Why should you consider a co-op in PR?

Why MSVU’s co-op program leads to a successful career in PR.

By: Emily Brown, BPR Student.

Not all programs give you the option to do a co-op, especially a paid one. Students in public relations at Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU) have benefitted from their co-op program for over 40 years. So why should you consider a co-op in PR?

MSVU’s co-op background

According to MSVU’s website, since 1979 over 8,000 students have gone through the co-op program at the university. MSVU’s program provides “experiential learning” to prepare students for post-graduation.

MSVU’s mission for co-op students is to help gain professional experience that will strengthen their skills in the workforce. The co-op program is designed to support students through their “career exploration in innovative ways.”

PR students can expect three separate co-op terms that are four months long. This equates to one year of paid experience upon graduation that students can add to their resumes. In this time, students will become experts in interviews, job preparation, writing cover letters, and resumes. This gives PR co-op students a “competitive edge” when they enter the workforce.

MSVU’s annual co-op report

For MSVU’s 2019 annual co-op report, recent graduates were asked questions based on their experience in the co-op program. According to the report, “216 students, in 2019 completed a co-op term with 155 of them in PR.” Almost 100 per cent of students said they were satisfied with the co-op program at MSVU.

The report’s statistics are shown below. This report includes all co-op programs at MSVU (business, tourism, and public relations).

MSVU’s 2019 annual co-op report

• 97% of  co-op grads said they were satisfied with the program.
• 94% of co-op grads felt prepared to enter the workforce.
• 91% of co-op grads secured employment in their field within one year of graduation.
• 91% of co-op grads said co-op helped them secure employment after graduation.
• 84% of co-op grads got a job within six months of graduation in their field.

MSVU is CEWIL certified

In the student co-op guide, MSVU is accredited Co-operative Education and Work-Intergraded Learning (CEWIL) Canada. CEWIL Canada ensures students spend 30 per cent of their degree in co-op and overseen by the university. The best part of CEWIL’s accreditation requirement is student co-ops are paid.

Co-op’s immeasurable experience

Courtney Davison, who is a co-op coordinator at MSVU and a previous MSVU co-op student, speaks highly of the program. Davison’s time as a co-op student helped her realize she wanted to pursue a career in post-secondary education. 

“Co-op gives immeasurable experience and networking opportunities to students,” said Davison. “It gives students hands-on experience and a chance to gain PR skills in a professional work environment.” One of Davison’s favourite things about the program is to watch students excel in their co-ops. “I love to visit worksites to see how students are growing in their roles,” continued Davison. “It shows how much students benefit from the co-op program.”

Davison says students who choose a co-op in PR will gain:

• internal communication skills,
• external communication skills,
• written skills,
• media relations skills,
• administrative skills,
• confidence in the workplace
• and networking abilities.

When asked if she thought there were any disadvantages to the co-op program, Davison could not think of any. Even a disadvantage is a long-term advantage. Students who do not enjoy their job often realize there are still great learning experiences from things we struggle with. Students are able to test drive three different jobs – learn what you like and don’t like. This helps students figure out their career path after graduation.

Sometimes students get lucky and secure long-term employment even after their co-op has ended. Many employers who hire students through the program started as co-op students themselves.  

A part of the co-op experience is for students to put themselves out there. The best way to do this is to ask questions. Davison says students should give their input and not be afraid to ask questions. Employers want to hear from students and want students to be comfortable in contributing.

This means students will learn how to receive constructive feedback to help them improve. Constructive feedback is something even experienced employees can struggle to receive. This helps to teach students to be more well-rounded employees in the workforce.

Employers want to mentor co-op students

Over 500 positions are posted through the MSVU’s co-op program. One of the best things students gain from their co-op terms is being mentored by employers. Davison says, “Employers want to mentor students.” Many employers express to the co-op office they want students to gain the most from their co-op experience. Some employers even take into consideration what students are passionate about to incorporate into the job.

Davison recalls one employer who said he hopes to still be a resource and reference for students even after they have finished their co-op. This is one example Davison has pointed out as an “immeasurable experience” that gives “networking opportunities” to students.

In a competitive world, students who can gain networking connections and professional experience before graduation will increase their chances of success in PR. What student wouldn’t take that opportunity?

So, to answer the question at the start. Why should you consider a co-op in PR? The question you should now be asking yourself is why not consider a co-op in PR?