I did a one year co-op at Amgen BC and an 8 month international co-op at Kao Corporation through the Canada-Japan Co-op Program. I am now working at Chinook Therapeutics (recently acquired by Novartis) as a Senior Research Associate, but I have also held lab based research jobs at Stemcell Technologies and Amgen BC.

Co-op helped me start a career in the biotechnology industry. Over the course of my co-op terms, I not only learned many different current and industry-relevant skillsets but also got a real sense of what a career in biotechnology actually felt like day to day. I met a lot of people that were very important in my professional development, and role-models that inspired me to make the career choices that I have made to date. Had I not had the experience that I'd gained from participating in the co-op program, I don't think that I would be as far advanced in my career as I am now.

Keep an open mind and get a diverse set of experience under your belt. Co-op is your chance to try on some career hats and explore future paths. Also make sure to make as many connections as you can, as others' personal experiences can give you a lot of insight that will help guide your career choices going forward.