Count on Co-op There was a time when I thought I'd never figure it out. After eight semesters of classes at SFU, I was still hesitant about my major, my direction and my future. I had half-heartedly joined the Department of Psychology, not because I was passionate about pursuing a career in the field, but rather to appease the powers that be who kept sending me letters "strongly encouraging" me to declare my major. It was all figured out on paper, but inside I had real doubts. Not long after, I joined Co-op, more formally known as Co-operative Education, a work experience program that provides students with paid, full-time job opportunities relevant to their academic studies. I entered the program in the hopes of finding a decent summer job, and ended up accomplishing that and much more. During my first work term the pieces of the puzzle that would reveal my future career began to fall into place. A light bulb went on. And after a second term, that light bulb became so bright that there was no longer a doubt in my mind. I subsequently changed my major, and my whole outlook on my future. Co-op changed my life. Yes, I know it sounds cliché. But that doesn't make it any less true. Now not everyone in Co-op will have a life-altering or major-changing experience, but I firmly believe that everyone can benefit in some way, shape or form from the program. From improving your résumé writing and interviewing skills to networking to gaining valuable work experience—everything you do in Co-op will benefit your future career. For those of you who are still a bit sceptical, let me count the ways—or rather, count down the ways. Here are the top five benefits of the Co-op program. Number 5—Perfect those job-finding skills Although we often focus on the end result, the job that is, the Co-op program also takes students through the process of finding that job. That means writing résumés and cover letters, and going to job interviews. It's easy to discount the necessity of these skills, but—let's face it—if your cover letter and résumé aren't up to snuff, then your chances of even getting an interview are pretty much slim to none. If you are lucky enough to get your foot in the door, you then need to perform well on the job interview, which—believe me—sounds a lot easier than it is. Lucky for us students, the Co-op program offers workshops and one-on-one support to help us fine-tune our résumé, cover letter and interview skills. As well, the actual experience of going on several job interviews is invaluable. You can answer as many practice interview questions as you like, but it's never quite the same as being in a room alone with four strangers who want to know why they should hire you. Number 4—Have access to really good jobs I flipped burgers for six years, and then decided that I needed a job that was slightly more related to my future aspirations. So one summer I went on a job search, but came up with nothing. Zero. Zilch. The jobs just weren't out there, and nobody was standing by to give me a break. But then I realized that Co-op was there to give me a break. They develop loads of job placements, just for students like me. There are many to choose from, with a range of positions available in the private, public, and non-profit sectors. And they aren't your average burger-flipping, clothes-selling, gas-pumping part-time jobs. They are really good jobs, working for the government, in the high-tech industry, or just about any other place you can think of. So if you're planning on finding a decent job by scouring the newspaper and doing a mass distribution of your résumé, I have two words for you—good luck. Number 3—Make some money This benefit doesn't require much of an explanation. Co-op students get paid during their work terms. Music to any student's ears—cha-ching! Number 2—Get out into the real world What you learn at university and what you learn on the job are two very different, but equally important, things. The beauty of the Co-op program is that it allows students to graduate with both under their belts. After three to five job placements, you will definitely have a variety of skills and experiences to offer future employers. In addition, you will have made contacts in the "real world" that, quite possibly, will lead to jobs following graduation. It is your work experience and contacts that will set you apart from the thousands of other graduates who have the exact same piece of paper as you. Number 1—Explore your options Many students, like myself, join the Co-op program not knowing exactly what career path they want to take. Part of the problem, in my opinion, is the great disparity between the academic and working worlds. I was always bothered by the fact that I could study Psychology for years only to find out that I really dislike being a Psychologist. The Co-op program, however, bridges that disparity by providing students with the opportunity to "test drive" different career options. And I'm living proof of this "test drive" benefit. Eight semesters in academia didn't help me figure it out, it was my first Co-op job in the Communication industry that sealed the deal. Co-op helped me discover my passion and end my ongoing quest for a "direction". And for that reason alone, I will always be a great proponent of the Co-op program. You can count on it. Just like you can count on Co-op.