Faculty of Arts co-op student Bianca Siem on location in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.
From Classroom to Consulting
A co-op student’s experience with Narratives Inc.
For Bianca Siem, adding co-op to her Bachelor of Arts degree meant building confidence, finding mentors and engaging in reconciliation.
Siem, a political studies major who will graduate with a B.A. Honours degree in 2025, worked at Narratives Inc.—a Winnipeg-based consulting agency specializing in supporting Indigenous communities. This paid work experience was possible thanks to the Faculty of Arts Co-op Program, which invites students to alternate regular academic terms with paid, full-time employment.
Advice and support
“When I first decided to join the Co-op Program, it was because I had just switched from another degree into the Faculty of Arts,” said Siem. “I had no idea what type of jobs there were that you could get with an Arts degree. I talked with the wonderful Co-op advisors, and they explained to me that becoming a Co-op student could actually help me decide what type of career I wanted and explore what my options were.” After going through the process of creating a resume, applying for jobs and attending interviews, Siem accepted an offer to join Narratives as a planning intern.
Skill building and work experience
Narratives’ unique portfolio includes impact assessment, traditional land relations, as well as conflict transformation—a proactive approach that addresses the root causes of disputes. Siem got to work on a diverse range of projects while collaborating with a wide array of professionals. “I worked with many folks from environmental and technical research,” she shared “I have been able to expand upon my writing skills, learning how to analyze policies within the environmental world, and understanding the financial management side of things with writing funding applications.” She also participated in multiple professional training sessions – including software research coding and mapping and Trauma Awareness.
Siem’s advice to other co-op students is to not be afraid to ask questions during meetings, “As a student, this is your time to ask questions to help you learn. As an employee, this is your time to show your managers you are interested in the work and ready to contribute ideas!” According to Siem, co-workers and team leaders can also become meaningful mentors, providing useful advice on further education and career paths.
Faculty of Arts Co-op Program
The Faculty of Arts Co-op Program is offered in several areas of study, including: anthropology, central and east European studies, criminology, economics, English, film studies, German, history, labour studies, linguistics, political studies, psychology, sociology, religion and theatre. The program supports students in the job search process as well as during the work experience terms, and allows students to develop professional and technical skills, network and even travel – all of this can help students with creating a smooth transition from university to the job market.