What is your academic program?
I am in the Biochemistry program
Where did you work?
I have done two 8-month coop terms. My first was with Agropur Canada and it was mostly a microbiology-based coop. I ran quality control on dairy products made in the plant.
The job that I am currently working is at Zymeworks which is a biotech company. I test a bunch of targeted drug therapies for cancer and a lot of in vitro assays and that sort of thing, so very industry-based. I actually got a Research Associate position offered to me after the coop is over, so I am hoping to take some time off and then start again soon after I graduate.
Why did you join co-op?
I didn’t know what my career path was going to be. I had ideas going into school of what I wanted but I wasn’t convinced because I didn’t know what kind of jobs were available to me with the degree I was going into.
Coop was a way for me to see what else was out there and try out different jobs because the last job I had and the one I currently have are quite different. Also, science and biochem is a very competitive market and lots of students have a very similar background if they don’t do coop. Therefore, having something to set you apart is very important. It definitely did meet my expectations.
How did co-op meet your expectations?
I have learned a lot about what I wanted and what I didn’t want. I think that is very important, especially when you are still in school. It is better to know that before you graduate so you aren’t left as a graduate trying to figure it out.
What have been your favourite aspects of your co-op experiences?
Overall, I think what I love about coop is that you meet a ton of different people.
You get to learn from people from so many different backgrounds and they all have advice and stories that they can share with you that can help you as you go through university.
What does professionalism mean to you and has your concept of professionalism changed through your co-op experiences?
If you are showing up and asking questions and have a willingness to learn then you can across as being a professional because you are interested in what they are showing you. You don’t need to know everything; you just need to show that you are able to learn and ask the questions.
Do you have any advice for future co-op students?
While searching for jobs, don’t be discouraged. There are a lot of jobs out there. If you are not getting the jobs you want in the first couple of months, you just have to stick it out and hope you get something that you find interesting.
I think also something that is really important for coops is that you learn what you don’t want. Whether it be the job itself or the type of environment, you learn a lot about not only the good but the bad.
I think it is important to stick with the job and ask lots of questions. I think I was hesitant to ask questions at the start because I didn’t want to sound underqualified. I wanted to sound like I was equal to everyone else, but they know that it is a learning experience so be curious!
Overall, don’t be discouraged if you don’t get the dream job for your first coop because that opportunity will lead to the next opportunity. Your next term might be even more interesting which is what I found.