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Where have co-op students worked?

UVic co-op students have completed more than 105,000 co-op work terms since the program launched in 1976. They have put their skills into action for employers across Canada and around the world. Here are some of their stories. 

Christine Wong Chong, an engineering co-op student, is standing in a vineyard on a sunny day, reaching up to touch one vine. Christine is framed by the vines.

Christine Wong Chong (biomedical engineering)

When Christine Wong Chong enrolled as a biomedical engineering student at UVic, she was inspired by the prospect of working in a field that contributes to medical advancements that improve...

A student leans against a brick wall. He is holding a box of BinBreeze.

Jamil Bhimji (commerce)

When Christine Wong Chong enrolled as a biomedical engineering student at UVic, she was inspired by the prospect of working in a field that contributes to medical advancements that improve...

Jay Choi, a Humanities co-op student, is posing in front of a wall covered in photos of BC Wildfire Services fighting wildfires. Jay is wearing a gray collared uniform shirt and a moose hide pin.

Jay Choi (Indigenous studies)

Commerce student Melanie Procyshyn has always been excited about commerce and its role in the economy, but when she began her studies at the University of Victoria in 2021, it was recommendations...

Melanie is posing in a packing warehouse at Portofino Bakery, wearing a white blouse and red tartan skirt. She has long, red wavy hair. Melanie is holding up two packaged loaves of Portofino bread.

Melanie Procyshyn (commerce)

Commerce student Melanie Procyshyn has always been excited about commerce and its role in the economy, but when she began her studies at the University of Victoria in 2021, it was recommendations...

Tess Grindlay is posing in a large lab building in front of machinery emblazoned with the word "Canada."

Tess Grindlay (physics and astronomy)

For a physics and astronomy student like Tess Grindlay, a summer spent working with the Canadian Space Agency on the James Webb Space Telescope was nothing short of a dream job.

Business

Tess Grindlay is posing in a large lab building in front of machinery emblazoned with the word "Canada."

Curtis Lever (commerce)

Driven by his keen interest in the intersection of technology and business, Curtis Lever (commerce) helped organize a networking night as part of his work term at the Thai-Canadian Chamber of...

A woman stands in a field lined by trees, next to a group of beehives. She is holding beeswax food wrap.

Hanna Schleppe (commerce)

Commerce co-op student Hanna Schleppe’s co-op experience in Graz, Austria through UVic's award-winning CANEU-COOP Program was enriched by her active involvement in two main community...

Jack Bougie, a commerce co-op student, is posing on a metal spiral staircase in the centre of the Malahat Skywalk.

Jack Bougie (commerce)

When the opportunity arose to work as a co-op student with an iconic local tourism company, Malahat Skywalk Corporation, it was a perfect fit for commerce student Jack Bougie.

A student sits in front of boxes filled with donations for a food drive.

Lauren McDiarmid (commerce)

During her work term at Apex K.K in Tokyo, commerce co-op student Lauren McDiarmid led an impactful movement that not only addressed the critical issue of zero hunger worldwide (UN SDG #2) but also...

Melanie is posing in a packing warehouse at Portofino Bakery, wearing a white blouse and red tartan skirt. She has long, red wavy hair. Melanie is holding up two packaged loaves of Portofino bread.

Melanie Procyshyn (commerce)

Commerce student Melanie Procyshyn has always been excited about commerce and its role in the economy, but when she began her studies at the University of Victoria in 2021, it was recommendations...

A student holding a water bottle with the BC Parks logo stands in front of a wood and glass building.

Nancy Nguyen (commerce)

UVic commerce student Nancy Nguyen joined the BC Parks team as a program assistant. She helped BC Parks provide high quality, safe outdoor recreation that protects the natural environment.

On the rope course at WildPlay Element Parks, Olivia films Kat as she jumps happily off the bungee-jump.

Olivia Nelson (commerce)

Commerce student Olivia Nelson put her passions to work at WildPlay Element Parks, capturing exciting video of ziplines, rope courses and bungee-jumps for marketing.

Engineering and Computer Science

A close-up shot of two men standing in front of a bush. They are both smiling and looking at the camera.

Alex McKay and Nick Saar (engineering)

Engineering students Alex McKay and Nick Saar designed a pre-incident plan for a navy base fire department.

Casey is sitting at a table covered in supplies for the Engineering for Kids camps, including blocks, scissors, and markers. He is smiling and wearing an Engineering for Kids t-shirt.

Casey Woo (mechanical engineering)

As a fourth-year student in mechanical engineering, Casey Woo was excited to share his knowledge and passion for solving problems with camp participants at Engineering for Kids.

Christine Wong Chong, an engineering co-op student, is standing in a vineyard on a sunny day, reaching up to touch one vine. Christine is framed by the vines.

Christine Wong Chong (biomedical engineering)

When Christine Wong Chong enrolled as a biomedical engineering student at UVic, she was inspired by the prospect of working in a field that contributes to medical advancements that improve...

A student with long brown hair stands in front of a green bush.

Kirsten Krajnc (civil engineering)

Civil engineering co-op Kristen Krajn learned how to collect historical weather data while working with Indigenous Services Canada.

Yichun Zhao sits at his desk in his apartment. There is a window behind him looking over a garden.

Yichun Zhao (computer science)

For UVic student Yichun Zhao, helping develop a computer system that ensured people entering BC from outside the country were managing self-isolation was a “wild ride.”

Education

Connor Guillet sits in a tent in Kyrgyzstan.

