Through the University of Windsor’s Co operative Education program, Soteara Kong completed a high impact co-op at Rocket Innovation Studio, where she strengthened collaboration between the Windsor and Detroit offices. (SUBMITTED BY SOTEARA KONG/University of Windsor)
By Victor Romao
Not long after Soteara Kong began her undergraduate studies at the University of Windsor, she became part of a new chapter for the communications, media and film program.
She is among the program’s first students to move through the full co‑op education sequence — an opportunity she eagerly embraced as someone who enjoys stepping into new challenges and making the most of what her program offers.
“I’ve really enjoyed being able to apply my skills in real‑world settings,” said Kong.
Her summer 2025 co‑op placement with Rocket Innovation Studio remains a standout experience. Kong coordinated projects between Windsor and Detroit and helped encourage student engagement through events, mentorship and community-building activities.
"The co-op opportunity with Rocket Innovation Studio is one I will always remember," she says. "From day one, Rocket exceeded my expectations. I learned the importance of proactive leadership, collaboration and adaptability in cross-border teams. Despite being one of the few Canadian co-op students, I built strong relationships with colleagues in Detroit."
That work term was her second.
Her first was in fall 2024 in the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences dean’s office, where she gained experience supporting communications and administrative initiatives.
In addition to co-op, Kong explored other forms of experiential learning available through her program.
She is currently completing a 120-hour digital marketing internship with The Drive Magazine as part of a course-based experiential learning class within the communications, media and film degree program in Winter 2026, all while carrying a full course load.
"Being trusted with responsibilities that extend beyond a traditional intern role has allowed me to strengthen my strategic thinking and collaboration skills," she says.
For Kong, these experiences have been a way to intentionally connect classroom learning with hands-on practice.
Outside of her placements, Kong is also building community on campus.
She founded and now serves as president of the Southeast Asian Student Alliance, launched in summer 2024. She created the group to support students who shared a cultural connection yet lacked a dedicated space on campus.
“I realized there wasn’t a dedicated space that specifically highlighted and supported Southeast Asian students,” she says. “I wanted to create something that brought people together to celebrate our shared cultures while honouring our differences.”
In collaboration with other campus student groups, the club has hosted mixers, karaoke nights, sports tournaments and dinners, helping to create a welcoming atmosphere that reflects the group’s values.
“Leadership isn’t something you perfect, it’s something you continuously grow into,” says Kong. “I’m still learning every day, and I’m excited to see how the club evolves while staying grounded in our original mission.”
Kong will complete her final co-op work term this spring as a public relations student at NextStar Energy, Canada’s first large-scale lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility — a milestone she’s proud of on two fronts.
“I am super excited to complete my last co-op at NextStar Energy. Not only am I the first PR co-op student there, I will also be the first Bachelor of Arts student to have a placement there,” she said.
Through co-op placements, a course-based internship, and student leadership, Kong has made the most of the experiential learning opportunities available within her program - building skills, connections and confidence along the way. Her experience reflects how students who actively explore these opportunities can turn their degree into a series of meaningful real-world experiences.