Alumni Spotlight: The Evolution of a Career through Curiosity and Co-op

Name: Mashal Narsi

Program & Graduation Year: Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE), UBC, Class of 2025.   

Co-op Positions & Employers: Project Coordinator, BC Public Service: Trade & Invest BC | 12 months 

Current Role & Employer: Recent Graduate, exploring opportunities in policy,  communications, and development. Member of Leaders of Tomorrow Program,  Greater Vancouver Board of Trade.   

How did your co-op experience shape your current career path and professional identity? 

My co-op experiences completely reshaped the way I think about careers. I always had a general sense that I was interested in policy and public service, but I didn’t fully understand what that would look like in practice. Working with the BC Public Service gave me a front-row seat to see how policies move from ideas on paper to real impact in communities. This experience helped me recognize that I enjoy roles where I can blend research, project coordination, and communication. 

The support from the UBCO Co-op staff was also incredibly helpful. From reviewing my resume to preparing for interviews, I felt like I had a safety net while also being encouraged to push myself. The check-in assignments and career readiness workshops reminded me that career growth isn’t just about the work you do in the office; it’s also about learning how to present yourself, reflect on your goals, and build confidence in your abilities. Looking back on my experiences, the co-op program helped me see myself not just as a student, but as someone ready to step into the professional world and belong there. 

Describe a specific co-op project or experience where you made a meaningful impact on your organization. 

One of the most impactful projects I worked on was the Business Planning Project for the 2024/2025 fiscal year. I was responsible for coordinating with trade and investment representatives outside of Canada, which meant managing multiple time zones, gathering input, and ensuring everyone stayed aligned. Being the youngest person on the team felt daunting at first, and I was determined not to make any mistakes. 

As the project progressed, I realized that my organizational skills and attention to detail were keeping things moving smoothly. I also had the chance to streamline a procurement process, which reinforced how even small improvements can make a big difference for a team. Seeing the results of my work integrated into the larger planning process was incredibly rewarding. It gave me a strong sense of ownership and showed me that I could handle bigger responsibilities than I had originally imagined. 

What valuable skills did you gain during your co-op work term(s), and how are they still relevant? 

My co-op experiences gave me a crash course on skills I use constantly today. Project coordination, managing deadlines, and organizing information all became core parts of my work. I also strengthened my communication abilities, learning how to adapt my writing and presentations depending on the audience. 

These skills might sound basic, but they’re incredibly transferable to other parts of my life. Whether I’m working on policy research, helping draft reports, or collaborating with others, I still rely on the habits I developed during my co-op work terms. More than anything, I learned how to step into new situations, figure things out quickly, and not be afraid to ask questions—skills that make me feel confident no matter what kind of work I’m doing. 

How has networking and mentorship influenced your career? 

I was fortunate to have a supervisor who genuinely trusted in giving me responsibility while also being approachable whenever I had questions. She didn’t just tell me what to do; she explained why things worked the way they did. That helped me see the bigger picture and understand how my work fit into the department’s goals. 

Early on, the Executive Director also shared some advice during my very first week in the office that completely shaped how I approached the whole experience. He encouraged me to take initiative, ask questions, and not limit myself to only what was written in my job description. That advice stuck with me and made my co-op experience incredibly meaningful. 

By the end of my work term, I had taken on my own project that wasn’t originally part of my role. Being able to lead something from start to finish gave me a strong sense of accomplishment and showed me the importance of stepping up when opportunities come your way. Those moments of guidance and encouragement from mentors made me more confident and open-minded about what I can take on in the future. 

Describe a challenge you faced during your co-op experience. How did you overcome it?

In the first few weeks, I kept second-guessing myself and felt nervous speaking up in meetings. Everyone around me seemed so experienced, so I often worried that I’d ask a “silly” question. 

What helped was reminding myself that I was there to learn, not to already know everything. My supervisor also encouraged me to share my perspective because, sometimes, being new means, you notice things others might overlook. Slowly, I started speaking up more, and I realized that my contributions genuinely added value. That experience taught me not to let self-doubt keep me quiet—a lesson I carry with me today. 

What advice would you give to students about maximizing their co-op experience?  

My biggest piece of advice is to approach co-op with curiosity. 

It’s easy to stress about whether a job perfectly matches your “dream career,” but co-op is about exploring, trying new things, and learning about yourself.

Even if a role isn’t a perfect fit, you’ll walk away with skills and clarity that will help guide your next step. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions—even the small ones. People know you’re there to learn, and most are more than happy to share their knowledge. 

Another important piece of advice is about networking. Try to connect with people even if they’re not in your exact field or major, and lead those conversations with genuine curiosity rather than thinking, “What can I gain from this?” Sometimes the most valuable thing you can do is just listen. Down the road, that conversation might end up helping you in unexpected ways. I often meet students who want a quick referral or job lead, but that approach can come across as pushy. What really works is investing in long-term relationships: being authentic, checking in every so often, and not forgetting about the people you’ve spoken with. Even sending a quick message every six months to reconnect goes a long way.