Student Success | Ryan Sowa

Posted on Friday, April 10th, 2026

A person wearing a black jacket and backpack stands indoors at a professional networking event. Several people are in the background talking or checking their phones. The room is brightly lit with modern ceiling lights and wood paneling. A banner for ‘QUARRY Management Consulting and Customized Staffing Solutions’ is visible behind them.

Why I’m Glad I Showed Up: My Technata Experience as a Co-op Student

By: Ryan Sowa, Co-op Student – Bachelor of Digital Marketing Communication (Honours) (Co-op)

Most events start the same way for me, with pre‑emptive nerves and the familiar question: Why am I even going? Technata, which took place this past Tuesday, was no exception. Looking back now, though, it’s a prime example of why I’m always glad I show up anyway.

The experience started on the bus ride from the College to the event. It was quiet, and free, which didn’t hurt either. That time gave me space to reflect on what I was hoping to gain from the day and which employers I wanted to connect with, including Warner Bros. Discovery Ottawa, CSIS, CSE, and Webmarketers.

Going into Technata as a Co‑op student, I knew realistically that my chances in active job‑seeking were small. That didn’t make the experience any less valuable. Instead, it shifted my mindset. This was an opportunity to connect with established professionals, show my face, ask thoughtful questions, and gather information as future talent. And of course, there was free popcorn (thanks, WB).

Beyond meeting employers, one of the most impactful parts of the event was connecting with other students. By staying open and being myself, I ended up meeting several like‑minded individuals. We had genuine, insightful conversations about our experiences as budding professionals and the realities of the job market, not just here in Canada, but abroad as well.

One graduate I spoke with had spent time working in New York. While that experience gave him valuable professional exposure and cultural insight, he shared how happy he was to be back home in Canada. Hearing perspectives like this broadened my understanding of what success can look like and reminded me that career paths don’t need to follow a single definition or destination.

Technata reinforced something I’ve been learning throughout my time as a Co‑op student. Allowing yourself to be open to people, conversations, and opportunities matters more than having everything figured out. Taking the time to research, lean on the support available to you, and focus less on exactly where you want to be, and more on what and who is out there, can completely change your perspective.

If I had restricted myself to a narrow path or stayed closed off because of nerves, I would have missed out on more than I ever could have gained. What I’ve found instead is that cultivating relationships, building confidence I didn’t think I had, and learning directly from others’ experiences form a kind of trinity for long‑term growth and success.

Technata was a reminder that sometimes the most important step is simply showing up.

Those who might be unsure before committing to events—much like Ryan—may find it worthwhile to keep an eye on HireAC and the AC Hub calendar. His experience is a reminder that showing up can lead to unexpectedly rewarding moments. The right opportunity has a way of showing up when you least expect it.


Comments

Comments are closed.