Co-op Experience: Sponsored Employee (Resource Development) at United Way of Halton & Hamilton

Could you please share some of your thoughts on your co-op experience?

This role was incredibly diverse, eye-opening, and rewarding. It required a great deal of flexibility and commitment to fully experience everything the position offered. Working at a non-profit is challenging, but it also allows you to see the direct impact of your work and know that you are truly making a difference, no matter how small a task may seem.

Co-op has truly been the most valuable way for me to access the resources needed to gain real, meaningful work experience. I initially found it challenging to break into co-op roles without prior connections. I wasn’t sure where to look for opportunities, found networking intimidating, and felt uncertain about how to create a professional resume.

Being part of the co-op program helped me focus on and overcome each of those challenges. It provided guidance, structure, and opportunities I never imagined I would have access to. Entering the job market felt completely new to me, but co-op helped me grow both professionally and personally and gain an understanding of what it means to work in a professional environment. I would strongly recommend this program to anyone who is serious about gaining work experience yet is unsure of where to begin.

Co-op Experience: Municipal Law Enforcement Officer Student at City of Hamilton

Could you please share some of your thoughts on your co-op experience?

As a Municipal Law Enforcement Officer for the City of Hamilton, I learned a lot about who I am and what kind of worker I want to be. At first, the weight of my duties was scary, but I quickly learned how to handle them with confidence and professionalism.

I represented the City calmly and responsibly all the time, whether through calming down disagreements on busy trails, working with 911 and Animal Control, or just being the person people went to for answers. This experience made me even more determined to become a law enforcement officer or work for the federal government.

I would tell future co-op students to take on responsibility, ask questions, and not be afraid of tasks.

Co-op Experience: Event Coordinator at MitoCanada

Could you please share some of your thoughts on your co-op experience?

I learnt that my personality and who I am is my biggest strength, and that I should be better at trusting myself when I handle challenging tasks.

My co-op work term has definitely made me think of pursuing a career in non-profit, charitable organizations that focus on grassroots advocacy.

I would advise students to apply to a Social Science co-op program due to the amazing and helpful staff that help you step by step.

Co-op Experience: Operations Supervisor at Downtown Hamilton Business Improvement Area (BIA)

Could you please share some of your thoughts on your co-op experience?

During this co-op experience I was able to gain confidence in communicating with others, the fast-paced environment helped reduce my overthinking, and I was able to step outside of my comfort zone. I learned that I could accomplish tasks that initially seemed impossible with focus and guidance.

Furthermore, this being my first job was an important milestone, and I’m proud of this opportunity, from working in a new environment to receiving my first paycheck. It was meaningful to be the first among my siblings to work and see my parents become proud of my efforts.

While some responsibilities were challenging, the experiences from this job made me realize I prefer administrative, seated work over physically demanding tasks, allowing me to clarify my career preferences.

Co-op Experience: Financially Assisted Social Prescribing Assistant at Canadian Red Cross

Could you please share some of your thoughts on your co-op experience?

Thinking back on my co-op experience, I find myself feeling a deep sense of gratitude.  I think the biggest thing I learned about myself during this experience is that I should never underestimate my skills and potential.

The advice I would give to any Social Sciences student who is considering applying to the program, I would say to go for it! I will not lie and say that it will be easy, but it a worthwhile experience. Not only will you build resilience and grow your network, but you will be graduating with valuable experience that will help set you apart.

Co-op Experience: Licensing and Regulatory Analyst at Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA)

Could you please share some of your thoughts on your co-op experience?

My 8-month co-op experience at the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) opened my eyes to the abundance of roles available in the workforce. I was not aware of the world of licensing, compliance, and regulation however, I loved it! My co-op experience allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone, challenge myself to learn new things, and excel at it!

Through various projects I have worked on such as statistical analysis, presentations, memos, creating the fiscal report, and issuing licences, I have contributed to FSRA’s future initiatives and policy development, informing how they continue to evolve and innovate, backed by statistics. I am most proud of creating the fiscal year report, presenting it to our team, including our director.

Additionally, I am proud of setting precedents for students, handling tasks and responsibilities that no student has previously handled, such as being on the inquiries line and issuing licences. This work term has opened my eyes to the possibilities of my degree, as my manager also studied Political Science. Regulation is extremely important, and I would love to work in regulation in the future, as the skills and connections I have made in this role equip me with the skills needed for that career.

The advice I would give to the next co-op cohort would be to apply to any role available, even if you don’t feel qualified for it. There is so much room to learn and grow in a role, and you never know how much you may love it. Put yourself out there, network with everyone, and practice your interviewing skills!

Co-op Experience: Employed with the Federal Government

Could you please share some of your thoughts on your co-op experience?

Completing multiple co-op terms, I learned that if you have the attitude that everything is learn-able, along with making sure you get yourself into the right rooms, you cannot fail.

I have met with managers, supervisors, and directors, and I have attended conferences this year where I meet incredibly established people across Canada. If there is one thing to take away from it all, it’s that there is no one exactly like you and that is why you are needed. It’s actually your superpower. And if you bring your passion along with you, you will be noticed.

Advice I would give students considering a co-op program is that this team at Mac helped me find my dream career when originally, I actually wasn’t sure what I wanted. Not only does co-op give you a huge resume boost, but if you make the most of it, you will create relationships with mentors that can help you skyrocket.

Co-op Experience: Pension Analyst at Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA)

Could you please share some of your thoughts on your co-op experience?

My 8-month co-op work-term as a Pension Analyst at FSRA really opened my eyes to a lot of potential careers. I learned about the pension industry and how pension plans in Ontario are protected, and through my work on the pensions phone line, creating regulatory letters, and processing amendments, I gained a better understanding of the pension industry. As a political science student, coming into the position I was able to use my reading and writing skills from the classroom and apply them to various projects and assignments in the workplace. I am very proud of the capstone projects I was able to complete and present in front of executives, and absolutely loved my time there as a co-op student.