Connor Guillet (educational psychology)

After completing his Bachelor of Education from the University of Saskatchewan’s Saskatchewan Urban Native Teachers Education Program, Connor Guillet enrolled in UVic’s...

A male student stands on a bicycle pathway. He wears a helmet and has a bike at his side. There is a child riding a bike beside him.

Jacob Cooke (health and recreation, PISE)

Physical health and recreation student Jacob Cook jumped at the opportunity to work with the Pacific Institute for Sports Excellence facility (PISE), a local non-profit organization that creates...

Fine Arts

A student stands in between several colourful beaded art pieces that are hanging from the ceiliing.

Mel Granley (art history/visual studies)

UVic Indigenous studies and art history/visual studies student Mel Granley helped curate the Legacy Gallery's "On Beaded Ground" exhibit, which explores the essential role of Indigenous womens'...

Health Information Science

Three students wearing red lanyards and button-up shifts stand together showing off a structure made of popsicle sticks.

Andrew Abuleal (health information science)

Health information science student worked to improve healthcare in Kenya on international work term.

Humanities

A student stands beside her employer in front of a piece of art.

Angelina Schwarz (history and European studies)

UVic history and European Studies co-op student Angelina Schwarz’s internship at the Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INPTA), opened doors for her to explore the...

Ashley Maclellan, a UVic English and Professional Communications co-op student, is sitting in a leather chair surrounded by equipment. She is looking off to the side and smiling, resting her chin on her hand. Ashley has long brown hair and wears a white blouse.

Ashley MacLellan (English and professional communication)

English and Professional Communications student Ashley Maclellan began her professional career after connecting with Civilian Human Resources at the Department of National Defence during the Mock...

Matthew Kerr (left) and James Coe (right) are standing in front of a curated exhibit on the Korean War, with artifacts in a glass case.

James Coe and Matthew Kerr (history)

UVic history students James Coe and Matthew Kerr spent a summer bringing history to life at the Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum. From giving tours to curating their own...

Jay Choi, a Humanities co-op student, is posing in front of a wall covered in photos of BC Wildfire Services fighting wildfires. Jay is wearing a gray collared uniform shirt and a moose hide pin.

Jay Choi (Indigenous studies)

Commerce student Melanie Procyshyn has always been excited about commerce and its role in the economy, but when she began her studies at the University of Victoria in 2021, it was recommendations...

A female student site on the top of a bluff overlooing a beach and the ocean. The coastline is green.

Lisa Schnitzler (English and Indigenous studies)

UVic English and Indigenous studies student Lisa Schnitzler travelled to Australia during her work term to join the policy and impact team with the Office of Indigenous Education and Engagement at...

A student stands wearing an animal pelt that has stories and images etched into the hide.

Shireen Foroghi (political science)

Indigenous and political science co-op student travelled to Australia for work term at Walanga Muru - Macquarie University.

A student sits at a desk in front of a computer. There is a window behind the student.

Sydney Moore (Indigenous studies and Canadian history)

Sydney Moore is an Indigenous Studies and Canadian History student, who is Métis, mixed with Anishinaabe, Cree and French ancestry.  Born and raised on the unceded territories of...

Public Administration

A male student wearing a yellow shirt stands in front of a green tree.

Juraj Kobzik (public administration)

Juraj is finishing his studies in UVic’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) program. During his studies he completed two co-op work terms with the Government of Canada’s...

Science

A student wearing waders and a reflective vest stands in a river.

Abby Matheson (geography and biology)

Abby Matheson found herself immersed in British Columbia’s natural beauty when she accepted a job with biological consulting company Ecofor. The role took the geography major/biology...

A student sits at a desk in front of a laptop.

Chloe Leroy (science)

UVic student Chloe Leroy had the unique experience of working remotely with Universidad Catolica del Maule (UCM) in Chile.

Paige is examining a small, fluffy white dog on a vet's examination table. The dog's owner is watching Paige work.

Paige Garat (biology)

Paige Garat's love for animals of all shapes and sizes led her to a co-op work term at Dand Veterinary Clinics.

A student sits at a desk in front of a computer and microphone. Behind her is a projected Powerpoint presentation.

Seoyoon Lee (biochemistry and microbiology)

Seoyoon Lee (biochemistry and microbiology) found the work term of her dreams at Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena in Germany. As a research intern, Seoyoon carved out opportunities to...

Tess Grindlay is posing in a large lab building in front of machinery emblazoned with the word "Canada."

Tess Grindlay (physics and astronomy)

For a physics and astronomy student like Tess Grindlay, a summer spent working with the Canadian Space Agency on the James Webb Space Telescope was nothing short of a dream job.

Social Sciences

Co-op student Grace Decker is sitting on a wooden fence railing on Sidney Island, wearing a green Parks uniform collared shirt. The beach and the Salish Sea, as well as other small islands, are visible behind Grace.

Grace Decker (geography)

Born and raised in Salmon Arm in the British Columbia interior, geography co-op student Grace Decker has nourished a passion for the environment and being outdoors that brought her to the...

Jenna Inch (political science and European studies)

Jenna Inch (political science and European studies) spent a co-op term as a junior policy analyst with the Canada EU Trade and Investment Association (CEUTIA) in Brussels, Belgium, where she helped...

Natasha Moroz (geography and environmental studies)

Learn about University of Victoria geography and environmental studies student Natasha Moroz, who worked as the marketing and business development specialist for Nature Bee beeswax wraps, a...