Are co-op placements worth the delay in graduating?

By University Study

By Nana Haidara, Student, University of Ottawa

Before starting a co-op, I never really understood its value. The pressure of finding a placement, preparing for back-to-back interviews, and hearing people’s “horror stories” felt overwhelming. Instead of facing the challenge, I gave up and decided to remove it from my program.

As soon as I sent the email, I felt regret but didn’t know why. That all changed after talking to my friend. She told me I had made a mistake because getting into co-op itself is difficult, and it provides work experience that school alone can’t prepare you for. She convinced me to add it back.

Co-op is perfect if you’ve ever wondered, “What do I want to do after graduation?” Even if you don’t find your passion, you’ll figure out what you dislike — and that’s still progress. It’s also a great way to grow your network and connect with professionals in your field.

One of the things I appreciated most during my co-op terms was having a supervisor. They guided me, gave feedback, and helped me feel confident about my work. Co-op is all about learning and growing, so don’t be afraid to try new things or ask questions. Internships are meant for making mistakes — just don’t make the same ones twice! And even though internships are short, take every opportunity to learn something new. This doesn’t mean overworking yourself but being willing to grow with the organization.

When searching for placements, my university had a co-op job navigator that listed opportunities, requirements, and deadlines. It was super helpful, but I made sure to search every program. For example, if you’re in communications, don’t skip the engineering tab — you might find a social media role there! If your university doesn’t have a resource like this, networking and career fairs are great alternatives.

Personally, I think the application process was the most challenging part. I didn’t have much work experience and faced over 20 rejections before landing my first interview. Out of five interviews, I was ranked the top choice for one of them. My personality definitely helped me stand out because, even without experience, I showed eagerness to learn and passion for the role.

Co-op gives you a whole semester to focus on work, providing a glimpse of life after school. Co-op taught me so much about responsibility, prioritizing tasks, and being dependable.

Plus, it teaches you how to balance work and life, as they are two completely different things. In school, you have more flexibility with breaks, but, it feels like you’re working 24/7. With work, when 5 p.m. hits, you’re done. Weekends are yours, and that freedom is amazing!

If you don’t see a job position that fits you, create one for yourself.

The best advice I got during my co-op journey was from my professor, who said, “If you don’t see a job position that fits you, create one for yourself.” I applied that advice during my second co-op and contacted my department manager. I shared with her what interests me the most and how I’d like to use my interests in editing, graphic design, and creative projects. Don’t hesitate to put yourself out there if you’re passionate about something. Even if internships are unpaid, the experience and connections you gain are worth it. Whether it’s a short-term role or just a weekend internship, say yes — you never know who you’ll meet, what they’ll notice about you, or how it could help you.

Looking back, I’m glad I didn’t give up on co-op. The doubt I felt after removing it was valid because co-op has taught me so much and introduced me to experiences that I wouldn’t trade for anything.