Brandon University's Co-operative Education (Co-op) Program has officially launched 'Co-op Season' with an annual Co-op Kick-Off followed by a series of signature events, enhanced workshops, and community collaborations that support student career development and employer engagement.
Co-op director Cora Dupuis, right, shakes hands with a student.
This year, the seventh for the program, marks a milestone. The 2025-26 cohort includes 23 returning Co-op students and nearly 50 new students, making it the largest Co-op cohort to date.
"The start of Co-op Season is always energizing, but this year feels especially significant," said Cora Dupuis, Director of Co-operative Education at Brandon University. "The size of this cohort reflects growing student interest in experiential learning, as well as the continued commitment of our employer and community partners to mentoring and developing emerging talent."
Co-op Season began with the BU Co-op Kick-Off on Thursday, January 8, when students, faculty, alumni, employers, and community leaders celebrated the incoming cohort and promoted the supports available to students as they prepare for upcoming work terms.
"Returning to Co-op feels even better than the first time," said Stacey Dunning, a third-year Bachelor of Science (Biology) student and returning Co-op participant. "I have a clearer sense of my interests and more confidence in how I show up professionally. Being part of the Kick-Off and other Co-op events reminds you that you're not navigating this alone."
Dunning completed her first Co-op work term with the Inter-Mountain Watershed District and is now exploring future opportunities in agricultural, environmental, and conservation-focused work.
Among this year's new highlights is the BU Confidence Closet, a professional shopping experience offered in collaboration with the Faculty of Education Field Placement Office. The initiative provides BU Co-op students with access to gently used professional attire at no cost, helping to reduce financial barriers and support students as they prepare for interviews and workplace settings.
"Confidence plays a critical role in how students show up in interviews and workplaces," Dupuis said. "The Confidence Closet ensures access and dignity, while making sure students can focus on their skills and potential, not the cost of a professional wardrobe."
The season also includes the second offering of ConnectED: Bridging Students to Industry, a collaborative initiative of Brandon University, Assiniboine College and the Brandon Chamber of Commerce that brings post-secondary students and local employers together. Successfully inaugurated last year, ConnectED strengthens professional networks and supports workforce development in Brandon and beyond.
"ConnectED creates meaningful, reciprocal connections, as employers share meaningful career insights with students while hearing directly from job-seekers," Dupuis said. "Returning for a second year allows us to deepen those relationships and continue responding to the evolving needs of both students and employers."
That impact is reflected not only in current students but also in BU Co-op alumni.
"Co-op was such a benefit to me as a student, so it's rewarding to now support the program from an industry perspective," said Lucas Harvey, a 2024 graduate of Brandon University's Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program and a leader with SeedTrackr, a division of Rimmer Technology Partners. "Programs like this help students build confidence and capability early, which ultimately strengthens the talent pipeline for employers."
This year, the Co-op Program is offering an expanded suite of professional development workshops for current Co-op students and alumni:
- a LinkedIn workshop focused on building and leveraging professional online presence,
- a Networking workshop centered on relationship-building strategies, and
- a "Getting Hired" panel, featuring hiring managers sharing insights into recruitment, selection, and workplace expectations.
"Together, these sessions help both students and alumni strengthen their professional presence, build meaningful connections, and approach the hiring process with greater clarity and confidence," Dupuis said.
With this year's largest-ever cohort of students in BU Co-op, Dupuis said the timing was excellent for employers looking to hire someone at the top of their game -- and often, near the top of their class.
"I'm always dazzled by the wide variety of backgrounds, experience, career goals, and individuality on display in Co-op students, and this year we have more of that than ever," she said, noting that now was a perfect time for employers to get in touch. "Even if you're never hired Co-op before, give me a call and let's find you a student with the knowledge and motivation to plug right into your organization."
Since its launch, Brandon University's Co-op Program has connected more than 250 students with meaningful work experiences across Manitoba and beyond, strengthening career readiness while supporting local and regional workforce development.
