This summer, engineering students from every department in the Price Faculty of Engineering put their skills to work in a variety of professional settings. Many were part of the faculty’s Co-operative Education and Industrial Internship Program (Co-op/IIP), while others found summer positions independently through networking, career fairs or direct applications. From aerospace facilities to construction sites, from energy systems to medical technology, these future engineers didn’t just shadow professionals, they rolled up their sleeves and got to work.

Across Winnipeg and beyond, students tackled complex challenges, collaborated with industry experts and introduced new perspectives that shaped the work around them. What they gained wasn’t just practical experience — it was clarity, confidence and a stronger sense of where their careers can go.

Here’s how a group of standout engineering students took on the real world and proved they are ready for it.

Building Communities and Shaping Infrastructure

Two students found themselves in the field this summer, working directly on infrastructure and construction projects.

Keegan Sum, a third-year Civil Engineering student, joined Stantec, one of North America’s leading engineering and design firms, as a Water/Wastewater Intern. Working primarily in the field, he assisted with lot grading, drainage assessments and rod and level surveys on a variety of project sites across Manitoba. “This opportunity has allowed me to apply knowledge from the courses I’ve taken and build on those skills,” he said. “I have also learned a lot about water infrastructure that I haven’t been taught yet at UM, which will help accelerate my learning when the time comes later in my degree.”

Messe Geddert, entering her fifth year in Biosystems Engineering, spent the summer as a Project Supervisor with JR Cousin Consultants Ltd., a Manitoba-based engineering firm known for its work in municipal infrastructure and environmental projects. Based out of Winnipeg, she visited construction sites, documented work progress and conducted field inspections. “No days are exactly the same — it really depends on the site and what kind of work is happening,” she said. “It’s been incredibly rewarding to be part of projects that go from plans on paper to something real you can walk through. There’s a sense of pride that comes with seeing the progress and knowing you had a hand in it.”

Designing Systems and Exploring Aerospace

Samantha O’Shea, a fourth-year Electrical Engineering student, worked as a Junior Electrical Designer at Smith and Andersen, a nationally respected consulting engineering firm specializing in building systems. She reviewed floor plans, helped prepare drawing sets and contributed to lighting and power layouts for commercial, residential and community buildings. “Becoming familiar with AutoCAD and understanding the reasoning behind electrical design decisions has been extremely beneficial,” she said. “It’s given me more clarity on where I want to take my career and which areas I want to specialize in.”

Brandon Dreger, a fourth-year Mechanical Engineering student, took on a summer role at StandardAero, a global leader in aircraft engine maintenance and aerospace solutions. There, he supported jet engine service engineers in their inspections and problem-solving. His work included automating tasks and developing software tools to streamline operations. “This experience has shown me how engineers often do not have a clear path to getting something done,” he said. “Instead, they find smaller solutions to the larger picture along the way, which is a side of engineering you don’t always see in textbooks.”

Programming Solutions and Powering Systems

Sydney Povey, a third-year Computer Engineering student, held a position as a Business Systems Analyst at Manitoba Hydro, the province’s largest and most influential energy utility. Her work combined programming, graphic design and communications to build data-driven tools for operational teams. From developing dynamic Power BI dashboards to optimizing physical office spaces using lean process improvement methods, Sydney explored how technology can drive efficiency in a large-scale organization. “I like to think of co-op positions like trial subscriptions,” she said. “They let you figure out what you like before you graduate and help you find the type of work and workplace you enjoy most.”

Olumide Ayeni, a fourth-year Electrical Engineering student, worked as a Simulation Intern at RTDS Technologies, a world leader in real-time power system simulation and testing. He developed and tested control systems in RSCAD, supported debugging efforts and modeled system controllers for the company’s simulation platform. “The co-op experience has been beneficial in connecting classroom and lab knowledge to real-life projects,” he said. “It has given me insight into industry expectations and has shown me how the skills I gain here are transferable to my academics and future career.”

Engineering in Medicine and Sport

Abigail Harris, a fifth-year Biosystems Engineering student with a biomedical specialization, spent the summer as a Research Assistant at the Pan Am Clinic Foundation, a leading institution in sports medicine research and innovation. She led experiments for a hockey puck impact study aimed at improving athlete safety, combining sensors, coding and data analysis to better understand injury risks in high-impact sports. “My confidence and research skills have improved through opportunities to assist in experiments, literature reviews and technical writing,” she said. “Industry experience allows you to connect classroom knowledge to real-world applications and learning is always a good idea.”

Advice for Future Students

When asked what they would say to students just starting out, the message was clear: stay open-minded, be proactive and embrace every opportunity as a chance to grow. For many of this year’s participants, success wasn’t just about landing the “perfect” placement, it was about showing up with curiosity and making the most of wherever they landed.

“Some of the best jobs come from simply being curious and starting a conversation,” said Messe. “Go to events, introduce yourself and follow up — you never know who might be looking for a student or who might remember your name later.” Her own summer placement started with a spontaneous chat at a mentorship event, proof that building connections can open unexpected doors.

