Gaining Hands-On Experience

By working in professional environments, students not only deepen their learning but also discover new passions and develop important life skills. Through their placements, students are able to:

Placements run from November to May, with students typically onsite two to three times a week for three hours a day. Each experience is tailored to individual interests and goals, in industries as diverse as medical sciences, fashion, wealth management, interior design and hospitality.

The strength of our alumnae and parent network plays a key role in the program’s success, opening doors to mentoring and placement opportunities across a wide range of industries. These relationships not only provide professional guidance, but also inspire students to imagine what’s possible for their own futures.

The impact is often transformative. Students leave their placements with sharper skills, broader perspectives and a clearer sense of what excites them. As one student reflected: “I would have never known I wanted to become a surgeon if it wasn’t for Co-op.”

2024-25 Student Experiences

At Walker Wealth Management, Celine researched financial products, created educational scripts and managed client documents. She strengthened her research, communication, and time-management skills while learning to simplify complex concepts. The experience highlighted the importance of trust in finance, and gave her confidence and clarity about pursuing a career in wealth management or investment banking.

 

At Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Lauren restocked materials, confirmed appointments and engaged with patients while shadowing doctors and nurses. She developed confidence in professional communication, organization and empathy. The experience showed her that her contributions had real impact and confirmed her passion for healthcare, boosting her self-assurance in patient-facing environments.

 

At Toronto General Hospital, Lucie observed surgeries, attended clinics and contributed to colorectal cancer research. She built critical thinking, communication and health systems knowledge while seeing the challenges doctors and patients face. The experience taught her that medicine requires compassion as well as precision, strengthening her confidence and confirming her commitment to a medical career.

 

At Loblaws Pharmacy, Lorrie filled prescriptions, prepared blister packs and assisted patients. She developed attention to detail, organization and communication skills, while learning the importance of accuracy in healthcare. The experience taught her to use feedback to improve, boosted her confidence and showed her how pharmacy work directly impacts patient well-being.

 

At Quanto Basta, an Italian restaurant, Mona welcomed guests, managed reservations and supported servers in a fine dining setting. She built adaptability, organizational skills and interpersonal confidence, while learning to thrive in a customer-facing role. The experience introduced her to the restaurant industry, expanded her career interests, and strengthened her ability to collaborate and perform under pressure.

 

At Dundas West Animal Hospital, Sophia handled animals, managed inventory and prepared surgical instruments. She improved her teamwork, organization and communication skills, while learning veterinary terminology and clinic procedures. The experience reaffirmed her passion for veterinary medicine, clarified her career goals, and built her confidence in contributing meaningfully in professional healthcare settings.