Amy Borkowski - Coop Q & A

Co-op Term: Summer and Fall 2024, Summer 2025

Where do you work?

Last year I worked for the City of Surrey’s Salmon Habitat Restoration Program (SHaRP), which is implemented by Dillon Consulting Ltd.

This summer, I am working for the City of Delta’s Engineering Operations on the Invasive Plant Management Team.

What is your role (what type of work did you do)? What were some of your responsibilities?

My position as a Watershed Enhancement Team Leader with the City of Surrey’s Salmon Habitat Restoration Program allowed me to become experienced in the planning, implementing, and reporting of environmental restoration projects regarding riparian, watershed, and intertidal areas. I learned to construct weirs and flexi-baffles for salmon-passage, control invasive plant growth within our restoration sites, and collect data during salmon spawning. Our work involved collaborations with local politicians, government organizations, and the local salmon hatchery. A highlight of the term was my involvement with the Living Dyke Project in South Surrey, where I directed a team of 20 people in planting 15,000 salt-marsh plugs. I was then responsible for creating a summative report for the City of Surrey which outlined all our technical and educational accomplishments throughout the season. I was also given the opportunity to become supervisor to 10 high school aged crew members.

How have the skills/knowledge developed in the classroom apply to your job? What did you learn?

For my work with SHaRP, it was very important to have solid plant identification skills and knowledge of their life cycles, habitats, and knowledge of invasive species. BISC102 (General Biology) and GEOG215 (Biogeography) were very valuable in giving me foundational knowledge in these areas, which I was able to expand upon in the field.

Can you share a challenge you faced in your Co-op and how you overcame it?

The biggest challenge throughout my time at SHaRP was having to learn so many technical skills at such a fast pace. While I was very grateful for each learning opportunity, it did become overwhelming at times. So, I tried to make the most out of each learning opportunity by asking lots of questions and being very transparent when I made mistakes. I found that by putting in the effort to be curious and to improve, I turned each challenge into an opportunity for growth.

What was your most memorable Co-op experience?

My most memorable co-op experience was being part of the Living Dyke project, where I was site leader. I directed the planting of 15,000 salt-marsh plugs to a very specific planting prescription. My team of 20 people was out on the beach for nearly 2 weeks, making sure this project was implemented successfully. Leading such a large-scale project was not only challenging, but also very exciting, productive, and it allowed me to learn a lot about project implementation in such a short time frame. This project really allowed me to realize the value of teamwork. I also had lots of fun working in the sunshine on the beach with all my co-workers, who quickly became good friends.

What have you learned through your Co-op experience?

While the co-op experiences themselves have been incredibly invaluable, I really believe that the application process is a notable experience in itself for professional development. The application process is a time to reflect upon your professional abilities and learn to present them most effectively. Interviews can be intimidating and exhausting. However, it is important to celebrate every interview as a win, even if it doesn’t result in a job. I have learned to take each interview as an opportunity to improve my confidence, my responses, and my articulation of my skills. This has helped me to evolve solid interview skills. I believe that this will be very valuable for me after graduation when I begin interviews for my career.

What advice do you have for future Co-op students?

Have more trust in your abilities and potential, especially during the application process. It often takes many applications and interviews before landing a position, especially in your first seeking term. My best advice is to apply to as many positions that you have interest in, even if you feel slightly underqualified at the time. You never know, someone might see the potential in you. Be confident in your abilities and be constantly open to growth – that way, you will make the most out of your co-op experience.