Work while you learn - co-operative education

Iris Lai is a graduate student in the Master of Applied Science program

Co-op at the graduate level

Daoyu Lai (also known as Iris) has a passion for learning. In the past ten years the graduate student has completed nearly three degrees and is about to embark on her sixth co-op work term. For Lai, co-op is the perfect complement to a well-balanced education.

Shortly after finishing her undergrad degree in electronic engineering in China, Lai immigrated to Canada. After a few years in the workforce she decided to continue her education at the University of Victoria, where she completed a second undergraduate degree in computer science along with four co-op work terms. Still, Iris wanted to learn more. "I like doing research and development", she says, "so I decided to go to grad school."

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• Lai was accepted into UVic's Master of Applied Science Program and has been enjoying the combination of academics and work experience. She is about to begin her sixth and final co-op work term working for a second term as a software engineer at Quester Tangent, a company based in Saanichton which designs software products and hardware systems.

  Lai is responsible for programming and coding and her main project involves a seabed classification software, which will help scientists, as well as commercial users, to display the classification results of seabeds while out on the water.

  "It's cool to work on something that [involves] marine science," says Lai, who was interested in marine science in high school. "I think it's challenging work." One of the highlights of her last work term was when she had the opportunity to go out on a boat to test acoustic devices. She hopes to expand her experience during her current work term.

  Lai praises the co-op program for the chance to work in her field of study. "Co-op work provides the opportunities to work for companies that really interest you", she says. "It can help you choose your future career and whether you'd like to pursue permanent work with a particular company."

Real-life learning through co-op

At UVic, learning extends beyond the classroom. Through co-operative education (co-op), you can alternate terms in class with paid work terms in positions related to your field of study. You'll graduate with work experience, a great resume, contacts in your field and some extra cash in your pocket. As a co-op graduate, you'll be more likely to find relevant, permanent work and command a higher salary.

As a graduate co-op student, you can apply for jobs posted by employers or work with your co-op coordinator to develop and arrange funding for a job that is specific to your area of research. Students often arrange co-op work terms that involve research related to their graduate projects.

Do I need to apply for admission to the co-operative education program?

As a graduate student in the Faculty of Engineering, you must apply to the Engineering and Computer Science/Math Co-op program in order to participate in co-op. Apply as soon as possible; contact the co-op office to discuss your plans and decide if co-op is right for you. Participation in co-op will be determined after consultation with your graduate adviser and department.

Find out more about co-op

Find out how co-op students have put their academic skills into practice in the workplace and discover how co-op will contribute to your degree program. Visit the main co-op website to learn about co-operative education programs at UVic. Learn what is expected of co-op students and everything from international work terms and co-op exchanges to help with housing and co-op forms.