Following his second work term, Ribhu Agarwal, a third-year Bachelor of Computer Science student, reflects on how co-op allowed him to apply classroom knowledge to diverse real-world projects. “The hands-on work refined my technical skills and developed my project management and problem-solving abilities, which are key competencies in my field. Working closely with seasoned professionals expanded my professional network and provided mentorship crucial in shaping my career path.”

Agarwal welcomed every opportunity to participate in opportunities at Dawson Group.

The co-op experience also boosted his resume and clarified his professional goals, setting a strong foundation for future endeavours. “Co-op allowed me to delve deeply into automation processes, significantly boosting my efficiency and problem-solving capabilities. I’ve recently engaged in a project that utilizes Flutter, which introduced me to mobile application development and expanded my expertise in cross-platform solutions.”

During Agarwal’s first co-op term at Dawson Group, he concentrated on enhancing his technical skills through Python and the low-coding platform Power Automate. This shift from backend technologies to comprehensive mobile development broadened Agarwal’s technical horizons and cultivated a well-rounded skill set. “These experiences prepared me for various challenges in the tech industry and have been instrumental in my continuous professional growth.”

The work environment at Agarwal’s most recent co-op position as an IT Analyst at Dawson Group was highly collaborative and innovation-driven, with an open office layout that fostered interaction and teamwork. “The diverse team comprises professionals from various backgrounds, has enhanced brainstorming sessions, and creates a dynamic work culture.”

Agarwal commended the regular check-ins between biweekly group meetings and one-on-ones with his manager. In these scenarios, he received direct feedback on his performance and identified strategies for improvement and growth. Biweekly Learning Moments allowed team members to share knowledge on recent developments, new technologies, or personal projects. “These meetings were invaluable as they allowed me to refine my skills continuously and aligned my efforts with the company’s objectives. The group dynamic promoted continuous learning and kept the team engaged and updated with industry trends.”

The various projects Agarwal tackled enhanced his technical and transferable skills by applying theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios. “The supportive environment and dedication to employee growth make this an ideal setting for a co-op student to prosper,” Agarwal said, “These learning opportunities have been essential to my career growth. The company actively fosters personal and professional development through structured mentorship programs and training resources like online courses, workshops, and regular knowledge-sharing sessions.”

Agarwal has enjoyed the Kamloops experience – on campus and in the community.

During his co-op experience, Agarwal designed and implemented a Suspicious Sign-In Monitoring System, which has been crucial in enhancing our cybersecurity measures by identifying and alerting us of potentially unauthorized access attempts, significantly reducing security risks. Additionally, he developed a Complaint Reporting System that streamlined how feedback was filed, tracked, and resolved, improving the efficiency of handling internal issues and increasing transparency in response processes. “Both projects demonstrated my technical skills and ability to address and solve critical operational challenges, contributing significantly to our organizational improvements.”

In the early stages of his co-op work term, Agarwal faced several challenges, particularly in adapting to the complex and dynamic project requirements. “These experiences taught me the importance of proactive learning and seeking guidance when necessary. Engaging more frequently with more experienced colleagues and utilizing online resources helped me overcome these technical challenges efficiently. These challenges also taught me the value of resilience and adaptability in a professional setting, skills crucial in navigating and succeeding in complex project environments.”

“Ribhu’s tenacity during his job search led him to an 8-month term where he developed a deeper sense of self that continued to grow throughout his experience”, said Leanne Mihalicz, Co-operative Education Coordinator in Computing Science, Physics and Mathematics. “Ribhu is also humble, and while he developed new knowledge and skills, the experience encouraged him to want to learn more. As a co-op educator, it is rewarding to witness his resiliency, drive, and pride in his co-op achievements.”

The exposure to multiple projects and challenges has not only enhanced his technical and soft skills but also “offered a clear insight into the workings of the industry, helping me to refine my career goals. Co-op provided me with a rich, hands-on experience essential in bridging the gap between academic theory and practical application.”

For students about to begin their co-op experience, Agarwal suggests:

• Embracing every opportunity with openness and enthusiasm.
• Being proactive when dealing with challenges
• Asking questions and seeking guidance from your colleagues and mentors.
• Building relationships and networking within your workplace.
• Reflecting on your experiences regularly and taking active steps to address areas for improvement.

“From classroom theory to real-world application, the COOP 1000 program transformed my understanding, proving that authentic learning begins at the edge of your comfort zone.”

Co-operative education blends the classroom experience with practical applied learning. Discover more at tru.ca/cel.