Skip to main content

empty
Anik standing outside in front of trees
Tell us a bit about your background. What program are you in?

I have a bachelor's and master’s in Public Administration and I'm currently pursuing a Master of Arts degree in Political Science.

What made you realize that your co-op position was a great fit for you?

With a keen interest in working in the public sector, I focused my co-op search on finding a placement in a public service agency. Thankfully, I was offered a position at the Ministry of Health in the Province of British Columbia, which was the perfect fit for my career aspirations. Moreover, the team I joined was involved in a data analysis project that required skills and experience I had gained in a previous job in my home country, Bangladesh. Given my passion for public service and relevant background, it became clear that this co-op position was an ideal opportunity for me.

What was the workplace culture like?

During my co-op job, I felt like an integral part of the team, rather than a mere newcomer. My team's strong emphasis on social engagement was a key aspect of my experience, as we frequently organized events and spent time together outside of work.

What did the employer do to help you feel comfortable in your position?

My colleagues were incredibly approachable, and I never hesitated to ask them questions whenever I needed assistance. I was encouraged to share my opinions and ideas on various matters, and my input was even solicited on occasion. Overall, I felt like an active participant in the team and was grateful for the welcoming and collaborative environment that helped me succeed in my role.

You had a pretty unique experience where out of nowhere, you were asked to come to Victoria for your co-op experience. Can you tell us more about that and how your experience in Victoria ended up being?

When I received my job offer, I was informed that I would be required to work in-office at least three days a week, with limited option for remote work. At first, this requirement was daunting, as I had just settled into life in Vancouver and was unsure how to relocate to a new city. Thankfully, my co-op coordinator Brandy Welles helped me to adjust my mindset and consider moving to Victoria, which turned out to be the best decision I could have made. I arrived in Victoria during the summer, when the city is arguably at its most scenic, and eventually overcame any difficulties I faced in relocating. Looking back, I know that if I had not made the move, I would have missed out on a truly incredible opportunity.

Seeing how you being open minded and willing to travel to Victoria led to a great experience, what advice would you give students when it comes to being open minded?

In my own experience, I've found that being open-minded can lead to unexpected opportunities that might otherwise be missed. In my case not moving to Victoria would have meant missing out on a valuable opportunity to work in the public sector. Looking back, I am grateful for having been open to this different path, as it allowed me to gain a valuable experience that I would not have otherwise had in my life.

Posts by Author

Headshot of Janvi
Blog
How To Land Your First Co-op

Knowing what I wanted to specialize in allowed me to start making plans for my first Co-op term. In all honesty, getting your first Co-op term can be exciting and intimidating. However, with a little planning and effort, you can position yourself for success.

A pen over a paper with the Fraser Institute logo
Blog
Employer Feature: An Interview With The Fraser Institute's Senior Manager, Development Events

Meet Danielle Fleck, the Senior Manager of Development Events at Fraser Institute. In this quick Q&A, Danielle discusses the benefits of having an intern at the organization, the growth of the interns they hired and how the organization made the interns feel comfortable in their position.

Laptop on a desk next to a plant
Blog
Learning on the Job without an Expert to Guide You

I was the only communication person in my department; there were no experienced communicators to work closely with and learn from. I thought this situation would limit my room to learn, but surprisingly I gained valuable experiences and exercised skills that I didn't expect.

You Might Like These... Academic Success, Convocation, Professional Development, Major Decisions, Life Experience, Community

Photo of Aleeze Asif
The Journey from Business to Arts

Aleeze reflects on a major career decision that led her to switch majors from Businesss to SIAT and how that positively affected her life.

Balloons floating in the sky
How my First Co-op Position Inspired me to Dream

As an undergraduate student who decided to switch my degree from Psychology to Communication on a whim, I was very nervous about my future career path, especially since I felt like I was the only person that had no big dreams in life. Therefore, I decided to apply to Co-op to start piecing together my goals and ambitions.

A laptop on a desk with a site containing different scenic images
What did I do to Extinguish my Co-op Nerves?

This was it. I finished writing my resumes, successfully passed the interview process, and accepted the job offer with cheers of joy. I told my mother with a large grin on my face, but in the midst of my excitement, my smile slightly lowered, and a wave of nervousness washed over me.

You Might Like These... Co-op Reflections

Student standing next to a sign at an outdoor event
A Q&A with a MA Political Science Co-op Student

Meet Aliyah Datoo, an SFU Master of Political Science Co-op student. In this quick Q&A, Aliyah shares a bit about her co-op experience. Keep on reading as Aliyah shares her day to day tasks, the onboarding process and how she has felt about the experience.

George standing outside, next to a British Columbia sign
Interview with an Arts Co-op Student: Advice to Future Students

Meet George Gayed, a Political Science student minoring in international studies with a concentration of international security and conflict. In this quick Q&A, George discusses his work in his different positions, goes over highlights and the most valuable things he has learned.

Giulia standing in front of a window
Applying for Jobs Outside your Faculty: Low Risk, High Reward

Meet Giulia Crovini, an Economics Co-op student. In this quick Q&A, Giulia shares about her co-op experience. Specifically, she highlights the many benefits of applying for positions outside of your faculty.