My first co-op term was an 8-month tenure at PBR Laboratories located in Edmonton. Here I was charged with sample receipt, and microbial analysis for Coliforms and E.coli in water using the membrane filtration technique. My second co-op term was also an 8-month tenure at PHAC (Public Health Agency of Canada) located in Lethbridge (Alberta). Here I built on my microbiology skills and was charged with speciation of Campylobacter jejuni from frozen CFIA Poultry isolates by conventional PCR methods. Today I work as an Associate Lab Manager in the Quality Control department at STEMCELL Technologies located in Burnaby. Here I am charged with many cross-departmental collaborations between Quality Assurance, Research & Development and Health and Safety Teams that are documentation heavy.

Co-op allowed me to start working in the sciences faster than many of my peers who did not pursue the program. I only experienced a 6-month gap between completing my academics and securing my first position as a Chemistry Laboratory Assistant whereas for them, it was much longer.

Take the plunge! Students who have co-op experience on their resume are likely to secure opportunities post-graduation faster because they tend to have a shorter training period thanks to the hands-on experience they already possess. Co-op is also a great way to start building your professional network as well as shape your post-graduation career trajectory. It is also a great way to take a productive break from academics especially for those who pursue 4+ courses per semester along with other extracurriculars.