UPEI co-op program now recruiting students
The UPEI co-operative education program is currently seeking motivated students in business, computer science, and physics to sign up. The program offers students real-life work experience where they can learn practical job-related skills in their area of study, which will help to increase employability after graduation. As a bonus, students earn an hourly wage which goes a long way to paying down student debt.
Since 2009, approximately 500 work terms have been completed in various sectors, including accounting and finance, marketing, information technology, health and medical sciences, bioscience, and renewable energy.
James Manning, a fourth-year business co-op student believes joining the program was 'the best decision I have made during my academic career.' James decided to leave his hometown of Erin, Ontario, to attend UPEI in 2009. He chose UPEI because it provided all of the great aspects that go along with attending a small university-smaller class sizes and communication on a first name basis with professors-and he is able to gain quality advice as he faces the difficult question of 'what's next?' upon graduation.
As a graduating student, James knew that he would be jumping into one of the most diverse and highly competitive labour markets in recent history. Being a young graduate, he would need a way to stand out from the pack and set himself apart from the competition, which is why he decided to join UPEI's co-op program.
James recalls, 'During my first interview [for a fall 2012 work term], I realized that I wasn't just alone in that seat; I was sitting there with the whole program and university behind me. Through the professional and positive attitudes showcased by Ernie Doiron, Julie Mussel, and the entire UPEI co-op team, my confidence was greatly increased during the interview process, which eventually led to a job offer from a very respectable and award winning company, Island Abbey Foods Ltd.'
'I recommend all students take part in the positive and rewarding experience co-op has to offer. It allows students the opportunity to reinstate academic learning with real on-the-job experience with the benefit of earning a salary,' added James.
The UPEI co-operative education program is encouraging students to join today to create a better path for futures tomorrow. Application forms for business and science co-op programs can be picked up at Don and Marion McDougall Hall, Room 230, or online at www.upei.ca/co-op. The application deadline for the winter semester is Friday, December 14.
For more information about the program, visit www.upei.ca/co-op, or contact the co-op office at (902) 628-4395 or co-op@upei.ca.
