Stephanie Wong: 2012 Co-op Student of the Year

Stephanie Wong seems like one of those students who can do anything. Having founded Young Women in Business SFU, won HSBC’s $20,000 Young Women in Business Leadership Award, and wowed her numerous Co-op employers, she has now earned the title “Co-op Student of the Year” from both SFU and ACE BC/Yukon.

In fact, Wong – every bit as congenial as her co-op coordinators would suggest – has earned more than $80,000 in scholarships, for balancing stellar academic achievement with an impressive array of extracurricular volunteer pursuits. The Co-op Student of the Year award by the Association for Co-operative Education and Simon Fraser University is truly meaningful for her, as she attests: “[Co-op] had a profound impact on my undergraduate experience.”  

Wong’s tenacity landed her four work terms, with BC Hydro, Cossette, KiWi Collection, and L’Oreal. On her most recent Co-op work term with L’Oréal, Stephanie was the only co-op student from western Canada to join the Montréal-based office. Her outstanding references from previous co-op employers, as well as her demonstrated leadership with Young Women in Business SFU helped her secure the role. Moving on to achieve great success during her work term, she even received an offer of full-time employment with the Organization.  

“Co-op has benefited me so deeply during my time as a student. Not only has it given me a sharp and competitive skill set, but it has allowed me to better understand myself, the business world and the career that I want to carve out in the future,” says Wong. “Don’t hesitate – just do it!”