Keegan agreed that mindset matters just as much as the job title. “Be open to any opportunities, especially for your first placement,” he said. “Longer work terms can give you more time to learn and build your skills and every experience helps you grow.”

Their advice reflects a shared truth among students: industry placements aren’t just about ticking boxes, it is about discovery. From building confidence and communication skills to finding the kind of work you enjoy, every placement offers something unique and valuable. Often, the lessons you did not expect are the ones that shape you the most.

To learn more about the Price Faculty of Engineering’s Co-operative Education and Industrial Internship Program or to explore how you can get involved and make use of their resources — visit the Co-op/IIP webpage or stop by their office on the third floor of the Stanley Pauley Engineering Building. 

Each year, the Co-op Student and Employer of the Year are awarded, recognizing excellence in leadership, mentorship, and contributions to learning.

The 2024 Co-op Student of the Year is Priyansh Modi, and the 2024 Co-op Employer of the Year is Treaty One Nations Inc.

2024 Co-op Student of the Year – Priyansh Modi

Nominated by the Government of Manitoba Department of Families, Asper finance major Priyansh Modi is the 2024 Co-op Student of the Year.

Modi served as a Student Policy Analyst, supporting the work of fellow policy analysts, senior management, and the Minister of Families. His supervisors commended his ability to thrive, lead, and grow in a dynamic, high-stakes environment.

Tamsin Collings (Manager) and Joann Correa (Senior Policy Analyst) described how significant Modi’s work was during a time of transformation for the Strategic Initiatives and Program Support unit of the Child and Youth Services Division (Department of Families).

“The work is filled with pressure and high demands, and Priyansh took on the challenge with eagerness and curiosity,” they wrote in their nomination.

For Modi, seeing the impact and real-world application of his work was transformative.

“My co-op placement taught me to translate academic knowledge into meaningful real-world contributions. The impact of my work, which was even used by the Minister, was incredibly meaningful. This experience boosted my confidence in my analytical abilities as I witnessed how my efforts contributed to tangible change,” he wrote of his co-op experience.

Modi, who has since joined the Asper Co-op Student Association as the Director of Finance and the Price Student-Managed Investment Fund, shared how he is taking this newfound confidence into the future.

“Co-op education has taught me to focus on the process rather than the results. This mindset shift has empowered me to set higher goals and embrace challenges, knowing that growth comes from facing the unknown,” he wrote.

2024 Co-op Employer of the Year – Treaty One Nations Inc.

Nominated by Asper MBA co-op student Ryan Nykvist, Treaty One Nations Inc. is the 2024 Co-op Employer of the Year. Jolene Mercer (Executive Director) accepted the award.

Nykvist completed his co-op term as an Environmental Planner at Treaty One Nations Inc., a unique role in which he contributed to the organization’s sustainability initiatives and strategic planning. During his co-op term, Nykvist developed environmental policies, conducted impact assessments, and created a sustainability management toolkit.

In his nomination, he shared that he expected to apply what he had learned throughout his MBA and gain some experience in environmental planning. “But Treaty One surpassed these expectations by providing me with opportunities to lead initiatives, engage with diverse stakeholders, and contribute to high-level strategic planning,” he wrote.

Nykvist described a supportive environment that encouraged learning and a team that allowed him to take the lead but was always there if he needed guidance.

“Treaty One Nations Inc. is an organization where your ideas are valued, and you’re given a real responsibility to make an impact,” he wrote in his nomination. “The work is meaningful, contributing to important goals in sustainability and First Nations economic development.

“Co-op is an excellent opportunity to gain diverse skills, work with passionate professionals, and contribute to significant initiatives.”

Manitoba’s top business co-op program

Accredited by CEWIL Canada, the Asper School of Business Co-op Program is the largest business co-op program in the province. Co-op placements offer students a chance to gain practical experience in the workforce while pursuing their studies.

According to 2023 Asper Employment Report, 89% of BComm co-op students were employed full-time within three months of graduation, bringing their practical experience, strategic insights, and passion into the workplace.

The program is committed to connecting talented Asper co-op students and employers in Manitoba, Canada and around the world. Celebrating Co-op is an opportunity to renew this commitment and honour these connections.

The Co-op Student and Employer of the Year demonstrate the transformative experience of co-op. It’s not just about work experience. Co-op students get to see the impact of their work beyond their team, department, and the organization. Co-op employers connect with top talent, seeing them grow as leaders while making meaningful contributions to their organization.

Connect with the Asper Co-op Program today and learn what experiential learning can bring to your organization.

Justin Malang and Ethan Sinclair are both Mechanical Engineering students that worked at the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) in Longueuil, Quebec. Justin assisted their structural team by performing bolt analysis on the stratospheric gondola. Through this position he has connected with other likeminded interns from across the country and gained hands on experience within the ever-growing space industry. Ethan worked as a project management student on the Gateway External Robotics Interfaces (GERI) which is one of Canada’s contributions to the Lunar Gateway project, a space station in orbit around the moon. In this role he tracked technical documents under review, supported other project management interns and scheduled future project milestones. While they each had different roles and responsibilities, they both had the amazing opportunity to meet CSA astronauts David Saint-Jacques and Joshua Kutryk.

