “I have had nothing but positive experiences and truly think that it is something all U of R students should get involved with.”
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