Jasmine Kaur Gill, one of UWindsor’s Summer 2025 Co-op/Internship Rising Star Student Award winners, celebrates her journey from co-op placement to a full-time role at CIBC. (JASMINE KAUR GILL)
By Victor Romao
When Jasmine Kaur Gill walked into CIBC’s Toronto office for an eight-month co-op placement, she didn’t just gain experience — she launched a career.
Six students earned the Summer 2025 Co-op/Internship Rising Star Student Award, presented by the University of Windsor’s Co-operative Education and Workplace Partnerships department.
The award recognizes students who made outstanding contributions during their work terms and represented the University with distinction in the workplace and the broader community.
Employers nominate candidates during final evaluations and nominees submit two reflective essays. A committee reviews the submissions and selects recipients based on their impact and growth.
Meet Jasmine Kaur Gill, one of the Summer 2025 Rising Stars.
Q: What program did you graduate from, and in what year?
A: I completed my Master of Applied Computing (MAC) and graduated in August 2025. Before that, I earned my bachelor’s degree in computer science engineering from Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College, Ludhiana, India.
Q: Can you tell me about your co-op experience with CIBC?
A: My experience at CIBC was truly rewarding and marked a great start to my professional journey in Canada as a new immigrant.
Working for one of the country’s top five banks was a privilege. The early months were a learning phase—understanding processes and adapting to a new environment—but my director soon recognized my potential and encouraged me to take part in larger projects and explore new tools and technologies.
I was fortunate to be part of an incredibly supportive and welcoming team, which made the transition smooth and enjoyable.
Q: What key insights or knowledge did you gain from the placement?
A: The biggest takeaway for me was the importance of giving your absolute best during your co-op—it’s essentially your probation period for future opportunities. Work hard, stay curious, and contribute meaningfully to your team.
Even if you’re returning to school afterward, the impression you leave behind can open doors for future collaborations. In my case, this mindset paid off: I was offered a full-time position after my placement and now work as a Senior Analyst on the same team.
I also learned the value of networking and participating in team activities, as connecting with people and learning from their experiences can significantly shape your professional growth.
Q: In what ways did your university studies help prepare you for this experience?
A: The university’s curriculum was thoughtfully designed to prepare students for industry success. Each course built practical skills that brought me closer to real-world applications.
I’d also like to highlight the mock interview sessions organized by the Co-op Team—those sessions helped me refine my soft skills and boosted my confidence, ultimately helping me secure my very first interview and co-op placement with CIBC.
Jasmine Kaur Gill’s story is a testament to the power of experiential learning and determination. Her journey from classroom to career shows how co-op placements can open doors to meaningful opportunities and lasting success.
As UWindsor continues to recognize Rising Star students, these accomplishments underscore the importance of dedication, adaptability, and the support of a dynamic academic and professional community.
Connect with Jasmine
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/jsmngill
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jsmngill
New employers looking to learn more about hiring a co-op student can contact employer@uwindsor.ca.
This article is part of a series celebrating excellence in experiential learning. Co-operative Education and Workplace Partnerships selected Rising Star Award recipients whose stories will inspire future co-op students throughout the 2025/26 school year.