Co-operative Education: Working out the bugs, one field at a time.
Student Shannon Anderson (Biology) & employer Dr. Suzie Blatt (Agriculture and Agrifoods Canada) discuss the benefits of Co-operative Education.
Shannon: Having work-terms during my degree let me fund my education and work for organizations that had not been on my radar before, like Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) where I worked with insects.
Suzie: I am a research entomologist and integrated pest management specialist with AAFC. Over the last five years I have had the pleasure of working with 15 co-op students.
Shannon: My favourite part of this program by far has been the opportunity to jump outside my comfort zone. I have tested apples for maturity, identified hundreds of insects, and had the chance to start my own experiment. It was a ride and I loved it!
Suzie: When you work with co-op students you are gaining employees that have a broad knowledge base and are incredibly keen to learn. It also gives you the opportunity to make connections with possible future employees.
Shannon: Being a part of the co-op program was the best decision of my degree. I can truly say it was life changing. It helped me figure out what kind of career I want to have, and that’s priceless.
Suzie: Don’t be intimidated by students’ inexperience, they are mature hard-working people. Take the chance! I will absolutely be hiring more co-op students in the future!