Meet Amy S. FitzGerald, the Executive Director at BC Society of Transition Houses (BCSTH). In this quick Q&A, Amy discusses how co-op students adapted to the position, resources the organization provided and tips for future employers and students.

We provide the interns free access to our foundational online courses for background. We provide them an orientation to the office including a health and safety presentation. Team members have one on one meet and greets with the co-op students and are invited to weekly Team meetings, webinars, trainings and lunch and learns.

They develop a work plan with their direct supervisor and have regular check in meetings with their supervisor. They are provided the option of working on site at our office, working remotely or a hybrid. They receive regular feedback on their work from their direct supervisor and the Executive Director.

I encourage students to be curious and consider a variety of co-op placements in terms of project work and workplaces – for-profit, non-profit, government, academic, etc. The more opportunities you experience will assist you in focusing your professional goals and future employment.

I recommend opening a spot for a co-op student, as it is beneficial for the student and employer. We have worked with exceptional co-op students and we had the good fortune to be able to hire them. They are now valued Team members. The co-op placement is a great way for both parties to get to know each other and determine if it might be a fit moving forward.