Co-op tips for international students | Co-operative Education

Rachita Khetan (she/her) is a Global Business and Digital Arts (GBDA) student in her 3A term. She is an international student and discusses her top tips for navigating co-op for other international students.

Rachita’s co-op journey:

Work term one: I worked for Co-operative and Experiential Education at the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ, specifically on the Communications, Engagement and Digital Experience (CEDE) team as a social media marketing associate.

I learned the importance of branding, how to manage digital content with Airtable and Emplifi and got to expand my network! ��
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Q & A with Rachita:

Why did you choose to study GBDA?

“I’ve always been drawn to creativity—fun fact, my name means 'creative' in Sanskrit! Back in high school, I started my own business, Handmadebyrachi, which sparked my passion for business. Starting and running my own business allowed me to explore the realms of creativity and entrepreneurship simultaneously, giving me a first-hand experience of the challenges and rewards of being a business owner.”

“But I soon realized I also wanted to build up my technical skills and dive into coding. With a growing interest in technology and innovation, I felt the need to blend my creative instincts with technical prowess, which led me to seek a program that offered the best of both worlds. That’s where GBDA came in as the ideal fit—a unique mix of art, business and computer science, with the bonus of a co-op program.”

Rachita standing on a street under a tree with pink flowers.

“The program's multidisciplinary approach was exactly what I was looking for, providing a comprehensive education that encompassed all my interests. It’s given me the chance to build on my existing strengths, gain new ones and put everything to the test in real-world settings through co-op. Plus, as someone who loves traveling, the study-abroad component of GBDA is perfect—it lets me feed my wanderlust while studying! Exploring new cultures and environments has always been a passion of mine and combining it with my academic pursuits has made my educational journey incredibly fulfilling.”

Rachita at a table during an event in front of a big window.

What has been the most challenging thing about co-op?

“My first co-op term was definitely an adjustment—from being a full-time student to working full-time, which was a big shift! Adjusting to a structured work schedule took some time, but it taught me the importance of time management and discipline. But over time, I found a routine that worked for me.”

“With four years of experience in social media content creation, the technical side of the role felt manageable. However, I’d mainly worked with a student-facing audience, so shifting to an employer-facing audience and adapting to brand guidelines was a new challenge. This required me to develop a more formal and professional tone in my communications, ensuring that our content resonated well with employers while maintaining engagement.”

“Thankfully, my manager was incredibly supportive and made the transition so much smoother. Her guidance and feedback was invaluable, helping me navigate the nuances of workplace dynamics and expectations.”

What did you enjoy about your company’s culture?

“I really enjoyed how collaborative and supportive the team at CEDE was. Everyone was such a joy to be around, and I particularly loved our in-person lunches where we talked about everything under the sun. These informal gatherings allowed us to bond as a team and share insights beyond work, fostering a sense of camaraderie.”

“Having team meetings every Monday was incredibly helpful. We would discuss what each person was focusing on for the week, which was especially beneficial during the onboarding process. These meetings not only kept us aligned with our goals but also provided a platform to voice any challenges and brainstorm solutions collectively.”

“It allowed me to learn what everyone on the team specializes in, so later, if I had a specific question, I knew exactly who to go to. This clarity in roles and responsibilities ensured that I could leverage the expertise of my colleagues efficiently, enhancing my learning and productivity.”

What is your proudest co-op achievement?

“At the beginning of the term, I was tasked with promoting the 'Where in the World?!' international co-op photo contest. I created three reels and one post for the campaign, which led to us achieving 697 votes—a 361% increase from last year’s 151 votes! This achievement was a testament to the power of effective social media marketing and strategic content planning.”

“This was definitely one of my proudest co-op achievements, especially given that it was my first work term. It made me realize I have the potential to do great work (and relieved me of my imposter syndrome). Seeing the tangible results of my efforts boosted my confidence immensely and validated my abilities in a professional setting.”

“It also gave me the confidence I needed to trust my decisions. Moving forward, I felt more assured in my creative and strategic choices, knowing that I could make a significant impact through my work.”

Rachita at a waterloo table with charms and necklaces on it.

What are your top tips for international students going into co-op?

“Apply to as many jobs as you can: Job hunting really is a numbers game—the more you apply, the better your chances of landing one. I ended up applying to about 180 positions across ��ݮ��ƵWorks, Indeed and LinkedIn. I also started a month before my recruiting term to get a head start. And don’t limit yourself to roles only in your field. Applying is free, and you never know what opportunities might come your way, so go for it! Being proactive and open to various opportunities can open doors you never thought possible, and it's essential to cast a wide net in your job search.”
“Limit résumé feedback: While it’s tempting to get everyone’s input on your résumé, too many opinions can make things confusing. Stick to around five people whose advice you trust the most. Everyone has their own perspective, and trying to fit all their suggestions into your résumé can leave it looking cluttered. Choose your feedback wisely to keep it clear and impactful. It's important to find a balance between constructive criticism and maintaining your unique voice and experiences on your résumé.”
“Get involved in clubs and societies: Even if you don’t have prior work experience, joining clubs and societies can be incredibly valuable. Working in teams, leading campaigns or projects, and organizing events build skills that employers love. Coming from Dubai, where I wasn’t able to work, I joined as many clubs and societies as possible once I arrived in Canada, and I continued running my business here, too. It made all the difference! These experiences provided me with practical skills and a sense of community, enhancing both my personal and professional growth.”

What's next for you?

“I'm really hoping to do an enterprise co-op or an international co-op, either in the United States or back home in Dubai. Having worked in marketing for the past four years, I’m excited to use co-op as a chance to pivot and explore new roles in areas like sales, business development or finance. I want to make the most of this experience because it’s one of the few times I’ll have the freedom to test out different career paths and see what suits me best! This period of exploration will be crucial in shaping my career trajectory and identifying where my true passions lie.”