Co-operative Education lets students earn while they learn

Posted: February 19, 2015 11:20 a.m.

Students who participate in Co-operative Education (Co-op) benefit from the opportunity to "earn while they learn". The program alternates practical, career-related, paid work terms with semesters in class, giving students 12-16 months of supervised work experience by the time they graduate. To find out what it is like to be a student in the co-op program we spoke with Connor Ferrie, who is in his second Co-op work term.  He is originally from Coronach, SK and is currently enrolled in the third year of his Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Political Science.


Q: Why did you choose to attend the University of Regina?  

A: I have family in the area and my mom went to university here. It also had a program I was originally interested in, which was Theatre but after taking a class in political science I found that was really interesting and so I switched into that program.

Q: What are your impressions of the U of R?  

A: It has been very positive, the classes I’ve taken have all been relevant and interesting and the profs are good.  Despite its small size there are also a lot of activities that students can get involved in.

Q: What has your experience in the coop program been like?

A: The Co-op program has been awesome.  I’m completing my second work term at SaskEnergy in Corporate Affairs, which is also where I did my first term. I’ve really enjoyed it immensely and have been learning a lot from this experience. I’d definitely recommend the Co-op program to anyone who was interested in it.

Q: You’ve been on the Dean’s list and have received various scholarships. What’s the key to your success?

A: I enjoy my classes and I’ve always been organized and like to plan my work ahead, which I think is very important.

Q: Any tips for future University students?  

A: Take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves while you are here.  Find an area you’re really interested in and go for it.  Plan ahead and keep organized.

Q: Anything else you’d like people to know about you?

A: I enjoy cooking and keeping up on current affairs. I’m looking forward to returning to classes in the fall.  I actually realized it was time for me to return to classes when I started reading a book about macro-economics for "fun".


The University of Regina’s 2015-2020 Strategic Plan has identified student success as one of three strategic priorities and the Co-op work program supports this by providing students with opportunities to gain practical work experience in their field.

For information on the U of R’s Co-op program please visit: http://www.uregina.ca/careercentre/coop/future-students/index.html