Many companies within and outside the tech industry consider co-op students an integral part of their workforce. Employers get the benefit of having young talent brought into their teams, while the students enjoy on-the-job learning and skill development. As co-op students, Communitech has provided us with the opportunity to gain practical experience in a professional environment. Join us as we reflect on our time at Communitech and how it has helped us in our professional journeys!

The Co-op Experience at Communitech

The working environment at Communitech provides the kind of support and mentorship that co-ops crave. There is trust, co-operation, a strong sense of culture, opportunities for responsibility and a genuine feeling that everyone wants you to succeed.

The Communitech Hub is a fun and dynamic place. The 80,000-square-foot workspace always has something to discover, whether it be a cool place to hang out or a secret spot to get some work done.

Another benefit of co-oping at Communitech is flexibility. The two-day in-office, three-day online work week provides great work-life balance, and there is always something going on in the Hub that brings excitement and fun into the work day. The most memorable event during our co-op term was Techtoberfest, which attracted hundreds of people to the Hub to network, hear from investors and enjoy some great music, food and drink!

At Communitech, co-op students can find lots of opportunities for skill development and career growth. Engaging in workshops, Hub events and team-building exercises contribute to ongoing and invaluable learning. Communitech also embraces a mindset of growth and curiosity, encouraging co-op students towards self-improvement and positive community contributions.

There are also lots of opportunities for networking. From founders to fellow Communitechers, the network here spans a rich background of insights and opportunities. Whether it’s a coffee chat or a structured event, networking interactions at Communitech hold the potential to spark new connections and foster growth.

The essence of Communitech resides in its people, which is felt by both the founders they support and its employees. They uphold a culture of unwavering support, fostering a collaborative and encouraging atmosphere for those who seek to learn there. 

Having an Impact as a Co-op

The two of us had the opportunity to be a part of individual projects and team-wide initiatives, which contributed to a fulfilling co-op experience.

Ethan

Working at Communitech, there have been many opportunities to work on projects that have an impact within Communitech and in the broader tech community. The most prominent example for me was Techtoberfest. Being part of the preparation and implementation of the event, it was a satisfying experience to see everyone come together to take part.

Agnes

At Communitech, I’ve had the privilege to be a part of programs that provide a fulfilling experience. I was able to support the Fierce Founders Bootcamp, a six-week program that helps women and non-binary founders grow their early-stage companies. Some of my responsibilities included coordinating speaker and coach schedules, constructing agendas and scheduling one-on-one meetings. Assisting in the program’s coordination and ensuring a smooth planning process was a fulfilling and valuable role. 

What Co-op Means for Students

Co-op programs offer significant advantages for students, providing opportunities to learn and develop as they move through their career. Engaging in co-op opportunities has boosted our confidence, expanded our networks and opened doors for future prospects. Co-op experiences serve as a platform for students to explore potential career paths and help them to ultimately decide where they want to work.

Working in a professional environment enables students to reflect on their strengths and weaknesses, encouraging ongoing self-evaluation. Co-op experiences also assist in identifying areas for improvement while enhancing existing strengths, guiding students towards ongoing improvement and excellence. 

Co-op also allows students to enhance and develop their resumes. We’ve had the privilege to collaborate with people who help teach marketable skills and assist in future job searches. This provides students with the opportunity to build a robust resume, showcasing practical skills and achievements they picked up during their co-op.

Another benefit of co-oping at Communitech is the opportunity to learn new software. Being in a tech environment, there are many new and cutting-edge tools you get to use as part of your time here. These platforms are often transferable to future roles and allow for better adaptability in other positions. 

As well as software experience, you get to develop skills relevant to your career path. As part of the marketing team, Ethan gained valuable experience in areas such as email campaigns, merchandise organization and event planning, all of which will be useful in future opportunities. 

Lastly, being a co-op at Communitech means being at the core of the tech industry. This is not only helpful in securing connections, but also in gathering insight into the industry and how it functions. 

Being a co-op at Communitech is a rewarding and transformative experience that provides a mix of vibrant company culture and an environment that fosters professional development. We are thankful to Communitech and the amazing people who work here for this opportunity and for welcoming us into their community!