Mohammed Towhidul Islam, Nicole Davis and Kristen Semenko are three Biosystems Engineering students all specializing in Biomedical Engineering. Mohammed worked as an intern at Shared Health in the Provincial Clinical Engineering Department. He was responsible for conducting detailed reviews and analyses of current clinical engineering related standard operating procedures as well as developing and executing a national survey to benchmark these practices against other jurisdictions. Nicole worked at Kane Biotech, designing and conducting experiments for patent research by analyzing data using image processing to develop design parameters for the company’s biofilm product packaging. She also assisted with prototype testing for product development through analytical, biochemical and molecular biology related experiments. She enjoyed being creative, hands-on and finding design solutions that abided by the project’s constraints and limitations. Kristin had the opportunity to work out of province with the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) at their Chalk River, Ontario location. Kristin was a student technologist in the Deuterium and Tritium Technologies Branch. Her project focused on producing and testing the catalyst used to produce heavy water through the water-H2 catalytic exchange process (the isotopic exchange where deuterium takes the place of protium in a water molecule to make heavy water). Her main responsibilities included operating and maintaining catalyst exchange rigs, conducting research on level sensing methods and compiling the findings into a memo, and assisting in the large-scale production of exchange catalyst.          

Faisal Alsaidi and Hannah Mooney worked at the University of Manitoba, where there are ample opportunities to get involved with research. Faisal, a Computer Engineering student, did research in the University of Manitoba Biosensors Research Lab. His work involved the build of a machine that can determine dielectric properties of cells. These properties can help identify whether a cell is cancerous, what type of cell it is and other useful information that researchers may need. His research focused on designing a real-time particle/cell detection program given raw binary data from the machine, which will be implemented in the second generation of the machine once it is complete. Hannah, a Biosystems Engineering student specializing in Environmental Engineering has been working in the Soil Dynamics and Machinery Lab under Dr. Chen. The lab focuses on projects involving agricultural machinery, soil dynamics, sustainable and conservation agriculture practices, tillage, plant fibres and discrete element modelling for different mechanical soil operations. Her main responsibilities included conducting field work, data analysis and report writing for an agricultural study on the Indigenous Three Sisters farming method, supported by the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF).

“I enjoyed learning about sustainable agriculture from a diverse range of sources – specifically my co-workers who come from diverse backgrounds, my supervisor who shared her expertise with great enthusiasm, and the MMF who allowed me to strengthen my Indigenous perspective within the field and personally. I was surprised with how much my interest in the topic grew simply because of the knowledgeable people I was surrounded by!” – Hannah, when asked about some of the highlights of her position.

Two other students who worked locally this summer are Sudipta Dip and Bianca Cavalcanti. Sudipta is a Computer Engineering student, and worked for the Government of Manitoba in the Education and Early Childhood Learning department. Sudipta was responsible for a variety of technical and administrative tasks. He provided desktop and IT management support to staff, including guidance on issues related to printers, PCs, computer assets, service orders, telecommunications, and internet services. Additionally, he utilized tools like Power Automate, DAX formulas, and various scripting languages to automate office tasks and streamline projects. A significant part of his role involved providing data analytics and insights for application support, which helped inform decision-making within the department. His work was gratifying to him as he could see the impact of his work improving efficiency of various tasks for his colleagues, improving not only the outcome of the processes he automated but the overall day-to-day work experience for his colleagues as well. Bianca is a Biosystems Engineering student who worked with Manitoba Hydro in the Power Platform team, where she was responsible for developing and maintaining core applications to meet business needs. This involved creating custom solutions to streamline business processes, enhancing user experience and optimizing data analysis tools.

Rajan Gill is an Electrical Engineering student who worked at Ciena, an Optical Networking and Software company where he worked as a New Product Introduction (NPI) Hardware Engineer. The NPI team focused on the bring up and initial production of groundbreaking products fresh out of research and development. His team developed the hardware and automated tests used to calibrate these products. Some of Rajan’s responsibilities included assisting in the development of automated tests for Ciena’s next generation of WaveLogic modems. This included writing high level MATLAB and low-level C firmware to perform various analog switching tasks used during calibration. Rajan had the opportunity to work on writing a new firmware load for a test PCB used in the calibration step of the new WaveLogic 6e modem. This was a very exciting project for him personally because he had the opportunity to learn and use tools and software that he had little experience with previously. He said it was amazing to know that his work and contributions would be directly used in production of modems being sold across the world.

Nouraldin Aboutaleb is a Civil Engineering student who worked at ATCO Electric in Calgary, Alberta. Nouraldin worked as a member of their Civil Engineering team as well as the lines team where his main responsibilities were to draft and design new transmission lines. Throughout his Co-op placement he had the opportunity to go on many site visits and observed the teams building new transmission lines.        

