Co-op Student of the Year
Each year, we recognize three co-op students who have made outstanding achievements in their academic achievement, workplace performance and community involvement. Winners are announced in November.
One student is selected from each of our three major program areas:
- Business
- Engineering and Computer Science
- Optional and Professional Programs (all other programs)
One recipient each year is also nominated for the provincial and national awards:
- The Association for Co-operative Education in British Columbia/Yukon (ACE) Student of the Year Award
- The Canadian Association for Cooperative Education (CAFCE) Student of the Year Award
Nominations
Each UVic Co-op program area will nominate a Student of the Year each fall. To be eligible, students must have completed at least ONE co-op work term during the current calendar year. Co-op staff will contact students about nominations in the fall.
Nomination packages include:
- A copy of the student's transcript.
- A copy of the student's résumé.
- A testimonial from an employer stating how the student demonstrated initiative and/or contributed to the workplace's organizational goals.
- A testimonial from the student outlining how co-op enhanced their career development, personal development and academic experience.
- A testimonial from the student's co-op coordinator supporting the student's nomination.
2022 winners
Each year, we recognize the extraordinary ways that co-op students contribute to their workplaces and communities—we’re pleased to announce our 2022 Co-op Student of the Year recipients.
Lauryn Orme (Business - commerce)
Lauryn Orme brings her passion for continuous learning to everything she does, and her co-op placement at Workday Inc. was no exception. By providing strategic guidance for internal initiatives, Lauryn tackled challenges like supply chain impacts and changing client needs. Her ability to leverage her communications skills, reflectiveness and strategic thinking to adapt to a changing climate made an impact on her organization, where she went above and beyond to plan events like a lunch and learn and a Movember campaign.
Muskan Hans (Engineering and Computer Science - computer science)
When international student Muskan Hans began her studies in Canada in 2016, she struggled with physical and mental health issues while far from her home in India. While Muskan had doubts about whether she would succeed in co-op, her first work term with BC Pension Corporation built her confidence and communication skills as she brought her adaptability and technical expertise to the team. Initially hired in quality assurance, Muskan’s diligence and eagerness to learn led to her taking on more responsibility across a number of job roles, from quality assurance to business analyst.
Camas Ussery (Optional and Professional Programs - law)
During her three years in UVic’s law program, Camas Ussery spent countless hours studying the Canadian common law system. So, when she began a co-op work term with the South Island Indigenous Authority (SIIA), she committed to learning about Coast Salish/Nuu-chah-nulth law and culture through community engagement at craft nights, youth dinners and a ‘Gathering of Aunties.’“I’ve witnessed the human impact of the law with SIIA,” she says. “It can seem very abstract in law school. I’m motivated to understand why legal decisions are made and who they impact.”