What is your academic program?
I am doing a combined major of Biology and Psychology
Where did you work?
My first coop was an 8-month co-op at the Summerland Research and Development Centre in the Okanagan. I started in the summer of 2021 working in the development of new cherry varieties, and in the fall worked in the development of new apple varieties, called the fruit tree breeding program. We bred a bunch of varieties and sorted out the ones that we wanted to get rid of so eventually down the road you have one or two that go onto market. So basically, we were just creating new fruit trees! It was pretty cool because you got to eat so many cherries and apples, almost too much!
Currently I am working at the Pacific Forestry Centre in Victoria studying bark beetle ecology. Our main goal is to see how climate change affects their lifestyle and habits. Will climate change cause explosions in populations or will it kill them off? In this role I have been involved in many different projects so it’s not just one main job. So both my roles have been very different from each other!
Why did you join co-op?
The main reason I joined co-op is to gain some hands-on experience. I don’t think university really prepares you for what is out there so I think Co-op takes that extra step to provide you jobs so you can actually get out into the workforce. I think I also joined for the networking, lab skills, and to see what kind of jobs are out there, because I had no idea where I wanted to go in my career.
Has co-op met your expectations?
My two co-ops have been great so far and I have had great work crews and haven’t had a bad experience. I have also made great contacts which are my references currently and I think they would help me get a job in the future! I don’t know where I would be without my co-ops!
What have been your favourite aspects of your co-op experiences?
My favourite thing about co-op is going in knowing nothing about the job at all, like both my coops I didn’t have much experience. But coming out knowing so much more about the subjects that a class could have taught me. I didn’t take entomology going into a job about bark beetles. But now I know so much about the beetles and their anatomy. It’s crazy how much knowledge two months can give you. Learning about all the techniques, procedures, methods so I think that is my favourite thing about coop; going in, coming out, feeling like you know so much about the field.
What does professionalism mean to you and has your concept of professionalism changed through your co-op experiences?
These coop jobs have been different because they are very scientific, and I have worked for the government so there is a level of authority and you are representing so much more than just you. So I think my thoughts on professionalism have changed. It has become more important for me to act professional, because you are representing you but also your department and the government of BC as well.
Do you have any advice for future co-op students?
Definitely apply for as many as you can! Even if you don’t think you are qualified, do it anyway. I have had lots of interviews where I discovered I was not qualified for the job based on the questions they asked me but even if you bomb an interview, it’s a great learning experience.
During the job, learn as much as you can, ask as many questions are you possible can. This experience is for you so if you go in there and don’t want to learn anything, there isn’t a point in doing it. Go in there and build your toolbox for the future!