Co-op/IIP provides crucial support to students to secure and succeed in their placements. These supports include mock interviews, resume building workshops, networking opportunities and the Career Connect portal which advertises a multitude of available Co-op internships. To learn more about the program, attend one of their information sessions, held in mid September every year.

If you are still unsure about joining Co-op/IIP with the Price Faculty of Engineering, here are some wise words from some of our students:

“Have an open mind for each experience – you will never feel like you know enough and that is normal, these positions are meant to be a great learning experience!” – Hannah Mooney          

“A Co-op placement is a great opportunity to learn everything about your current job, company, industry, etc. You will likely be surrounded by experts in your field so ask questions and aim to understand everything that you’re working on. This will further your learning and allow you to make connections with what you’ve learned in the classroom.” – Kristen Semenko

“It’s normal to feel imposter syndrome at first, and it’s okay if you don’t know everything or have little experience. Having a Co-op placement is an amazing opportunity to build confidence, connections and knowledge for future endeavours.” – Nicole Davis

“Be proactive and take initiative. Seek out opportunities to learn and contribute, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Building strong communication and interpersonal skills is crucial, as is maintaining a high standard of professionalism and safety in all your work.” – Mohammed Towhidul Islam

Flores, an actuarial major and 2022 Co-op Student of the Year, completed a co-op term at Wawanesa in 2022. From her first day in the office, she felt a special connection to the organization. First-day nerves abated the more time she spent in the office, guided by her co-op buddy, an Asper alum himself.

“It was clear from the beginning how special the culture was at Wawanesa. The more I met people and interacted with them, I very much felt those nerves and that tension releasing,” she says.

Day to day, Flores conducted analyses to address stakeholder questions and concerns, refreshed reports and documented notable insights, all while supporting full-time analysts. She’s most proud of creating a report that measured the impacts rate changes have on Wawanesa’s competitive position in the market, demonstrating her ability to work independently and learn quickly.

The more she contributed, the more she knew for certain that Wawanesa was where she wanted to stay. That certainty and comfort came from the company culture, the patience and warmth of her mentors and from her own drive to make a positive impact.

Flores, who began a small electronics and office supply recycling program at Wawanesa’s previous location, suggests that this orientation toward positive change is common among co-op students.

“Co-op students offer a fresh perspective informed by their experience,” she says. “I bring my whole, authentic self to work; I’m not there strictly as an actuarial analyst—I’m still very much a person, and with that I bring my values. That means considering the social and environmental implications of the work we do.”

This perspective is encouraged in the Asper Co-op Program’s award-winning curriculum, which instructs students to seek opportunities to advance UN sustainable development goals in their work placements.

For Flores, this focus creates strong connections between employers and students in shared pursuit of greater improvement for all. “We want to take action, take the next step and help the company succeed, not for the advancement of our own careers, but to push the needle in the right direction, make the world a little better,” she says.

She reflects on the qualities of a good co-op employer and, in turn, a good co-op student. Of the latter, she encourages all students to proceed with a growth mindset, where they are ready to learn and prepared to make mistakes, be corrected and improve.

“An employer, on the other hand, that empowers and enables their students,” she explains, “is, by my standards, above and beyond.”

As she finds herself soon on the other side of the student-to-employer threshold, Flores realizes she may never be able to adequately pay her managers, mentors and employers back for all the ways they have supported her. She also realizes that co-op employers may themselves be paying it forward rather than paying it back.

“As business students and emerging professionals, we can pay it forward by helping the people coming in behind us. If I can be that person—that mentor—for someone else one day, it would feel very fulfilling,” she says.

Jacinda Flores was a co-op student with a plan: pursue co-op, make a connection and do her best to show an organization like Wawanesa why she would make an incredible permanent employee, all while striving to make a positive impact in the workplace and the world.

Co-op was always part of Flores’ plan, and one thing she has learned on this journey is that the benefits of co-operative education and experiential learning at the Asper School of Business reach students and employers alike.

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Each year the Asper Co-op Program matches hundreds of BComm, MBA, MFin and MSCM students with organizations across Manitoba and Canada, connecting top employers to Manitoba’s top talent. Check out our top six reasons to hire an Asper co-op student here.

Ready to hire an Asper co-op student now? Visit our Information for Employers page to find out your next steps.

Many students find it daunting to make career decisions before graduation. By participating in a co-op program, they can explore various work environments, industries, and fields, helping them discover where they fit best and what they enjoy most.

In Agricultural and Food Sciences, both diploma and undergraduate degree students can gain academic credit by participating in four-month, full-time work experiences related to their field of study. After completing a co-op term, students frequently report a deeper understanding of the material, often leading to improved grades.

As Co-op Coordinator for the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Holly Klann offers career coaching to co-op students, runs job search related workshops, assists students with resume and cover letter writing, and bridges the gap between employers and students.

