Student Spotlight: What’s Harder to Learn Than Code? This Computer Science Co-op Student Has the Answer

Name: Om Mistry  

Program: Bachelor of Science – Major in Computer Science with Minor in Data Science 

Co-op Positions & Employers: Data & Software Specialist Co-op at Spartan Controls | 16 months (May 2024 – August 2025) | Calgary, AB 

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

My co-op experience has been extremely important in shaping who I am as a professional. I learned quickly that soft skills are just as important as technical skills, sometimes even more. Through my role as a Data & Software Specialist, I saw how programming knowledge becomes valuable only when you can tailor it to your clients’ needs. 

The UBCO Co-op Program’s workshops and events were quite helpful, as they taught me how to refine my resume strengthen my professional profile, and build a network that supports my career growth. Working with a supportive team helped me gain confidence, understand my strengths, and confirm that I’m in the right field. 

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

My Team Lead was involved in a migration project involving moving from deprecated software to new software offered by the same solutions company. The dashboards linked to one another, but after migration we discovered that many of the links were broken, an issue they hadn’t encountered before. 

Knowing I had experience with SQL, my Team Lead asked for my help. I wrote a solution that accessed the database directly, retrieved the necessary information, and repaired the links based on their hierarchy. The solution also included scripts to provide our client with statistics and documentation of the fixes. 

This not only solved the problem and reassured the client, but it also showed my team they could rely on me during future challenges. The biggest lesson I took away? Problem-solving skills can be more valuable than the technical knowledge you start with.  

How has mentorship influenced your career? 

My technical mentor at Spartan Controls changed my perspective on how problem solving can be approached. He taught me that the simplest approach, sometimes even using Excel, is often the most effective, especially for clients who may not understand programming. 

Another mentor has been supporting me since day one, since he also joined the company as an intern a few years ago. He gave me a tip I still use: write down everything you do in a notebook. Being able to flip back months later and see exactly what I worked on has been incredibly helpful. He also set up monthly check-ins so I had a safe space to ask questions and get feedback. 

Describe a challenge you faced. How did you overcome it? 

During my first client project, I was assigned to work with a Project Lead using software I had never used before. At this point, I had no previous experience with the software I was tasked with. I tried my best to explain that to my Team Lead and asked multiple questions to understand but still felt unclear Since this was my first client project, I felt the pressure to prove myself, so I didn’t escalate my questions. 

Eventually, others got involved and realized the issue wasn’t just technical, the project needed clearer leadership. My Project Manager (PM) involved a Subject Matter Expert (SME), who was quickly able to navigate the problems and guide me through how the software functions.  

My big learning: asking questions is important, but asking the right people is essential. It’s better to speak up early than to stay stuck. 

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

Network – seriously. Connect with people beyond your classes.  Go to job fairs, message people on LinkedIn, talk to professionals. Many of my interviews come through referrals, including the one that led to my current co-op. 

Also focus on soft skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership, and adaptability.  After being in the industry for 16 months, I’ve seen how much companies value these.  Technical skills can be taught. Strong communication and collaboration skills are much harder to learn, and they set you apart.  

What do you like to do on your free time? 

One of my favourite things to do after work is dance. I’ve loved dancing since I was six. I took a break during COVID, but when I came to UBCO, I rediscovered my passion – through Parindey Dance Club and Unite Dance Club (UDC). I started as a member and now serve as an executive on both clubs.  

During my co-op in Calgary, I also found a huge dance community and joined performances both on and off campus. 

In the winter, I love skating. Calgary has amazing trails and outdoor rinks, which inspired me to buy my own skates.