Co-op Ambassador Program
Meet the Team
Divya Pateliya
"This advice is specifically for Computer Science Students. Build side projects, practice LeetCode, and apply even if you don’t feel ready—you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take."
-Divya Pateliya on Advice to Future Co-op Students
5th year B.Sc. & B.Mgmt in Computer Science & General Management
What specific skills have you developed throughout Co-op?
- hands-on experience with Azure, C#.NET, and various tools within the Microsoft ecosystem, contributing to large-scale applications.
This exposure has strengthened my technical abilities and problem-solving skills.
How has Co-op impacted your education or helped you gain clarity about your career aspirations?
The Co-op program has allowed me to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios. It’s been a pivotal part of my growth, helping me transition from theory to practical development, and sharpening my focus on future career goals.
My ultimate goal is to become a tech lead, and Co-op has been instrumental in building a solid foundation. My time as a Software Developer Intern at Arcurve Inc. gave me invaluable insights into leadership, project management, and collaboration within a tech team. These experiences are helping me work toward my goal with confidence.
Ethan Hunt
"I recommend approaching your experience with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Don’t hesitate to seek feedback from your supervisors and peers—constructive criticism is a powerful tool for growth. Make connections with your colleagues; networking can lead to valuable opportunities and insights into your industry. Lastly, use co-op as a way to explore different areas of interest within your field and gain a clearer sense of your long-term career direction."
-Ethan Hunt on Advice to Future Co-op Students
4th year Bachelor of Management: Major in Accounting
What specific skills have you developed throughout Co-op?
- A range of valuable skills in both specific accounting tasks and general skills needed to succeed in any professional environment.
- Auditing strengthened my ability to evaluate internal controls and assess financial transactions for material misstatements.
- Practical experience in tax preparation and optimization.
- Working with both personal and corporate clients.
- Time management abilities after balancing multiple tasks and deadlines during the busy tax season.
- Professional communication skills over a variety of channels through interacting with clients every day.
How has Co-op impacted your education or helped you gain clarity about your career aspirations?
My co-op experience with KPMG has been pivotal in shaping my educational and career goals, deepening both my passion for accounting and my commitment to pursuing the CPA designation. It offered me the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations while expanding my expertise in critical areas such as financial reporting, auditing, and tax. Collaborating with experienced professionals in a dynamic environment also gave me valuable insight into the strategic importance of accounting in decision-making, further solidifying my goal of earning my CPA designation.
It has also been pivotal in advancing my career aspirations of becoming both a CPA and an entrepreneur. It provided me with valuable experience in accounting and financial management, which are critical skills for any future business owner. Working with clients across various industries deepened my understanding of how accounting supports business operations and decision-making. This experience solidified my commitment to earning the CPA designation while also fueling my entrepreneurial ambitions by equipping me with the financial expertise and problem-solving abilities needed to run a successful business.
Misha Goian
"Be open to various experiences. A lot of students in accounting education are planning on working in accounting firms but for me my path has been a little bit different. One of my co-op positions was at the UofL and I am glad that I got to experience it because it feels like this is where I want to be in future."
-Misha Goian on Advice to Future Co-op Students
8th year Bachelor of Arts and Science/ Bachelor of Management with major in Economics and Accounting
What specific skills have you developed throughout Co-op?
- Time Management
- Communication on a professional level with various departments
- Advancement of Excel skills
- Data collection and analysis
- Payroll
- Account reconciliation
How has Co-op impacted your education or helped you gain clarity about your career aspirations?
Getting to see what I have learnt in classroom and into practice.
During one of my co-ops, I got to see how tourism impacts local economy through data collection and data visualization. I got to see my economic education play a role.
For my second co-op, I got to combine skills from both economics and accounting. I used all of my data collection and analysis from my economic background and was able to use it in my second co-op where my experience was more towards accounting.
Between the two, I am really enjoying more of data collection and data analysis.
Rejoice Makiwa
"I would stress the importance of maintaining a balanced perspective and not being too hard on oneself. Seeking guidance and clarification is not a sign of weakness but rather an essential aspect of the learning process. Understand that everyone, regardless of their tenure, continues to seek knowledge."
-Rejoice Makiwaon on Advice to Future Co-op Students
3rd year Bachelor of Management in Accounting
What specific skills have you developed throughout Co-op?
- attention to detail
- client communication
- time management
How has Co-op impacted your education or helped you gain clarity about your career aspirations?
My co-op experience provided me with valuable insights into my prospective career and offered a first-hand understanding of the work environment. Upon returning to my studies, I have been able to draw meaningful connections between my academic learning and the skills I developed in the workplace.
I have received an offer to return to the company for another co-op term. This experience has not only helped me build valuable professional connections but also enhanced my resume with relevant experience, positioning me for potential post-graduation employment opportunities.
Sukhvir Sangha
"take on all possible networking opportunities and participate in team events as it will help you gain self-confidence, expand your circle of contact and build strong professional relationships."
Sukhvir Sangha on Advice to Future Co-op Students
4th year Post-Diploma Bachelor of Management - Accounting
What specific skills have you developed throughout Co-op?
- Team-building
- Analytical and problem-solving
- Communication
- Leadership skills
- Organization
- Software skills in using tax filing software, Microsoft suite etc.
How has Co-op impacted your education or helped you gain clarity about your career aspirations?
Co-op has helped me become more confident in the work I do and concepts I learned at school. It has helped me understand what I can expect from my future career and what more can I add to my skillset in order to excel in my field. I have been fortunate enough to meet other students from across Canada to understand their journeys and make lasting professional connections.
I want to pursue my CPA in coming years, Co-op has helped me gain experience required for that and it has helped me prepare for full-time Career in the field of accounting with providing me with the opportunity of gaining relevant skill set.
Join the Career Bridge Team as a volunteer Co-op Ambassador!
Are you a current student at the University of Lethbridge with a passion for helping others and sharing your own personal Co-op journey? Become a Co-op Ambassador and make a real impact on the student community!
What You'll Gain:
As a Co-op Ambassador, you'll have the chance to enhance your skills and connect with fellow students while growing your professional network. Choose from a variety of exciting opportunities to showcase your strengths:
Promotion & Advocacy
- Be a Voice: Represent Co-op at events like New Student Orientation (NSO), the Student Services Fair, and Career Fairs.
- Engage & Inspire: Host "Meet Your Employer" sessions, student panels, and Co-op coffee chats.
- Get Involved: Join clubs and promote Co-op to your peers!
Connect One-On-One
- Build Relationships: Conduct information sessions and reach out to students online.
- Support Peers: Help others navigate their Co-op journeys.
Event Planning
- Plan Awesome Events: Help organize Co-op Month and the Co-op Ambassador Gala.
- Make It Fun: Collaborate with the Career Bridge team to create engaging events that bring everyone together!
Key Skills We're Looking For:
- Public Speaking: Confidently share your experiences and insights.
- Leadership: Take initiative and inspire others in the Co-op community.
Why Join Us?
- Build Your Resume: Gain valuable experience that looks great on any application and can increase your marketability on future job applications.
- Network: Connect with industry professionals and fellow students.
- Make a Difference: Be a part of something bigger by helping your peers succeed!
- Exclusive Incentives: Receive a reference letter from the Career Bridge office based on suitable engagement with the Ambassador program.
- Special Invitations: Join us at the prestigious Co-op Ambassador Gala
- Recognition: Stand out with a chance to be named Co-op Ambassador of the Year and be recognized on the ULeth website.