Though they live in different countries and study in different programs, three graduating Brock students share one very important advantage — co-op experience.

Phume Ngampornsukswadi, Elena Milenkovski and Harrish Thirukumaran all took part in the University’s renowned co-op program during their studies.

As they celebrate Convocation this week and prepare to enter the working world, the students have spent time reflecting on the personal and professional growth the program provides.

Nearly 14,000 kilometres from Brock, on a military base in Thailand where he is fulfilling mandatory service, Ngampornsukswadi recalls initially having a very narrow view of the co-op program.

Due to his current military service commitment in Thailand, Phume Ngampornsukswadi was unable to attend his Convocation.

“The only thing I knew was that it allowed me to work while completing my degree,” said the graduand of Mathematics Integrated with Computer and Applications.

But, in time, the program’s influence on his career trajectory became much more defined.

“My co-op experience at Brock has been quite a ride,” he said. “Despite some stressful times, I really had fun throughout my terms. It was such an amazing and rewarding experience. I learned how to work under pressure and work in a team.”

Milenkovski, a Dramatic Arts student originally from Scarborough, holds similar feelings, and highlights the in-depth nature of the programming.

“I didn’t realize that there was going to be an actual class,” she said. “I thought it would just be a booklet. They really guided us and gave us the steps on how to be a professional in the working world. I would have missed that opportunity otherwise.”

She pointed out the practicality of the skills taught in co-op classes and their ongoing use in her life.

“They helped me write a resumé and cover letter and then reviewed it,” she said. “That was one of the most valuable things. I still go through my co-op notes to apply for jobs today.”

The skills and career guidance that the co-op staff provide to students are coupled with the ability to actively explore work within their field of study.  

Meanwhile, Thirukumaran, a Political Science student, said co-op enabled him to chart a course for his career that he did not have before.

“The co-op experience, particularly in the public sector, inspired me to pursue a long-term professional career in public service,” he said from his home in Dayton, N.J.

Beyond focusing career aspirations, the students also praised the ability of the program to help them enter their chosen fields.

Harrish Thirukumaran completed his Brock co-op degree in Political Science.

“The program opened a lot of opportunities for me in the arts,” said Milenkovski. “It demonstrated the business aspect of the arts that people don’t see.”

The growth each student experienced, the care the co-op staff provided and the career-readiness they now feel are common themes as they reflect on their co-op journey.

But all good things must come to an end. Each student is excited to graduate and to continue to apply the many skills they have learned in co-op.

For Thirukumaran, who is going on to pursue graduate studies in the fall, this will become most clear at Convocation.

“It will be a surreal moment to finally be graduating,” he said. “The co-op terms made my studies longer than some of my colleagues, but it was a great advantage to get some work experience and understand my program in the real world.”

Milenkovski, who is currently working at the Luminato Festival and the Toronto Fringe Festival, is similarly excited to finish her studies, and can’t wait to see the people who helped her succeed.

“I can’t wait to catch up with friends, professors and the co-op staff,” she said. “I have never been to a convocation before and I’m very excited.

Unfortunately, not everyone can make it back for the ceremony to celebrate their co-op success in person. Due to his current military service commitment in Thailand, Ngampornsukswadi is unable to attend.

“I was a little bit upset when I found out that I will not be able to attend Convocation,” he said. “However, it feels great to be home and to celebrate my graduation with my family.

He concluded by passing on a message to the graduating class that speaks to the excellence of the University experience, the success of the co-op program and the camaraderie of the students who worked so hard to succeed.

“My time at Brock was one of the best times of my life. Congratulations to all the graduates — we did it!”