Brandon University’s Co-op Program Welcomes Record 72 Students

Brandon University’s Co-operative Education Program launched its seventh season on March 14, 2024, with an unprecedented number of participants. This year, a total of 72 students enrolled, marking a significant increase in student interest and a reflection of growing employer confidence in the program.

During the launch event, Greg Gatien, acting provost and dean of music, emphasized the importance of real-work experience in enriching students’ educational journeys. “Our students are gaining experience in ways that help them further identify aspirations, gain confidence, connect with mentors—especially those off campus—and acquire real-life skills,” he stated.

One of the students, Kendal Giesbrecht, a fifth-year chemistry major, shared her positive experience with the co-op program. Giesbrecht has completed multiple placements, including a significant role at the Pfizer plant in Brandon and a research position in Dresden, Germany. “It absolutely helped get my foot in the door,” she said about her time at Pfizer, highlighting how the program provided her with essential industry-relevant skills.

The program’s director, Cora Dupuis, noted that this year’s cohort includes 50 new students and 22 returning students. She expressed gratitude for the community’s support, stating, “Co-op works best when a community rallies around its students, and Brandon continues to do just that.”

Students not only gain work experience but also participate in professional development workshops designed to prepare them for their future careers. Judith Okpe, a third-year accounting student, expressed her eagerness to apply her classroom knowledge in a real-world setting. “Let me apply them in a real-world work setting, and also just to connect with people,” she said.

Alumna Dezarae Bodnar also spoke highly of the program, mentioning how it shaped her career path. “The mentorship and kindness of the program… helped me to recognize my own strengths,” she reflected. Bodnar credited Dupuis with guiding her throughout her journey, allowing her to explore opportunities she previously thought unattainable.

Another student, Kalin Contois, joined the co-op program to complement his sociology degree with practical experience. After serving as a policy analyst with the government, he believes the program will provide him with a competitive edge in the workforce. “I think it really helped me have a leg up,” he stated.

The launch event attracted a diverse audience, including alumni, current students, and local politicians and business leaders, all eager to witness the growth of the program. To further support students, free professional headshots were offered, enhancing their online profiles for job searches.

The Co-operative Education Program at Brandon University continues to flourish, reflecting a commitment to fostering experiential learning opportunities that benefit both students and the wider community. As more students seek real-world experiences, the program remains a vital resource for developing the next generation of professionals.