“Work integrated Learning (WIL) is such an important component of the academic experience. It connects theoretical classroom learning with practical real-world applications, and it helps develop key employability skills such as communication, teamwork, initiative, and problem solving,” said Klann.

“This, along with the applied work experience, makes hiring graduates from a co-op program very appealing to employers. Ultimately, WIL creates a mutually beneficial scenario for both students and employers alike.”

Eighty-six percent of graduates who participated in the co-op program reported that it was beneficial to their career post-graduation. Most of these graduates work in roles related to their field of study, with over half returning to a previous co-op employer.

A co-op designation provides students with a competitive edge when applying for jobs post-graduation. It indicates that they have relevant work experience in addition to academic achievements, allowing prospective employers to assess their abilities before hiring for permanent, full-time positions. Most employers consider evaluating students for future long-term employment as one of the top benefits of hiring co-op students.

Gabriella Beckta is a third year Agronomy student, currently on her third work term as a Summer Associate in Field Solutions for Bayer CropScience. In her previous terms, she worked for Richardson International. She chose to participate in the co-op program initially because she saw it as a chance to work through the summer and make money while also gaining credits. She says her current co-op role has helped her develop adaptability and problem-solving skills.

“My workday is always different as each day is dependent on the trials we are working on in the field, the time of the year and the weather. Some days we are spraying chemicals allocated to a field trial and other days I am planting seeds, or on less busy days we are keeping up maintenance of the fields and yard as well as taking ratings of the trials growth and changes,” said Beckta.

“The biggest benefit of co-op is the development of my leadership and communication skills. It has taught me that being a leader doesn’t mean you have to be the boss; being a leader can be shown and practiced by anyone.”

Beckta’s supervisor, Tony Britton, a Field Agronomist with Bayer, emphasizes that agricultural learning extends beyond the classroom. He encourages students working on summer projects to actively engage, ask questions, and learn about current industry challenges and the solutions their team is developing.

“In Gabby’s case, she’s learning about experimental pesticides, and where they could fit in future markets through field testing,” said Britton.

“The more knowledgeable students become, the greater asset they are to their teams. I am confident that what students like Gabby are learning will provide a lot of value for their future careers in agriculture. It’s truly a win-win for both supervisors and students.”

After graduation, Beckta plans to continue in the agriculture industry as a sales agronomist. Her words of advice to someone considering co-op?

“Just do it! I know it can be intimidating to take a course at the same time as work, but it is such a good experience to have on your resume and the co-op program coordinators have realistic expectations for course load and are very flexible.”

Learn more:

• Co-operative Education Program at the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences
• VIDEO – FAFS Co-operative Education information session
• VIDEO – Meet a Food Science co-op student
• All UM co-ops

Co-operative Education (co-op) is an academic program and one of 12 types of experiential learning that alternates academic study with paid, full-time, supervised work experience. Placements are linked to the student’s area of study and offer unique opportunities for students to apply and enhance their academic knowledge in real-world settings, and in turn build their confidence.

Co-op is one of the ways students can directly expand their understanding of the field. It opens many doors, leads to different horizons and illuminates different trajectories that students may not have been aware of. It also allows students to see the emerging trends in the field and get a glimpse of the direction that the industry may be heading towards.

Meet two members of the UM community whose co-op experiences as faculty and as students have left meaningful, eternal impacts on their careers.

Lisa Landrum

The Faculty of Architecture is one of many UM faculties offering co-operative education (co-op) opportunities. Dr. Lisa Landrum, Associate Professor and Associate Dean (Research) & Co-operative/Academic Liaison, has been working with students, alumni, community and employers on academic and architectural advocacy for years.

“I’m keenly aware of the truly cooperative nature of co-operative education,” says Landrum. “Our program not only supports the next generation of design professionals, but also collaboratively creates more equitable, sustainable and engaging built environments for all.”

The Faculty of Architecture’s Co-op program offers placements for both undergraduate and graduate students. To assist students in finding a position and finding success within it, the program offers workshops on resume and cover letter-writing, portfolio presentation and interview skills, as well as many opportunities to network with employers and members in the industry.

She reflects on her own experiences as an undergraduate student and the positive impacts of work opportunities and exceptional mentors who helped her secure a riveting job in New York City upon graduation.

As a leader and instructor in the faculty, Landrum’s envisions a world where “cooperative education is about mutual advantages and support, leveraging the common goals of academic, community and industry sectors to create vital and just societies.” In her national role as the newly elected President of the Canadian Architectural Certification Board, she is a remarkable leader of what it means to be an architect in Canada.

Even as an instructor in the faculty, she definitely cares to make the same impact on her own students: “It is an honour to participate in a trans-generational network of inspiring and caring professionals committed to life-long learning. As Martha Nussbaum argues in Not For Profit, education should foster democratic citizenship and ethical imagination, because this is what the world most urgently needs.”

Hillary Beattie

Hillary Beattie was a Master of City Planning student in 2020 when she took on a co-op placement with Narratives Inc., an impact assessment consulting firm dedicated to environmental planning, Indigenous engagement and reconciliation.

