“The Co-op Program gives me valuable work experience and an understanding of what is expected of me in the workforce. An application of my knowledge to the job at hand is one of the benefits I have already experienced since enrolling in the Program. My career aspirations are to work in water engineering and hydro-electricity. My work placement is helping me gain a broader knowledge of water systems and processes. I would recommend the Co-op Program because work experience in the field is much more valuable than marks in school.”

“I want to be a responsible and responsive engineer working as a civil engineer in the army, ideally deployed overseas. I hope to start my army career while I’m in the second year of my course. Through the Co-op Program I will be able to gain valuable experience that will accelerate my entry into the army. It’s not all about grades; it’s what you take out of your tertiary studies and how you apply your knowledge to the real world.”

“I chose to enrol in the Co-op Program because I saw it as a good way to get workplace experience in the field of engineering before I graduated which will not only help me in my course, but also make me more employable in the future. The benefits I have already received by being in the Co-op Program are being able to understand what an employer is looking for in an employee, and developing the skills to define and achieve my career goals. My career aspiration is to become a civil engineer and one day work for a multinational company designing and engineering large scale buildings. The experience I am hoping to get from my work placement is to see how the workforce functions and gain an insight into the workings of a civil engineer. I would recommend the Program because I have found it very useful in gaining an insight into the real workforce.”

“I enrolled in the Co-op Program because I wanted lots of industry experience. It’s also a help to know there are people who want you to succeed in more than just gaining a degree at uni. They help with life skills as well. Being in Co-op is great. I’ve received lots of advice, made heaps of friends and formed lasting relationships with people. The workplace skills sessions have helped me gain life skills. My career aspiration is to work with the UN overseas as an engineer in the disaster areas, particularly in Asia. Joining the Co-op Program made coming to uni a lot easier. I got to meet second and third-year students who I can chat to if I need help or advice and the Co-op staff are really supportive.”

“I applied for the Co-op Program because I believed it would be a good program in which to gain work experience while still studying and to meet potential employers. Since beginning my placement, I have made contacts in different areas and will continue working for my employer when my placement finishes. The Co-op Program is a great way to experience the position I am studying for. The practical experience in the field is a huge benefit and I have experienced so many valuable things while being out in the work place. Every day I learn something new.”

“Engineering companies are looking for graduates with experience, not just a degree. By participating in the Co-op Program I can gain some reputable experience whilst earning some money. The benefits of Co-op are huge. The older Co-op participants help you out with pointers on how to make the transition into uni easier and there are outings where we socialise outside of uni. The people running Co-op are fabulous, always ready to help and listen to you. My ambition is to run my own engineering solutions company or work in a government-related job. I’m definitely leaning towards the areas of water and transport in the engineering fields. From my placement I am hoping to gain practical and social experience. Co-op is a hands-on experience of your future job, involving not only the work you do but the people involved. As a female in a male-dominated workforce I think it is important to know what to expect when I graduate and start my career. I would recommend the Co-op Program because a little extra work now can mean greater success on the completion of your course.”