What did a typical day or week look like in your role?
My role involved a wide range of responsibilities. I organized and delivered informational sessions for residents of all ages, received and processed applications for special consideration requests, conducted field audits to improve by-law adherence, and more.
Which skills do you feel you developed through your experience in this co-op work term?
This work term helped me develop my professional communication, time management, and customer service skills simultaneously. Not only did it make me a better employee, it made me a better student, too.
How did this co-op work term shape your career planning? What is your career/field of interest? How did this role help support your career goals?
My experience in co-op over the last few years has allowed me to realize I have a passion for municipal government, and an interest in policy. This work term allowed me to see what this field looks like on a day-to-day basis. I was able to gain valuable experience and talk with some established professionals about the paths that brought them to where they are today.
What would you tell other students considering a co-op or internship work experience?
I would highly recommend pursuing a co-op or internship work term to other Social Science students. Experiential education provides hands-on learning that aids both academic and personal development, helping to create a clearer picture of what life could look like after graduation. Work terms allow you to make connections, learn what’s out there, and learn more about what you’re capable of.
Careers & Experiential Education