During this internship, Narratives was working with four First Nations communities to analyze the impacts of the twinning of Highway 17 between the Manitoba border and Kenora. The project increased the number of lanes from two to four, calling for an impact assessment that bridges scientific and Indigenous traditional knowledge.

Beattie was involved with mapping the project and writing reports and proposals, yet her skills and experiences working on documentary films before pursuing this degree were just as valuable. She planned, filmed and edited some videos of the communities, and was truly delighted by the opportunity to combine her film and planning skills.

“I’ve witnessed how important this is when it comes to developing plans and negotiating outcomes that really work for the communities involved,” Beattie says as she reflected on the well-established working relationships between her colleagues and the First Nations communities. “I hope to be able to continue this type of community-based work throughout my planning career.”

Learn more about co-op and internship opportunities as a student at UM.

As an employer, you will have the opportunity to become a mentor to aspiring business students by contributing to their education outside of the classroom. Entrance to the Asper co-op program is competitive, which means your business will be hiring some of our top talent. Successful applicants will have been pre-screened and admitted to the program based on academics, professionalism and communication skills.

In a survey sent to our summer 2023 employers, 99% of supervisors would recommend an Asper co-op student to their colleagues. If that doesn’t have you convinced, we’ve curated a list of our top six reasons to hire an Asper co-op student.

1) There’s funding available

Don’t let money be a barrier in hiring an Asper co-op student. Did you know that you can apply for funding up to $7,500? The Government of Canada’s Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) even has a variety of funding opportunities to hire students for experiential learning. We have created a list of wage subsidy options for future employers.

2) No office, no problem

With the new virtual work landscape, your geographic location matters less. From Vancouver, British Columbia, to St. John’s, Newfoundland, our students can join your workspace from anywhere. While the Asper School of Business is based out of Winnipeg, many of our students are willing to work virtual or even temporarily relocate if possible.

3) They bring a new perspective

One of the benefits of new hires is that they bring a fresh perspective. At the Asper School of Business, we pride ourselves on being leaders in our industry, ensuring our students are up-to-date on industry trends. Our students don’t shy away from learning, are eager to take on new tasks, and quickly adapt to our world’s changing technology. While they can bring a variety of skillsets to your workplace, they are best known for their willingness to learn from others.

4) It’s good for business

We understand the difficulties of staffing, which has been made more difficult by the pandemic. Your hiring practices are changing, staff are adapting to a virtual work place and you need to find employees who fit with your work culture. When you hire a co-op student, your company can fill any temporary or short-term staffing gaps.

There’s also the added bonus of reducing your recruitment and training costs. If the co-op placement is a good fit for both parties, we often see employers extend a student’s term and sometimes offer them fulltime employment. This means you can skip the new employee onboarding as you’re gaining a staff member who is already familiar with your company values, culture and business.

5) We have both undergraduate and graduate students looking for co-op

Due to the success of the Bachelor of Commerce co-op program, introducing the program at the master’s level was the logical next step. Employers can now choose from students studying a BComm, MBA, Master of Finance, or Master of Supply Chain Management and Logistics, allowing organizations to find students with the skillsets and experience that suit their business.

6) You invest in the future

When you employ a student, you are helping shape the future of business. Every year, we have more than 500 BComm and master’s students graduate. They take everything they’ve learned in and outside the classroom–co-ops included–to their new workplaces.

The Asper co-op program has been around for more than 14 years, and our grads are employed around the world. It’s guaranteed that they will never forget the impact their co-op terms made on their education and professional career.

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Ready to hire an Asper co-op student? Visit our Information for Employers page to find out your next steps.

This year, Asper is among 25 business schools highlighted in AACSB’s Innovations That Inspire member spotlight program. Since 2016, out of 214 schools recognized around the world, only 10 other Canadian schools have received this honour.

“We are incredibly proud of this recognition from AACSB. At Asper, we pride ourselves on revolutionizing business education through innovative experiential learning opportunities,” says Dr. Bruno Silvestre, Dean of the Asper School of Business. “This achievement highlights the impact of our Co-op program and Career Development Centre and reflects our commitment to training socially minded, active and ethical leaders of tomorrow.”

In 2021 the Asper Career Development Centre (CDC) launched an initiative to incorporate the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into their Co-op curriculum.

Co-op students learn about, set learning objectives related to, reflect on, and take action to advance the UN SDGs, as part of the program’s for-credit course. They are coached to engage with colleagues and leaders about their organization’s sustainability practices and policies to identify where they can make an impact.

When attending a conference in 2021, former Asper Co-op Coordinator Holly Klann, now the Experiential Learning & Co-op Education Coordinator at the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, connected with the University of Waterloo’s Director of International Strategic Initiatives, Shabnam Ivkovic. In their discussion, Klann learned about how Ivkovic had focused a student’s international co-op placement around the UN SDG goal of clean water and sanitation.

Klann admired how this approach to work-integrated learning offered both a unique career development opportunity and an avenue to create positive social impact, something she knew would appeal to students.

