Brandon University’s Cooperative Education Program (BU Co-op) has achieved 100 per cent employment for its students for the second year in a row. This outstanding accomplishment underscores BU Co-op’s dedication to providing unparalleled career opportunities and professional development to its students. Forty-one BU Co-op students are employed this summer in fields that match their career aspirations.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the full employment milestone again this year, and are blown away by both the hard work from our students and the eager support from our industry partners,” said Cora Dupuis, Coordinator of BU Co-op. “Placing every student in a workplace that will develop the skills and experience to excel in their careers really highlights the quality of our program for both employers and for students.”

The BU Co-op program, renowned for pairing rigorous academic standards with strong industry partnerships, continually prepares its students to meet the demands of the modern workforce. This year’s success reflects the program’s commitment to excellence in education and its strategic collaboration with leading companies and organizations across various sectors.

“Joining BU’s Co-op program was a pivotal step for me,” said Pransu Patel, a Computer Science major, and a first-time BU Co-op student. He’s working this summer as a Junior Programmer at Canadian Photonic Labs in Minnedosa. “BU Co-op allowed me to land my dream job. And it’s not just a job, it’s a significant milestone in my professional development.”

Patel’s success, and those of all the other 40 students in the Co-op program, underscores the effectiveness of BU’s Co-operative Education Program in connecting students with industry opportunities. By fostering meaningful partnerships between students and employers, the program empowers students to launch their careers, even before they graduate.

“Our entire university is so proud of the success of the BU Co-op program,” said David Docherty, President of Brandon University. “When students learn to thrive both academically and professionally, they start their careers with a tremendous advantage. BU Co-op delivers on that promise.”

The BU Co-op program offers students the unique opportunity to integrate academic learning with paid work experience. Students gain valuable insights and hands-on experience by working alongside professionals in their field of study, enhancing their employability and career readiness. The program’s success is further bolstered by its strong network of alumni and employers who provide mentorship, guidance, and job opportunities to current students.

This year’s 100 per cent employment rate spans diverse industries including tech, business, health care, and the non-profit sector. Some of the employers that have hired BU Co-op students this year include small, medium and large organizations like Canadian Photonic Labs, Rimmer Technology Partners, Epp Law Office, Greenstone Building Products, Manitoba Hydro, Restorative Health Care, and the Women’s Resource Centre.

Dupuis, who gets to know students on a personal level, works directly with them and with employers to find the perfect co-op match.

“It’s so rewarding to work with students through the whole co-op process, from drafting a resume and targeting work opportunities, to acing interviews,” she said. “I’m always so inspired when they return to campus in the fall, even more focused and prepared to succeed in the classroom.”

For more information about the BU Co-op program and its recent achievements, please visit BrandonU.ca/Co-op or contact the BU Co-op office at 204-571-7848.

About BU Co-op

The BU Co-op program, which started in 2018–19, was able to dramatically expand in 2021 with $250,000 in generous support from the RBC Future Launch Foundation. Now, BU Co-op engages 41 current students across the Faculties of Arts and Science, supporting Indigenous, international, and domestic students to launch their careers in Brandon and beyond. About 200 have already graduated with BU Co-op experience as part of their Brandon University degree.

For more information about becoming a part of the BU Co-op program, contact Cora at 204-571-7848 or [email protected] or visit BrandonU.ca/Co-op.

Co-op 100

Current CU Co-op students mingled with employers, former Co-op students and alumni, as well as Brandon University employees. Those present included BU President David Docherty, Provost and VP Academic Kofi Campbell, Director of Advancement and Alumni Affairs Carla Eisler, Director of Marketing and Communications Grant Hamilton, Co-op Coordinator Cora Dupuis, and RBC VP Commercial Services Richard Azinwi.