Student resources help support co-op application process
When Leah Roth, a fourth-year chemical engineering student, applied for her first co-op, she felt unsure about if she was qualified. “There’s that voice in your head saying, ‘Can I do it? Am I sure?’”
The workplace experience and mentorship gave her the confidence to ask questions and take on challenging tasks. “I discovered that, by doing co-op, I get to keep learning, keep finding new skills and to constantly apply myself in different ways.”
Fourth-year chemical engineering student Leah Roth built confidence through her participation in co-op.
Co-operative education has been shown to increase career readiness, improve job skills and even lead to higher starting salaries for engineering graduates. To encourage students to take advantage of the opportunity, the Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science (FEAS) is working to break down a common barrier to co-op participation: finding the confidence to apply.
The Ryerson co-op office knows that entering the workplace as a student can be intimidating. That’s why FEAS has staff and programs that provide support and encouragement throughout the process.
TMU NEXT, which provides free networking, goal-setting and leadership training for second-year FEAS students, is designed to give students the confidence they need to push themselves outside of their comfort zone, both academically and professionally.
Students can also reach out to Lyla Garzouzi, the Ryerson Women in Engineering Engineer-in-Residence, with questions about co-op and life in the engineering profession. She said it’s important for students to stop listening to doubts and to instead focus on the skills and experience that they bring to any position.
“Put your hat in the ring. Be it an internship, a co-op or a permanent position, every experience adds to your potential and creates new opportunities.”
Eligible students can apply to the co-operative internship program through the online co-op portal (opens in new window) .