“Many students voiced to me that they wanted to make a positive change in their career, but they felt they couldn’t do so in large, corporate organizations. I wanted to show students that no matter where they work, they can make an impact,” says Klann.

Klann recalls students leading change in various organizations from improving webpage accessibility for the visually impaired, to encouraging everyday changes in culture to prioritize employees’ mental health.

2022 Asper Co-op Student of the Year Jacinda Flores even received recognition for her implementation of a recycling program in her co-op term at Wawanesa Insurance.

Jacinda Flores at Wawanesa Insurance

“The incorporation of the SDGs into my learning objectives gave me a new perspective. It allowed me to connect my values and my passion for sustainability with my role in the workplace. It pushed me to take the first step and take action, which was as simple as having conversations with people about these topics,” says Flores.

Flores says her initiative even caught the attention of a Wawanesa executive.

“That was very rewarding; it bolstered my desire to bring my authentic self to work every day, and when we do that, change happens.”

For Flores, the program helped her set goals not as an ideal candidate, but as an ideal version of herself.

Sean MacDonald, an instructor in the Department of Business Administration at Asper and faculty advisor for the Co-op Program, has seen this impact in the for-credit course that Co-op students complete, reflecting on how this initiative helped students set more engaging goals for their learning.

“We recognized that the goals students had been setting were, at times, usable, but not inspiring. This initiative changed that; it has pumped life into the program and energized it in a very meaningful way.”

With the support of the Asper CDC and faculty, Klann created a program that emphasized taking action at every stage of professional development. Students don’t have to wait until they are mid-career or in senior roles to advance the SDGs—they can find ways to do so in their very first work placements.

They can even create change that flourishes well beyond their work term.

“Part of implementing this initiative was to help students learn how they could engage with their colleagues in a positive way, to influence their environment in small ways,” says Klann. “Even if you can’t make a complete change in four months, you can leave an idea behind.”

This sentiment rings true for Klann, who has made her mark at Asper and is now building a strong co-op program in UM’s Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences.

Kelly Mahoney, Director of the Asper CDC is quick to credit Klann’s role in this achievement while noting the team’s enthusiasm in sustaining the project after Klann’s departure.

“As a team, we embrace the integration of EDI perspectives, and these are part of the SDGs. When Holly brought the idea forward, there was support from both the career development and academic sides of co-op,” says Mahoney.

“The reflection that Co-op students do as part of their learning objectives and work-term report becomes quite powerful. It is a way for them to make informed decisions about their career pathways—identifying their values and motivations and learning who they want to work for and what they want to build their career into. This award is an excellent recognition of that innovative practice. “

Incorporating the SDGs into the Co-op curriculum aligns with UM’s commitment to sustainability, and with Asper’s mission, strategic priorities, and core values.

More importantly, it creates an experiential learning opportunity for students to live out those values, and a way for students to make their first commitment to sustainability as a career-long habit.

Proudly accredited by CEWIL Canada, the I. H. Asper School of Business Co-op Program is one of the largest co-op programs at the University of Manitoba. This experiential learning program provides students with skills and knowledge that set them apart in the workforce. Asper’s 2021 Employment Report notes that 99% of co-op students find full-time employment within three months of graduation. The program also builds lasting relationships between students and employers: on average 80% of Asper Bachelor of Commerce (BComm) Co-op students go on to work for their co-op employers after graduation.

This year’s ceremony is the first to welcome co-op students from the Master’s Co-op Program, which launched in 2022. Stu Clark Graduate School students from the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Finance (MFin) programs are furthering their professional development and connecting with employers through co-op education and will soon be joined by students in the Master of Supply Chain Management and Logistics (MSCM) program. Beginning last summer with one MBA co-op student placement, the program grew to place 14 MBA and MFin students last fall and will welcome its first cohort of MSCM students in Summer 2023.

Above all, the program is committed to connecting talented Asper Co-op students and employers in Manitoba, Canada and around the world. The 2022 Celebrating Co-op Awards is an opportunity to renew this commitment and honour these connections.

2022 Student of the Year: Jacinda Flores

Congratulations to Jacinda Flores, an Actuarial Mathematics major who was nominated by her co-op employer, Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company.

As an actuarial intern on the Actuarial Pricing team, Flores exceeded expectations in her primary duties. Using actuarial pricing software and market quote data, she developed new reporting methodologies for measuring changes relevant to Wawanesa homeowner product in Western Canada.

Beyond excelling in her primary tasks, Flores stood out with her proactive approach on the team and within the company.

“Jacinda set herself apart from her fellow interns and co-op students with her willingness to take on responsibilities and initiatives beyond the scope of her internship to support causes that were important to her and causes that aligned with Wawanesa’s values,” said Senior Actuarial Analyst Kyle Casalla [BComm(Hons)/18] and Manager Felix Chan.

Flores created a recycling program at the office for used office supplies and small electronics. She also aimed to advance equity, diversity and inclusion at Wawanesa by researching equitable recruitment and onboarding practices for the actuarial teams.

