Co-op Student Profile: Building skills and networks for a successful career in the agri-food sector
Akshai Arulmani Sukaraj is a 4th year Food Science student in the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences. Currently on his second co-op work term, Akshai has worked for both Exchange Group, an accounting and consulting firm, and the Canadian Grain Commission, which regulates grain handling in Canada and establishes standards of quality for Canadian grain.
Organizations who hire co-op students can benefit from motivated students who are eager to contribute in the workplace. Students who participate in co-op programs gain a critical advantage by acquiring real-world experience and building professional networks long before graduation.
For his first co-op work term, Akshai was hired by Exchange Group to assist with claims that involved farm properties. The organization needed someone with knowledge of the industry who could not only help with the claims assessments but be able to connect with their clients in both a knowledgeable and service-oriented way.
Transferable skills
Holly Klann, the Faculty’s Co-op Coordinator, emphasizes how students’ previous experiences can augment their skills sets and prepare them for the professional workplace. For example, Akshai credits his ability to overcome a steep learning curve at Exchange Group by utilizing customer service skills he gained from previous work in hospitality. “I had to communicate complex information to different stakeholders clearly and concisely, while developing a rapport with clients and making sure they felt fully assisted”.
The transition from a business-oriented role at The Exchange Group to a technical role in a lab setting at the Grain Research Laboratory of the Canadian Grain Commission might seem like a significant shift, but Akshai found that the skills he developed at his first co-op term have been directly applicable in his new position. For example, a strong foundation in organization, attention to detail, and data analysis have proven to be skills that are critical in a current role as a lab technician.
Mentorship and support
Askhai credits his success in his first work term at Exchange Group with the support he received in the workplace. “In previous roles, I was afraid to ask questions, but everyone at Exchange Group were very open to helping, which in turn motivated me want to learn more. Everyone, including partners, the CEO, listened to me, and this gave me so much more confidence to do my job”.
Networking is another area where Akshai has found the co-op program to be invaluable. Not only did he make direct connections with his colleagues, but they were able to introduce him to other professionals in the industry, as well as share information about previous positions they held. “The connections you make on your work term are important – be professional, stay on good terms, get good references, and build your career”.
The benefits of co-op for employers
From an employer’s perspective, co-op students like Akshai bring fresh perspectives, a strong work ethic, and motivation to learn.
Co-op students also provide valuable support to organizations, particularly during busy periods or to help with large projects. Akshai’s supervisor Scott Hosfield at Exchange Group stated “He has been a huge help to us, and has brought our claims assessment progress substantially closer to completion”.
When asked what motivated his organization to participate to hire a co-op student, Akshai’s supervisor at the Canadian Grain Commission Dr. Ning Wang said “It’s a good opportunity to train young people and expose them to the real work environment and see the real world. It is also beneficial to us for completing specific projects or tasks due to their eagerness to learn and develop their skills”.
Akshai’s supervisor at Exchange Group, Scott Hosfield, offers this advice to other co-op supervisors: “Have a clear goal in mind of what you want the student to accomplish. Ideally have a project that they can start and see to completion. If this isn’t possible, having a clear transition plan to transfer the work to another employee or the next co-op student is important”.
Advice for future co-op students
Akshai has valuable advice for students considering joining a co-op program: “Gain work experience early, because the degree of adaptability required will be a lot greater if you wait till after school. Adaptability is one of the most important skills you need as an employee and starting a new job. Co-op also teaches you accountability – you’re responsible for your own work, and your colleagues are counting on you to get your job done. It also helped me with my studies as I was able to translate what I learned back to my schoolwork and recognize any disconnects”.
Looking ahead: A bright future
For students and employers alike, co-op education offers invaluable opportunities for growth. Akshai states “It’s not always about the money you earn – you also feel good about yourself, can make a name for yourself in a reputable industry/organization, and increase your motivation and create a vision for your future”. Students like Akshai gain practical experience, develop transferable skills, and build professional networks, while employers benefit from fresh ideas, additional support, the chance to mentor the next generation of leaders in their industries, and a direct connection to future hires.