Gender and Social Justice student Theo Schwartzenhauer says her co-op placement at the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) is exactly the work experience she hoped for. Theo is one of nearly 100 Trent University co-op students who completed four-month, paid roles with leading organizations this past summer. 

As a project assistant in the Indigenous Relations Support Services Section with the MNR, Theo had the opportunity to build practical skills and experience aligned with her passion for community engagement, often a key skillset for careers in the humanities and social sciences. 

“It’s rare to find this program as a stand-alone degree,” Theo says. “The combination of academic theory and real-world experience with community organizations is what made Trent my top choice, and it’s been very rewarding so far.” 

For employers, the benefits of co-ops placements often go both ways. While students gain valuable hands-on experience and professional connections, organizations also benefit from the fresh ideas and enthusiasm that co-op students bring to the workplace. 

“For students, they gain valuable experience and build connections. Theo has had the opportunity to meet with people across the Ministry,” says Kristeen McGowan, divisional Indigenous initiatives coordinator at the MNR. “We really enjoy having co-op students join us. Theo jumped right in and brought incredible energy, knowledge and enthusiasm to the work we are doing.” 

Watch the video to learn more about Theo’s co-op placement at the MNR and how paid co-op placements in programs like Gender & Social Justice help make Trent students top contenders for professional roles.