Posted on Tuesday, April 28th, 2026
From Ottawa to Iqaluit: Nunavut Arctic College opens doors, secures job for AC co-op student
Meet Hmoad Hajali, an upper-level Computer Systems Technician – Networking student at Algonquin College, who is currently completing a co-op work term at Nunavut Arctic College in Iqaluit.
Learners like Hajali build connections through employer engagement opportunities and work with Co‑op Student Advisors in the Algonquin College Co-op & Career Centre to refine their resumes, practice interviews and navigate each stage of the journey.
“Next thing you know, I’m emailing with the Academic Chair at Nunavut Arctic College about completing a co-op term there,” Hajali said.
A leap of faith and a plane ride later, Hajali landed in the foreign-to-him hilly, snow-covered landscape of Iqaluit, Nunavut.
Hajali is leading the classroom in Nunavut Arctic College’s own Computer Systems Technician – Networking program. He teaches fundamental networking, security and system administration. The role also includes leading labs, offering one-on-one support after regular class hours and lesson planning for the following week.
Read the full story here: https://tinyurl.com/AC-CCC-Story-Hmoad
Posted on Friday, April 10th, 2026
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.
Posted on Thursday, April 2nd, 2026
On March 31, 2026, Algonquin College students and alumni participated in the Discover Technata Career Fair. Hosted by the Kanata North Business Association, the event provided a strong platform for job seekers to connect with leading employers and explore current opportunities across the region’s expanding tech sector. For students, the fair served as an avenue to build professional networks and learn about future career pathways.
The event showcased the depth and diversity of Kanata North’s technology community, featuring organizations ranging from emerging innovators to major employers such as Ericsson, Warner Bros. Discovery, Nokia, and Kinaxis. Throughout the day, students and alumni engaged with industry professionals, explored a wide range of roles, and gained meaningful insight into developing a career in Canada’s largest technology hub.
We extend our sincere thanks to the Kanata North Business Association for inviting Algonquin College.
Posted on Monday, March 23rd, 2026
One Yes and a Co‑op in Japan Helped Sephora Find Her Voice—and Her Path
Sephora Révolus’ Co‑op work term did more than fulfil a program requirement. In Tokyo, working as a marketing intern for the Japan Association for Working Holiday Makers, she created social content and led English cafés—informal workshops where clients practiced conversation before heading abroad. The role brought together everything she was learning in Business Management and Entrepreneurship at Algonquin College. It demanded planning, audience insight, campaign execution, and iteration. Most of all, it showed her what was possible.
“I realized I love communicating,” she says. “Give me a reason that matters and I will stand up and speak.”
Finding Her Footing
Sephora never had a single, tidy answer to the question What do you want to be?
“When I grew up, I wanted to be like Barbie,” she says. “Barbie had so many professions—she was always doing what she needed to do. I could never answer people when they asked what I wanted to be, because I didn’t really know who I was.”
Growing up in an Ottawa housing community, she learned to stay curious, ask questions, and try new things even when the path wasn’t linear.
After high school, the list‑maker in her took over. She wrote out Algonquin College programs, weighed the pros and cons, and chose Business Management and Entrepreneurship, starting in winter 2024. “It was a bit uncomfortable,” she says, “but I kept moving and kept asking questions. I kept showing up and let my mind catch up to where my feet already were.”
A Dream That Would Not Go Away
Travel never left the page. In fact, it was supposed to happen before she ever began her post‑secondary journey. So when Sephora started exploring opportunities at the College, she kept that dream alive, continually asking about exchange and study‑abroad options. With Co‑op in level three, an international work term finally felt within reach.
Most students begin their search on HireAC because it centralizes postings and applications. Sephora did that—and more. After a short meeting with her Co‑op student advisor, Laura, she understood the extra steps an international placement would require and felt encouraged that it was still possible.
“I kept hearing classmates say, ‘Nobody told us we could do Co‑op abroad,’” she says. “My question was, who told you that you could not?”
Her search led her to Go International, a Vancouver‑based organization supporting work‑abroad experiences. When she saw Japan listed under the Working Holiday Visa option, it clicked. “Japan has always been a dream country for me. Seeing it as a Co‑op possibility felt like it was mine.”
There were real decisions to make. Bringing her very attached pandemic dog wasn’t feasible due to Japan’s animal‑quarantine timeline. “It was an early lesson that sometimes you make hard choices to make the bigger thing possible.” Leaving her dog with a close family member made the decision a little easier.
Support at Algonquin College filled in the gaps. The Centre for Accessible Learning helped with technology needs. The International Education Centre guided travel registration and insurance. And in a standout act of care, Yoko and Yuki from the Co‑op and Career Centre stayed up late to join meetings with her future employer in Japan, bridging language and time zones. Funding support came through a Go Abroad bursary and Guard.me international insurance.
“It became a race against time—visas, letters, proof of funds, and full‑time coursework,” she says. “The effort felt invigorating because it was for something I really wanted.”
What the Work Looked Like
In Tokyo, Sephora’s role kept evolving. Alongside another Canadian intern, she helped build a new service that gave Japanese clients a place to practice English before their own working holidays. She launched and managed social pages, designed and analyzed surveys, handled client communications, and planned and facilitated English cafés. She also produced a short interview series with colleagues who had lived abroad, giving clients relatable stories and practical advice.
