News & Stories

As a third-year creative writing student with a passion for history, Jenna Luis’s four-month co-op work term as an interpreter and communications/ marketing assistant with Vernon’s Caetani Centre was a natural fit.

In this newsletter, connect with Co-op students for work experiences in 2023; read how Co-op alumni are contributing to their communities; be invited to connect with our work-integrated learning (WIL) network of Co-op, Capstone, and WIL students; access free employer resources, and more!

Throughout 2021-22, the Interdisciplinary Co-op Program continued to advance program objectives of creating an interdisciplinary program grounded in reflective practice and seeking to create more equitable access to learners across the UBC Okanagan campus. With continued attention to fostering strong relationships with organizations in BC’s interior region that offer engaging workplace learning experiences locally with global relevance.

The Interior & Northern Work Integrated Learning (INWIL) Coalition, a partnership between the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO), Thompson Rivers University (TRU), and University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), aims to direct connection between industry and institution, opening the door for employers to innovate, increase capacity, and contribute to a future skilled workforce. The initiative aims to align student talent in supporting the changing needs of small and medium sized organizations, while encouraging students to explore the many regionally based opportunities available.

This past August, as he settled into a new position in Victoria as a Policy Analyst for the Indigenous Education division of the Ministry of Education and Child Care with the Government of British Columbia, UBC Okanagan Interdisciplinary Co-op Education alumnus Damyn Libby reflected on how far he’d come since his early days as a Bachelor of Arts student.  

Each co-op work experience provides students with the opportunity to integrate their academic studies with practical experiences in various fields and explore different career options. In this blog, you will find some helpful tips for a successful work term, and resources to support you through your Co-op journey.