Recommendations for Prospective Students

Students interested in UVic co-ops should be prepared to work independently and take responsibility for their own learning. Even though the position comes with general duties, desired outcomes and operational parameters, UVic co-op students are also encouraged to work on things that interest them, to speak up in meetings with their own insights and ideas and to not be afraid to suggest alternative ways of doing things.

At the same time, students should not feel pressured to constantly perform. Since I had already been there awhile, I felt more comfortable with speaking my mind, both from being at ease with my colleagues and my familiarity with the institution's goals and idiosyncrasies. But there are also plenty of instances when simply observing is fine. No one expects nonstop brilliance; just stay curious, ask lots of questions and don't be afraid to take risks.