Celebrating 15 Years of Edwards Co-operative Education Program
Since 2015, the Edwards co-op program has been generously supported by Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL).
The Edwards School of Business is celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Co-operative Education Program (co-op program). Throughout the past 15 years, more than 1,200 students have enrolled in the co-op program and worked in a variety of industries across 300+ organizations.
Since 2015, the Edwards co-op program has been generously supported by Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL). Through FCL sponsorship, Edwards can create an impact in communities across Saskatchewan by providing funding to those looking to hire Edwards talent and awarding scholarships to outstanding co-op students. In 2015, the Co-op program had 83 students.
This year, there is an expected 134 students returning from placements and over 170 new co-op students and MBA interns who are looking for work placements to start in January 2023.
Employers were invited to join us meet and network in-person with this year’s cohort at this year's Edwards Co-op Networking Open House. They were also able to connect with last year’s 130+ students and learn about their accomplishments, some of whom are looking for upcoming full-time jobs.
The program supports students in building connections in the business community and continues to leave a positive impact on students and alumni - whether continuing their placement past the end of their terms or working for the same companies after completing their degrees.
The impact that the co-op program has on students and alumni is evident through the experiences they leave the program with. Current co-op student, Diana Istifo, is working as the People & Culture Coordinator at Co.Labs, “It’s the best decision I have made during my university experience,” Diana shared.
The Edwards co-op program consistently boasts high employment rates among its participants. In 2021, 98.2% of B.Comm. graduates who participated in the Co-op program acquired full-time employment, compared to 93.5% of non-participants. The Co-op program started with around 15 employers. Now, Career Services works with over 100 employers to get the student that is right for them.
Edwards alumna, Megan Richardson (B.Comm. 2018), speaks to the impact the co-op program had on her career. “I received structured feedback that helped me learn and grow as a professional and I met colleagues I still have relationships with to this day.”
Megan now works at The Star Group as a Product Manager. “This program provided me confidence that I would have otherwise lacked in my first professional experiences such as networking events and meetings,” explained Megan.
Contact Edwards Career Services to find out how your company can hire a student for an eight-month placement: coop@edwards.usask.ca or 306-966-1454.