This January, we were excited to bring students and employers together for our annual Applied Science Co-op Networking Receptions, held at both our Okanagan and Vancouver campuses.
These receptions provided an opportunity for all Applied Science co-op students to connect with employers across a wide range of industries, explore career paths, and develop valuable networking skills. With students at various stages of their co-op journey in attendance, the events served as a great way for employers to connect with emerging talent and identify potential candidates for future recruitment.
The receptions kicked off with opening remarks from faculty leadership. In the Okanagan, William Hughes (Director, School of Engineering) and Jennifer Eberle (Manager, Applied Science Co-op) addressed attendees. In Vancouver, James Olson (Dean, Faculty of Applied Science), Davide Elmo (Associate Dean, Students and Professional Development), and Sara Buse (Director of Experiential Learning and Academic Services) welcomed students and employers.
Over 60 employers representing all 14 Engineering and Architecture disciplines offered by our program participated in both receptions! A record number of students were able to engage with leading companies such as lululemon, AMD, AbCellera, WSP, Ledcor, Clio, and many more.
What Employers Had to Say
The energy and enthusiasm of UBC’s Applied Science Co-op students left a lasting impression on employers:
I thoroughly enjoyed attending UBC’s Applied Science Co-op Networking Reception. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with the students and learn more about their potential contributions to our organization.
– Carlson Construction Group
We appreciate the opportunity you provided to attend this event. It was wonderful meeting all of the students and being able to share information about our company. My card holder was empty by the end of the evening, and I have already received a few resumes of students interested in a co-op program with us.
– Zodiac Hurricane Technologies
Student Takeaways
From building confidence in professional settings, to gaining insight into various industries and hiring practices, students found the experience incredibly valuable:
[The event] helps a lot in making actual organic connections with industry professionals in an attempt to stand out from the overwhelming pool of applicants that employers receive.
Attending the event gave me the opportunity to ask industry specific questions about my career of interest from people who had been in my shoes and gone the path I will be going. That helped me better understand what to expect in my future career, know the important skills for the industry, and prepare for what is yet to unfold for me in the industry.
This was a great opportunity to practice breaking the ice and begin developing professional relationships.
Looking Ahead
The Applied Science Co-op Networking Receptions continue to be a highlight of our program’s annual events, and we can’t wait to host them again next year! In the meantime, students and employers can take advantage of the many career fairs and networking opportunities available throughout the year.
Please reach out to apsc.bd@ubc.ca to explore other opportunities to connect with our talented students.