We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

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Kevin DeSousa

Student's photo

Computer Science Student

Company: Ontario Tech University - Vialab

Co-op Job Title: Software Developer

What motivated you to apply for Co-op?

I wanted to learn new skills and gain experience in a field that I was interested in.

Can you describe your position in a few sentences?

My position during my placement was a Software Developer. Along with my supervisor I was mainly tasked with creating a tool that was to be used by researchers, which involved creating both the user interface and server-side components.

Did you receive training to perform your duties? Please Explain.

I knew most of the skills before starting this position, but I was taught some best practices as the placement went on. Anything I didn’t know however was learned on the spot with the help of my supervisor.

What was your work atmosphere like? (flexibility, formality, team centric, supportive)

The work atmosphere was highly supportive and relaxing. The laboratory was laid out such that talking was encouraged so it was easy to get help with anything that I had trouble with.

What new skills were you able to learn/develop during your co-op placement?

My placement mainly improved on my existing skills, but I still had the opportunity to learn some new skills as well. I learned technical skills such as D3 and PostgreSQL. I also learned how to effectively communicate with different stakeholders.

How did your experience compare with your expectations?

The experience was beyond anything I could’ve expected – it was a great learning opportunity and I’m glad I was able to experience it.

What was your proudest moment?

My proudest moment was when I was able to present the tool I worked on near the end of my placement. Since a lot of effort went into making the tool it was gratifying to see that the stakeholders found it useful.

What advice would you offer to current students thinking about pursuing co-op?

I would recommend that current students not be afraid to go on a co-op. There are a lot of positions available so chances are that one will be a perfect fit for you. The number of things to experience and learn during a placement makes co-op an invaluable opportunity.