Co-op Experience: Seizing Opportunity with Haley Whittle

Fourth-year Bachelor of Business Administration student, Haley Whittle, has accomplished a lot during her time at CBU. On top of earning her BBA with a double concentration in Legal Studies and Human Resources, Haley has completed three co-op work terms during the course of her program. 

During her second year as a university student, Haley found herself scrolling through CBU’s student job page and stumbled upon a listing at the Canadian Coast Guard College (CCGC). “I was very interested in applying,” says Haley. “But the opening was a co-op position, and at the time, I wasn’t enrolled in the co-op program at CBU.” Eager to learn more, Haley reached out to one of CBU’s Student Placement Officers and within a week had enrolled in the program and secured an interview for the role. Haley was the successful candidate and thrived during her first co-op placement, returning to the CCGC the following summer for a second co-op term. 

After two successful co-op experiences, Haley was hooked. She eagerly accepted her third placement at Protocase, a local manufacturing company specializing in electronic enclosures and custom sheet metal. “Having the opportunity to do these placements during my degree has been an invaluable experience,” she says. “I would absolutely recommend it to other students. It’s great to get paid while gaining real work experience in your field of study. Plus, co-ops count for credit, so taking a placement can lighten your course load as well.” 

Haley says getting involved in the co-op program at CBU has allowed her to showcase her work ethic while meeting people working in the sectors she is interested in. “The advice I would give my fellow students is to take on these experiences and work hard while you have the opportunity to make a good impression.” It certainly worked out for Haley, who will be taking a full time job at Protocase following her graduation from CBU.

Learn more about CBU’s Co-op Program