Where are you working and what are you doing in your role?
I am working at BlackBerry as a Web Software Developer Student. BlackBerry operates in 77 cities through 32 countries around the world with headquarters located in Canada, United States, United Kingdom, Germany and Singapore. I work for the Portals and HR team who is responsible for managing and delivering a number of web-based customer relationship management (CRM) applications that handle everything from sales transactions to online customer service. I contribute as a full-stack developer designing and implementing everything from REST APIs to frontend applications.
How has your co-op experience helped prepare you for the "real world"?
My co-op experience has helped prepare me for the “real world” by not only further developing my technical skills, but by showing me how high-tech companies meet deadlines and manage product development. Since BlackBerry is currently in the middle of a transition, all business decisions are carefully considered from both an economical and technical point of view to ensure that resources are being used as best as they possibly can. Being immersed in such an environment gave me a strong understanding of what drives decision-making in the tech industry and what must be considered before a new project is undertaken.
What tips would you give other co-op students seeking a similar work experience?
For students seeking similar work experience, I have a few suggestions to help you get the job and succeed while you’re in it!
I think the hardest part about getting a job at a tech company like BlackBerry is getting the interview; over 10,000 students from around the world apply each term for the available 200 co-op positions. As such, it is important to pack your resume with relevant work experience. Employers love when students are involved in interesting and challenging personal projects, especially if they develop skills that would help you succeed in the position. Contributing to such projects shows interest (you’re doing them on your spare time) and an internal desire to innovate and challenge yourself. Push yourself to work on a few personal projects that you are interested in and be sure to include your successes on your resume!
Once you’ve got the job, I think the most important thing you can do to ensure your co-op term is successful is volunteer for all kinds of projects, even if you’re not sure how to accomplish it. I’ve always felt that co-op is what you make of it, and that the best way to learn is by doing. Work will find those who are looking for it, and the more you accomplish during a co-op term, the more experience you have to draw from. Continually push yourself to take on demanding projects and your skillset will grow accordingly.
Another very important piece of advice is don’t be afraid to ask questions. Managers and team members love when students ask (relevant) questions as it shows genuine interest and helps increase your productivity. Of course, you should try and struggle through difficult problems on your own so that you force yourself to research and learn independently, but don’t let this take up too much of your time or you won’t get any work done. Your team members are often very talented and experienced, not to mention those who have worked at the company for a few years have a much better context of the company’s history and can help broaden your understanding of the task at hand. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask questions, even to people who aren’t on your team, as it broadens your understanding and develops your professional network.
Lastly, get involved in company culture. Tech companies often have great student programs and employ a lot of co-op students. Many of the larger companies even have co-op student societies that plan fun events just for co-op students! At BlackBerry, this group is called the BlackBerry Student Social Committee (BSSC). I applied to join the executive council the moment I heard about it and I can honestly say my experience wouldn’t have been complete without it! It’s how I met many friends and had some of the best experiences of my undergraduate career! I helped plan all sorts of internal and external events for the entire co-op student population, from company-wide foosball tournaments and Virtual Reality game nights to networking and professional development events. Such experiences not only positively reflected on my professional image within the company (since I was heavily involved in company culture), but more importantly it improved my overall happiness and satisfaction with the company that ultimately reflected in my work. All in all, getting involved makes your experience that much better!
Student: Eric Parker
Program: Electrical Engineering
Work Term: Blackberry January - April 2017