Employer Testimonials

I see the Co-op program as a win-win opportunity and would recommend it to both students and employers! From the student’s perspective, it gives them an opportunity to foresee the role that’s expected by the employer. On the employer’s side of the equation, it provides an opportunity to determine whether a potential candidate demonstrates the qualities and skills they are looking for in an employee.

Lisa MacDonald, CA, BComm, Senior Manager, Grant Thornton

The Geological Survey of Canada (Atlantic) at Bedford Institute of Oceanography (BIO) hires Geology and other science Co-op students as field and lab assistants and to carry out specific projects analyzing and interpreting marine and coastal geological data. Without Co-op students, I would be a much less productive scientist! I enjoy introducing students to the challenges of marine science and seeing them put their class-work into practice in a work setting. Some Saint Mary’s students have come back to do an honours or M.Sc. project, and two are now my colleagues at BIO.

David J.W. Piper, Senior Research Scientist, Bedford Institute of Oceanography (BIO)

For many years, I have been fortunate to hire Co-op students who , without exception, have been bright, energetic and capable individuals who have helped in so many ways with tasks and projects that I never seem to have the time to complete. The Co-op Office makes the hiring process rather effortless. The financial support from the Cooperative Education Incentive government funded program makes hiring a Co-op student a win-win all around!

Dr. David J. Pilon, Program Leader, Specialty Mental Health Services

CEED has had the pleasure of hiring and working with undoubtedly some of the leaders of tomorrow. We have always been fortunate to hire amazing students from Saint Mary’s University. Students that demonstrate true talent, leadership, team spirit, passion, a strong dedication to accomplishing their career goals, and have shared our vision of being a leader in Entrepreneurship Education. Over the past few years, SMU students have brought great things to CEED, and we continue to be very thankful for this opportunity.

Nicole Smith, Director - Marketing and Business Development, CEED

We appreciate the opportunity to provide a work placement for students. The co-op program is a very important and of great benefit to both the student and their employer - more specifically us and the residents of Ocean View Manor who received support and friendship from the Volunteen program. Thank-you, we could not run this program without the help of a co-op student.

Petrea Leslie, BA Rec &Phys. Ed. Mgt,Volunteer & Fund Development. Manager, Ocean View Manor

The U.S. Commercial Relations Group at Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada in Ottawa benefited tremendously by having Deborah Dalziel with us for the summer COOP term 2007. Deborah's impeccable work ethic, professionalism, ability to rise to the challenge, creativity and pleasant working approaches contributed enormously to the smooth running of our innovation responsibilities in Canada/US business relations. We continue to use some of the analysis she prepared and reports she completed. Deborah came to us as a fine Ambassador for the Saint Mary's University Co-op program. We were sad to see her term come to an end.

Patricia Filteau, Co-ordinator, Science, Innovation & Technology, NCP Foreign Affairs & International Trade Canada

Contact us

SMU Co-operative Education Department
4th Floor (across from elevators)
Mailing address:
Student Centre
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3H 3C3

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