Future artist in the making through co-op | Co-operative Education

Ella Perkins (she/her) is a third-year student studying Fine Arts majoring in studio practice. She discusses her experiences as a Fine Arts student in co-op navigating the challenges of finding a dream co-op position.

Ella's co-op journey

Work term one: In her first work term, Ella worked for the in the resource sharing department. She spent her time working with the books and fulfilling student requests.

Work term two: For her second work term, Ella was the community engagement co-ordinator and student gallery curator for the Fine Arts department. Here, she ran all the social media accounts and maintained and curated shows for the student gallery on campus.

Q&A with Ella

Why did you choose to study Fine Arts?

“I wanted to be able to explore electives of my choice and explore topics I'm interested in without having to take a whole minor or major. Within the Fine Arts program you have a lot of flexibility in the electives you can take. There's a lot more time in your schedule compared to other Faculty of Arts programs like Arts and Business, which I was originally in before I switched to Honours Arts.”

“In Fine Arts you really get to have diverse experiences and opportunities like getting to work with actual practicing artists. Most of the professors are practicing artists and I really wanted to network with them because I want to become a professional artist in the future.”

Ella Perkins smiling and posing in an art gallery

What has been the most rewarding part of co-op for you?

“Both of my co-op positions developed a lot of communication skills and I've been able to explore a lot of my personal creativity. In my current job, I get to run social media accounts with a lot of trust and autonomy.”

“I appreciate having creative control of what I'm doing and I've gained practical skills for when I become an artist in the future. For example, I’ve learned time management and more technical skills like how to install work lighting and how to use tools in general.”

“Also, it really helped me to network with the people who I would work with in the future. I've developed a working relationship with the curator of the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ Art Gallery on campus. That will be a great asset in the future to have those connections.”

How do you create and maintain those connections with people from your work terms?

“I try to keep in touch; I am connected to some of the library staff that I worked with last term. I do work there part time, so I try to maintain a good working relationship so when I run into them, we can talk about how things are going.”

“I plan on keeping in close contact with a lot of the staff and faculty I've worked with in the Fine Arts department, mostly because they will be my teachers in the future. But also, in my fourth year I will be working closely with the curator of the gallery for my show.”

What have you learned from co-op as a Faculty of Arts student?

“In the fine arts field, I think it is a bit harder compared to other programs to find a co-op job because there are less related postings. I've learned how to research and contact employers personally, trying to set up my own co-op experiences which has led to some failures.”

“I've learned how to put myself out there and advertise the opportunities I can bring to a business. I’ve learned how to advertise myself as a person. Co-op has given me the experience to really put myself out there, which will be great for the future when I apply to full-time jobs after graduation.”

How do you market yourself to be successful in co-op?

“Occasionally there is government funding available for some companies to hire co-op students that can help reduce the cost of hiring us. ��ݮ��Ƶ also supports employers through the hiring process. I've been advertising that opportunity to companies and telling them “You can set up applications through ��ݮ��ƵWorks and get all this great work experience from students.””

“I’ve been using that to advertise myself as a cheaper alternative to normal part time staff or volunteers as well as showcasing the skills I've learned as a Fine Arts student. Mentioning that and showing my portfolio, the experience I have and how that would be helpful for galleries.”

Ella Perkins posing on a multicoloured pathway surrounded by art

What was your technique to stay organized during your work terms?

“I try to create goals for myself every term of what I want to achieve for the new job or within my personal life. I create those goals and try to work through them and I check in every week on what I want to get done that would help me get towards those goals.”

“When I’m on a work term, I try to make sure I'm prepared with everything that I would need when I transfer and make sure that when I leave this job, whoever takes over is completely ready.”

“One of my goals is making sure the staff that take over my job when I leave are well prepared. Every week I make sure to get something done so that their job is easier next term. I routinely create lists and goals for myself so I'm prepared for what's next.”

What has been your favourite art project you’ve worked on so far?

“My favorite project was the painting I did in oil painting during the summer term. We had a lot of creative freedom to work how we wanted and to explore a pretty broad topic.”

“I really wanted to explore having creative control and really challenge myself. Next term I start my free range courses like open studio, I really prepared myself for that process.”

What's next for you?

“I'm going to go back to my academic term. Of course, I’m doing my open studio and really working on creating a series of art works. The series will be for a class, but also for myself so I can start sending my artwork to galleries for open calls and really getting my work out there. I’m always thinking about the future so when I graduate, I have those connections within the general art world and ��ݮ��Ƶ.”

Ella Perkins posing in front of a white column