BioCanRx: Making an impact in experiential learning through Carleton University Co-operative Education
Carleton University’s Co-operative Education program has helped place students with employers in science since the co-op program was established 34 years ago. Gaining experience through work-integrated learning has proven to prepare students with the necessary skills to help launch them into their careers post-graduation.
By employing Carleton students from some of the more than 150 co-op programs available, BioCanRx has been leading the way in offering impactful and memorable co-op experiences. In fact, Dr. Megan Mahoney (Director, Scientific Affairs and Training Programs) from BioCanRx, was recently named Carleton University’s Co-op Employer of the Year!
Rida Gill, a Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) student, nominated Dr. Mahoney during her fist co-op term working with Dr. Mahoney and the BioCanRx team. Said Gill, “Starting off, I thought my role here would be a lot of paperwork and other administrative duties, but not only have I had the opportunity to hone those important skills such as written communication, documentation, report writing, etc., I had so many opportunities to meet with and speak to people in the cancer field.”
For Gill, working with Dr. Mahoney allowed her to see careers in science through a new lens. Said Dr. Mahoney, “Rida was hired as the Knowledge Mobilization Intern for which she was responsible for the development, implementation, execution, and evaluation of a patient engagement activity named The Learning Institute. As lead of The Learning Institute, Rida developed strategies for patient engagement in cancer immunotherapy research, communicated technical scientific information to lay audiences, engaged multiple types of stakeholders (e.g., patients and trainees), applied project and program management principles, led the in-person Learning Institute event at the BioCanRx scientific conference, and co-authored a lay summary of the conference research.”
Through mentorship and guidance, this opportunity with BioCanRx allowed Gill to grow academically and personally and helped her understand the next steps in her career. In her nomination of Dr. Mahoney, Gill said, “I was motivated to nominate this employer – Dr. Megan Mahoney – due to the amazing experiences I’ve gained through her mentorship, the many career growth opportunities I was given, the work atmosphere, the BioCanRx team, and everyone else I have had the opportunity to work with through my job.”
After completing her time with BioCanRx, Gill took the skills, knowledge, and experience she’d gained at her first work term and joined the lab of Dr. John Bell (BioCanRx’s Scientific Director) at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute for her next Co-op placement. “It was through my [first co-op] position that I became interested in cancer research and I have been wanting to work in a lab so this was the perfect opportunity for me,” she said. “I hope other students get the chance to work for this company and get the experience I did.”
Why hire a co-op student?
At Carleton University Co-operative Education, we want the very best for your organization! Carleton co-op students bring exceptional talent and enthusiasm to learning and applying new skills. With nearly 3,000 students in co-op work terms each year, we make it our business to prime graduates for your workplace needs. Here are three additional reasons to hire a co-op student:
Flexible Work Terms
Students are available for 4, 8, 12, and sometimes 16-month work terms, giving you the flexibility to choose the best fit for your needs.
Address Your Staffing Challenges
Post jobs online quickly and efficiently to find recruits. Our team is here to guide you through each step of the process.
New Voices
Co-op students provide fresh perspectives and can bring new knowledge to your organization during their co-op work terms.
Start your recruitment journey with Carleton University Co-operative Education today by creating an employer profile though CUHire.
For more information, and for any questions, contact Travis Flieler, External Relations & Employer Engagement Officer, at [email protected].
