my.ryerson.ca

Co-operative Education

Applied Computer Science
Information Technology Management (Business Technology Management)
Chemical Engineering
Public Health & Safety
Others

Michael Melo (Applied Computer Science)

Co-op has benefited me as far as my career experience has gone, it really makes a different just having a piece of paper with a couple lines that say I was part of this program and that I worked at these different places.
After taking a year to do co-op, I had really learned a lot, but I was inspired to learn more. I was quite inspired to go back to school. I had a whole new mentality of work ethic and skills that I wanted to advance. I really learned how to tackle my work and prioritize my time.
The co-op program teaches you this translation between university and the real world.

Zaker Khan (Information Technology Management)

I like that [with co-op] I could determine my own career path by trying new jobs when they were available and gaining new experiences. The co-op program also helps you get some clarity of what you want and what you do not want.
The overall highlight of co-op was that I felt what I was learning in school was not just directly from the text book; there was actually a place for what I was learning in the real world. The discussion in the class was more theoretical than simple studying and reading a text-book. It was hands on.
When you graduate you don't have to wonder what you want, like other graduates do, you already have a taste of what you like and you don't have to figure it out. I think you have a better sense of what you want and who you want to be after you've experienced the co-op program.
Your resume does half the work for you if you have committed to the co-op program, it's really great. Your resume does the talking of your experience and the rest is up to you with the knowledge you've gained from working in the co-op program.

Dimitry Sapon (Information Technology Management)

From a networking experience I got to meet a lot of really interesting middle-of-the-line management. So right now I have a good contact with a network of people and I can choose to go in a couple different directions, and keep those options available, thanks to the co-op program.

James Bainton (Information Technology Management)

I've definitely gained a lot of industry insight, and learned a lot that I can apply to my job after graduation. Not only that, but you definitely benefit financially, and you certainly benefit when it comes to your grades in the classroom because you're able to provide a lot more insight and material; that sort of quality of discussion.
If the company managers have a position coming up, they're more than likely to go back and look at their co-op students because they're a known quantity. I have made some very good contacts and no doubt it'll be beneficial as I move through my career.

Khaled Al-Qinneh (Information Technology Management)

I first chose co-op because I thought it would be a great opportunity to work and earn some money while I'm in school. Co-op has benefitted me by giving me the ability to see what I'm studying and what that looks like on the outside.
Co-op gave me the opportunity to go back and look at different options, different positions and it really gives you perspective on what's waiting for you after graduation.
I think the biggest asset above everything was that Co-op organizes your life. It really teaches you to be disciplined, it teaches you to be organized; that translates throughout your entire academic life here at Ryerson. You'll notice that you're being more punctual, you'll notice that your grades are going up, you'll notice that co-op is an entire revolution to your academic life here.

Jitinder Sambhi (Administration & Information Management)

The co-op coordinators did a great job, they were so helpful and professional. But the thing that stands out the most is that they pushed you and encouraged you to apply for positions that you might not have if you've just seen them on the posting.
The co-op process itself is so simple, it's so efficient for someone who is busy with work. It's very easy to call up the Co-op Office and say 'you know what, I need a student, this is the job posting...' and they line up the interviews for you right away.
I think most importantly you want to sit down with your co-op coordinators and let them know what you are looking for in a job, not just applying to things that might be of interest to you.

Bevin Braganza (Chemical Engineering)

I picked co-op for a number of reasons when I was applying to university because I thought it would be a good idea to get work experience and get an education at the same time. Being out in the field, and working with operators, actually seeing the equipment, you don't get to see that in classrooms.

Noel Jacob (Chemical Engineering)

I am indebted to the co-op work program for the complete and well-rounded education I received at Ryerson. The most important benefit of the co-op program was definitely the industrial experience gained, which is an invaluable asset. The co-op placements also helped foster and develop industry-relevant skills like communication, presentation and report-writing skills at an early stage. The financial compensation received from co-op work terms was substantial and helped cover university expenses. All things considered, the co-op program was a very fulfilling and rewarding experience.

Pavan Patel (Chemical Engineering)

You work in a very similar way to how you would when you graduate, and you may even be working in that same area when you graduate.

Darshan Patel (Chemical Engineering)

Co-op is a great opportunity to move ahead after graduation and find a job that you already have had some kind of experience in.
It's all about the experience, co-op is not just about all of the good things, you learn the pros and cons of working in the real-world. The good thing that co-op does is it teaches you how to deal (with challenges).
With co-op, you learn how to make your mistakes and then how to make sure you don't make them again. You learn the ways to deal with different kinds of people and how to develop better working relationships.
I feel I am better prepared for the future, and I know what I want. I don't have any confusion, I know where I want to go and with the co-op program I have a better sense of how to get there.
I think there is a better employer and employee relationship when you come from a co-op program with that company.

Jessica Furman (Public Health & Safety)

I chose the co-op program at Ryerson because I was interested in making my university experience different. I really liked the fact that I was able to do work terms and apply what I learned in my classes at Ryerson. I was also interested in gaining networking skills, making contacts and seeing what a day in the life of the industry is.
I found that my classes have been more interesting because of what I have learned in my work terms from co-op, and I was able to apply that in my classes. I also met a lot of great contacts who I'll keep in touch with, and hopefully help me find a future job once I'm done school.
The co-op office has done a great job, helped me through the whole process, from helping me build a great resume to doing successful interviews.
During the job interview process I talked about how the co-op program has helped me so much and I think the interviewer was really interested in the skills that I have learned in my past work experiences. I think that was definitely a positive thing for my interview, and helped me get the job.

Jovanka (Joanne) Bogojeski (Applied Chemistry & Biology)

The highlight of the co-op program probably is that I've learned a lot about what I can do with my degree. I had a lot less perspective when I came into this program and this knowledge from the co-op program is going to benefit me many years later. I definitely think that is most important because you can't put a price on that knowledge.
Co-op is wonderful to give me that peace of mind and it's given me a good resume too. I know that I haven't had trouble with resumes that some other people have had because I can fill mine up really nicely. I can change some things up, but at least I've got something to work with thanks to co-op.