www.iechamilton.ca

The IEC Catalyst , June 2010

 

Student Success Story

‘I wouldn’t have known that this is where I belong without my coop experience’

By Nicole Siena

source

High school coop is so much more than a job; it’s a learning experience that allows you to explore career options and possibilities. You not only get first hand experience in a field you are interested in, but you also start to make the transition from being a student in the workplace to a professional.  
           
I began my journalism co-op placement at McMaster University’s student newspaper-The Silhouette -in January 2008.
           
After the first day on the job, I knew that I found the industry I belonged in.  It was fast paced, personable, and most of all, I loved it. That’s why I decided to continue my coop for second semester.
           
Throughout my time spent in the workplace, I was able to learn about myself. I keyed into my specific skills and weaknesses, and developed new aspirations.
           
I developed a strong relationship with all of the editors in the office, and got a reputation as a hard working person. I was no longer just a “coop student”, but rather someone who was part of the team.
           
Coop opportunities are so much more important than seeing whether you would enjoy working in the specific industry. It’s about learning how to gain trust, it’s about proving to yourself and others that you can accomplish something, and it’s about making contacts with people that could become useful after your post-secondary education.
           
I hit the ground running with my coop experience. I was immediately immersed in articles and assignments, and learned as I progressed through the semester. 
           
But, the most important thing I learned through my experience was neither how to integrate a quote into an article, nor how to contact someone for an interview. It was the importance of the relationships you have with people. If you can prove yourself to be a hard working and dedicated person, then the rewards will follow.
           
I was able to build a large and impressive portfolio (if I may say so myself), and get into one of the best programs in the country for what I want to do.
           
I still keep in touch with most of my old editors, and visit them when I can. I am currently a first year student in Ryerson University’s journalism program, and wouldn’t have known that this is where I belong without my coop experience.

Go to Cover Page