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WIL Co-op helps prepare students for their careers, and co-op work terms sometimes turn into permanent job opportunities upon graduation. Take Katya Iatrou, for example, a recent co-op graduate who is now a Business Analyst at J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI).

The co-op program helped Katya discover a career she never imagined herself pursuing. 鈥淲hen I began the Industrial Engineering program at Dalhousie, I never envisioned a career path that led to the Information Technology sector,鈥� she says, 鈥淢y co-op experience with JDI IT exposed me to how important the role of technology is in optimizing and streamlining manufacturing operations.鈥�

Katya spent two co-op terms with the organization as a Business Analyst Intern. 鈥淭he JDI IT team supports Irving's shipbuilding business with technology initiatives, in their work with the Canadian Government on the National Shipbuilding Strategy,鈥� she says, 鈥淎s you can imagine, the shipbuilding program is complex, fast-paced, and required me to learn an enormous amount of technical knowledge. Having two co-op terms under my belt helped me build this knowledge early which greatly benefited me as I returned full-time post-grad.鈥�

Katya began working with the organization as a full-time Business Analyst in September 2023. 鈥淚 anticipated having to spend time after graduation job searching, but I was extremely fortunate to have secured a full-time offer with JDI IT before graduation, an opportunity only available to me through participation in Dalhousie's Co-op Program,鈥� she says, 鈥淭his opportunity helped make the transition from student to a full-time role much smoother.鈥�

Reflecting on her current career and her past work terms, Katya shared advice for current co-op students. 鈥淢y biggest advice is to branch out while job searching and explore industries and roles that you may not have envisioned within your career path. A role that requires you to step out of your comfort zone is the best way to challenge yourself and grow both professionally and personally.鈥