Co-op Chronicles: Students Share Their Journeys in Industry
Vancouver has a tech scene that is growing quickly, with global cloud companies, fintech teams, research groups, and early-stage startups all working side by side. Northeastern’s campus is in downtown Vancouver, right in the middle of that environment, which gives students a chance to build real experience while they study. Experience based learning sits at the core of the campus, and the co-op model is a big part of that. Students step into technical roles, work on projects that matter, and learn from people who are already shaping the local industry. Below, three Vancouver based students share what they worked on, what they discovered about themselves, and the moments that shifted how they see their field.
Shiyuan Chen – Align Master of Science in Computer Science
Co-op Position: Software Developer, WorkSafeBC
What were your main responsibilities during your co-op experience?
During my co-op with the Innovation Services team, I helped develop a vector powered search tool and worked on it from an early proof of concept to a production ready system. I built the ingestion pipeline using Azure Durable Functions, implemented PDF parsing and chunking logic, generated embeddings using OpenAI models, and designed a hybrid retrieval method that combined semantic search with metadata and keyword ranking. I worked closely with my tech lead, product owner, UX designer, cloud system engineer, quality assurance, and solution architect to refine the search experience and ensure the tool addressed real business needs. I also joined two internal hackathons, and our team won one of them with an AI based call center intake assistant.
What did this experience help you learn about yourself?
I learned that I am much stronger at handling ambiguity and owning open ended problems than I ever realized in a classroom. My background in architecture helped more than I expected because I naturally think in systems, organize structures, and design efficient data flows. I also realized that these skills matter even more in work involving AI, where understanding product needs and user experience can be more valuable than focusing on syntax.
What is the best advice you received during your co-op?
My mentor encouraged me not to chase perfection but to focus on delivering something real and useful. He pushed our schedule forward, promoted quick iteration, and reminded me that progress matters more than polishing every detail.
Which resources or supports were most helpful to you?
I learned a lot by speaking with other co-op students who had already been through the search process. I also attended co-op events and did mock interviews with our career advisor, which helped build confidence.
Was there a conversation or moment that shifted your perspective?
I noticed a pattern across many colleagues. Whenever I shared an idea, they responded with genuine support. That openness helped me feel confident exploring possibilities beyond my assigned tasks and shaped how I now think about growth in a real organization.
What three words best describe your experience at Northeastern University in Vancouver?
Dynamic, Encouraging, Inspiring
Ifeoluwa Akinyele-Peter – Master of Professional Studies in Analytics
Co-op Positions: Data Analyst, CIBC and Capital Management Intern, Scotiabank
What were your main responsibilities during your co-op experience?
I worked as a Data Analyst with CIBC during Summer 2024 on the Finance Modernization Project, where I executed logged cases and defects and built pipelines that moved data from the legacy warehouse into multiple new environments, sorting and directing large data sets to the correct teams. The role was remote from Vancouver, and I made a short two-week visit to CIBC Square, where I met another co-op student who connected me with a recruiter. By the end of the term, I secured a fall offer with Scotiabank.
At Scotiabank, I supported the Client Profitability Model, a ROE/ROI pricing tool built with algorithmic models and subject to regulatory considerations. The work required quick problem solving, coordination across global teams, and taking on stretch projects. The hybrid role also allowed me to attend in-person events across the financial sector, helping me build a network and gain direct exposure to how Canadian institutions operate.
What did this experience help you learn about yourself?
I learned how adaptable I can be. In eight months, I shifted my schedule for early hours, moved provinces with only a few weeks to prepare, then moved back to BC. It showed me that I can handle significant changes.
What is the best advice you received during your co-op?
If you shoot for the stars and miss, you will land on top of the world. It reminded me that aiming high often leads to meaningful progress even if the outcome is not perfect.
Which resources or supports were most helpful to you?
I used support from my co-op advisor, workshops, Basecamp sessions, mock interviews, resume workshops, and CPA advising.
Was there a conversation or moment that shifted your perspective?
A discussion about imposter syndrome helped me realize how common it is, especially for young professionals. That conversation encouraged me to ask for help and acknowledge both small and big wins.
What three words best describe your experience at Northeastern University in Vancouver?
Inspiring, Exciting, Wholesome
Mohit Deshpande – Master of Science in Data Analytics Engineering
Co-op Position: Data Coordinator, BC NDP
What were your main responsibilities during your co-op experience?
I worked as a Data Coordinator during the 2024 provincial election campaign, reporting directly to the Data Director and a small analytics team. I wrote SQL queries that pulled voter records, field updates, and fundraising data. I also helped deploy internal web tools, created reporting dashboards, and made sure data stayed clean and accessible across the organization. Being part of an active campaign was one of the most memorable parts of the experience. It showed me how technical systems translate into real decisions and how mission driven that environment can be.
What did this experience help you learn about yourself?
I learned how much I enjoy working in fast-paced environments where the work has immediate consequences. I discovered that I am motivated by purpose driven work and that I can combine technical skills with practical judgment under pressure.
What is the best advice you received during your co-op?
Focus on consistent effort rather than perfect readiness. You do not need to know everything before applying. You need to be willing to learn and show up.
Which resources or supports were most helpful to you?
I relied on regular check-ins with my co-op advisor, where we reviewed my progress and refined my strategy. I also attended employer panels, workshops, and information sessions that helped me understand the market and tailor my applications more effectively.
Was there a conversation or moment that shifted your perspective?
My co-op advisor once asked what type of work actually motivated me, rather than what roles I thought I should pursue. That question helped me rethink my approach to the job search and focus on roles that aligned with my strengths and interests.
What three words best describe your experience at Northeastern University in Vancouver?
Curious, Motivated, Supported