Testimonials
Ben Dupont
"The Co-op program is fantastic. In my case, I was able to earn money, gain valuable work experience and get course credit, all at the same time! The pecuniary and academic aspects were certainly welcomed, but I want to say that it is the experience I gained which made the whole thing worth the effort.
I’ve found that one thing new graduates are faced with as they seek to enter the labor market is that employers often look for candidates with past work experience. It can be frustrating when you keep hitting walls and have the hardest time finding a place that would be willing to give you this very experience you need in the first place.
Though you may certainly land a job without meeting that kind of requirement, having been exposed to different work environments will help you not only to qualify for better, more interesting jobs, but will also help you figure out for yourself what it is that you really want. And most importantly, what you do not want. It can be quite the eye-opener. The Co-op program is definitely worth it."
Lauren McLaughlin
"Today, most jobs require experience; with the Co-op Program you get that experience while still going to school. When I was offered a job in the Financial Services office after having a hard time in Math and Accounting I was fearful. But being a hands-on learner, working in an environment where I had a hard time with in class was actually a benefit to me. My classes focused more on the Customer Service and Marketing parts of business as opposed to the Accounting and Finance parts of Business which I currently work in today. I was hired on as a Co-op Student for UNB Financial Services for an 8-month term which then turned into a full-time term position as a Student Accountant. I still currently work for the University of New Brunswick as a Department Bookkeeper.”
Lacey Nicholson
"UNB’s co-op program is an excellent learning opportunity as well as a great way to gain on-the-job experience before graduating. There are a lot of positions available with many organizations in different fields of interest that students are able to apply to. It is also a job opportunity that could lead to a career in the long-term in many situations."
Shaun Williams
“The most positive aspect of the Business Co-operative education program was that you could gain work experience. The experience I gained at Grant Thornton through the Co-op program gave me an advantage in my accounting classes and also a huge competitive edge since I had a full time contract by my third year and did not have to worry about looking for a job. I believe that the financial investment that I made in my work terms resulted in a positive outcome. You could not even fathom the amount of experience you will gain and the formal connections you will make with other professionals you work with.”
Brittany Young
“Being able to work and gain valuable employment opportunities to help grow as an individual both on a personal and professional level was the most positive aspect of the program for me. I am very grateful for this program as it has provided me with experience that most students only dream of. I feel that it sets students up to be better prepared and to succeed after graduation because they have the experience, networks and references that are so valuable in order to obtain a career of your choice.”
Kathryn Bartlett
“I got to see what it was like to work in a position similar to what I’ll be looking for after I graduate which made my co-op experience positive. I am very glad I chose to enroll in the program. It was probably the best decision I made in my university life. I am graduating a little late, but with the position I was in, I made a lot of connections with provincial departments and I’ve learned quite a bit.”
Ben Rencz
“The most positive aspect of the program was giving me the ability to network and meet people who can employ me in my field. The program also gave me the ability to graduate with a potential career path, with a little extra money. The financial investment for the program is negligible compared to the amount of money made throughout the work terms. The reason the financial investment is so small can be seen in both direct and indirect ways. The direct way is the average summer job will give you $11-12 an hour with inconsistent hours where my work placement average wage was $16 an hour with a steady 37.5 hours per week. The indirect way is the experiences you receive during your co-ops which have helped me get interviews for post graduate work. You cannot put a price on experience.”
Serene Amos
“The most positive aspect was being able to apply my theoretical knowledge in a real world business environment. I felt I was able to better understand what I was learning in my courses because I could see the material in action.”