Her achievement also highlights the success of the co-op program and its legacy. Casalla, who supported her nomination, is a former co-op student himself. For Casalla and Chan, Flores’ initiative demonstrates the high standard of the co-op program and the contributions of Asper Co-op students.

“She has truly gone above and beyond what is expected and exemplifies the types of contributions that co-op students should strive to make at any organization they have the opportunity to work for.”

2022 Employer of the Year: EY

EY, one of the top accounting firms in the world, received the 2022 Employer of the Year award for their commitment to experiential education and to supporting their co-op students. EY hosted 13 student placements this year as part of the Asper Co-op program.

Asper Co-op student Keshav Kaushal completed all three work terms at EY as a CPA Staff Accountant and nominated EY to recognize their mentorship. Kaushal recounts the support, patience and positive feedback that was offered on new assignments. He also describes how mentorship at EY operated across all levels of the organization.

“Everyone at EY has acted as a mentor towards me in different capacities. From partners to seniors, all individuals provided me with quality advice about client files, audits, the CPA program and how to handle work and life simultaneously.”

Kaushal also highlighted EY’s involvement in the business community and dedication to business education.

“EY is very committed to the students at the Asper School of Business, the co-op program office, the community as a whole and the co-op students at a personal level,” said Kaushal. “They take care of their co-op students and go above and beyond for them as they did for me.”

EY’s support of Kaushal and co-op students reflects the purpose of the co-op program. Kaushal, describing the impact of his experience as co-op student at EY, said, “I have been a confident student, but they helped me become a confident accountant.”

In helping participants to imagine this transition, from student to professional or from student to mentor, the co-op program enriches the Asper experience. The Celebrating Co-op 2022 Awards marks a fitting conclusion to another year of co-op success.

Summer recruitment for 2023 Co-op Program begins soon! Visit the program webpage to apply before the deadline on February 15, 2023.

The Faculty of Arts has a number of ways for alumni to become involved with current students. And, we are always looking for volunteers from a wide variety of disciplines from psychology to history to labour studies to any of our over 40 majors and minors. While there are many ways to volunteer, some of the top options include:

• mentor a new graduate during their first year of work in the Arts Career Apprenticeship Program.
• mentor one or multiple students or new graduates on the online platform UM Café.
• become a co-op employer and help guide a current arts student as they gain work experience before graduation.
• volunteer as a speaker on an alumni panel or for the Arts Career Round Table.

If you are ready to volunteer, complete our
Faculty of Arts alumni volunteer form today!

The Arts Career Apprenticeship Program is a new initiative in 2022 where recent Bachelor of Arts graduates are placed with a local employer for a twelve-month paid position to help gain valuable experience as they launch their career. As part of this program, students are also taught job search skills and techniques and are paired with two mentors, one on-the-job and one outside the organization. Outside mentors (preferably arts alumni) commit to connecting with the student throughout the twelve-month period to answer career and industry questions, share their advice and provide tips to help the new grad be successful in the workplace.

UM Café is a platform that introduces students, alumni and industry partners to one another over a virtual cup of coffee. It provides the flexibility for mentors to choose when, who and how often you meet with your mentees from anywhere in the world – in-person or virtual.

Co-op employers welcome into their workplace highly skilled and motivated student employees who are eager to learn and contribute for 12-16-week work terms. Provincial and federal subsidies and tax credits may be available to participating employers. Students receive a paid position providing degree-related experience, mentorship, guidance and feedback from employers.

The Faculty of Arts and many of our areas of study offer presentations or panels that include alumni speakers so students can hear about the successes and challenges alumni face after graduation. Hearing about careers that arts graduates have gone on to pursue helps current students make choices about their own future career path and sometimes opens doors to jobs they may have never considered. The Arts Career Roundtable is a unique event where students hear from multiple alumni, each with a different major and from a different industry and they get to ask questions in small group settings.

Here’s what arts alumni have to say about volunteering with us:

“I enjoy meeting with arts students and sharing some of my experience with them. Arts grads have a lot to offer, and the key is for them to understand how to leverage their skills and experience as they enter the working world.” — Amber Pohl, [B.A.(Adv.)/03]

“It’s great to talk with current students and learn about their goals and ideas, and it’s also a reminder of how versatile my own arts degree has been since I graduated.” — Frances Koncan [B.A./10]

“I really enjoyed my first experience as a mentor. It gave me a chance to share my belief that an arts education is the best preparation for so many career options.” — Karine Duhamel [M.A./08, Ph.D./13]

Volunteering has many benefits:

• Become a better leader by practicing your communication skills.
• It’s flexible and can work around your schedule and your available time commitment.
• Create connections with newcomers to your field.
• Provide valuable insight and advice to students.
• It’s rewarding and fulfilling.

If you would like to volunteer, please complete our Faculty of Arts alumni volunteer form and we will get back to you to discuss options on how you might best support students. Volunteer opportunities are available year round.