“It was highly entrepreneurial,” she says. “There was no step‑by‑step checklist. You design, test, learn, and repeat.”
Her level‑three digital marketing coursework became real‑time practice. Audience research informed content choices. Metrics-guided iteration. Classroom skills transferred cleanly into a new culture and context.
A concept she encountered in Japan helped her name the experience. Ikigai is the overlap of what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. “For me, it is helping others through creativity and communication,” she says. “My Co‑op experience in Japan connected those dots.”
There were difficult days—time zones, homesickness, and the weight of living alone in a new country. “I had faith,” she says. “There were too many well‑timed moments—from the pilot program to the bursary to the people who helped me—for me to think this was random. I am so grateful for all that has transpired. Grateful to the school, my family, friends, God, and of course, my colleagues abroad.”
Bringing It Home
Back at Algonquin College, Sephora is not the same student who once introduced herself and stopped there.
“Going to Japan broke a glass ceiling I had put over myself. Once you step that far out of your comfort zone, higher levels feel visible.”
When a social media role for Business Management and Entrepreneurship opened at the College, she hesitated—her term was heavy, and her grades mattered. Then she remembered planning campaigns in Tokyo, leading English cafés, and editing interviews at her desk overseas.
“I did all that in another country. I can do this here. Even if I’m not perfect yet, I can try.”
“That was the lesson,” she says. “So much of this was about trying. Take steps toward your happiness, again and again. It was scary, and it was worth it. If you find the spark, chase it. Even if it seems impossible. You owe that to yourself.”
For Students Ready to Connect the Dots
Take a first step. Open HireAC and browse Co‑op postings. Talk to the Co‑op and Career Centre, ask your professors and coordinators for advice, and visit the Centre for Accessible Learning and the library. Keep exploring beyond campus. Dream big. The supports at Algonquin College are here to help you begin.
On March 25, National Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Day, Algonquin College recognizes the faculty, staff and employer partners who make experiential learning possible. Sephora’s experience illustrates the impact of cross-departmental collaboration — from Co–op student advising to accessibility and international education support — in helping students grow with confidence and purpose.
Posted on Thursday, March 12th, 2026
Algonquin College marked a proud moment on March 10, 2026, as the Coop & Career Centre hosted the 2025 Cooperative Education Awards of Excellence. Students, employer partners, and colleagues from Experiential Learning and Entrepreneurship came together to recognize the impact of hands-on learning across our community.
There were over 170 nominations for students and employers who took part in co op work terms in 2025.
Leaders highlighted the essential role Coop and eCo-op programs play in preparing students for meaningful careers while supporting employers with emerging talent and fresh perspectives. Six students were honoured for exceptional performance during their co-op work terms, and employer partners were celebrated for their continued commitment to high-quality Work Integrated Learning, mentorship, and student skill development.
The event also featured the Venture of the Year Award, recognizing an eCo-op student whose creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial drive exemplify the spirit of Algonquin College learners.
Mary Grammatikakis, Director of Experiential Learning at Algonquin College, emphasized the importance of “celebrating the impact of Co-operative Education—a form of experiential learning that provides students with valuable work experience while allowing employers to benefit from fresh perspectives and new talent.”
Honouring Co-op and eCo-op Student Achievements
Seven awards were granted to Co-op and eCo-op students who excelled during their work terms, demonstrating the transformative power of hands-on experience.
Thandiwe Ncube, Manager of Student Talent Development at Algonquin College, spoke about the competitive advantage Co-op gives to our learners. “Each of our recipients today has gone above and beyond in their roles, making meaningful contributions to their teams and workplaces. Their achievements are a testament to the value of co-operative education and the impact it has on both students and employers.”
Matthew Jerabek, Associate Manager, Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Algonquin College, spoke about… “Entrepreneurship, being an important pillar of experiential learning, and the award highlights the talent and creativity of students who take the bold step of turning their ideas into reality.”
Recognizing Outstanding Employers
In addition to celebrating student achievements, the event also honoured six industry partners who provided exceptional Work-Integrated Learning opportunities that significantly impacted our learners’ professional journey.
Lisa Benoit, Manager of External Engagement and Partnerships, also highlighted the strategic value of hiring Co-op students for organizations. “At Algonquin College, we are fortunate to collaborate with dedicated employer partners who provide students with meaningful work experience. These employers take the time to mentor, guide, and support students as they develop valuable skills in their respective fields.”
Congratulations to all of the 2025 Recipients!
Cooperative Education Student Achievement Award:
- Gabriel Al-Rahi – Computer Programming
- Amira Nasser – Interactive Media Design
- Tavish Taylor – Bachelor of Digital Marketing Communication (Honours)
- Matthew Miceli – Computer Programming and Analysis
- Nicole Dacyshyn – Bachelor of Interior Design
- James O’Brien – Computer Systems Technician – Networking
Outstanding Contribution to Algonquin College Cooperative Education Employer Award:
- Éric Sigouin – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
- Caitlin Kealey – Emdash
- Trevor Lehouillier – Transport Canada
- Verlyn Nischuk – BlackBerry QNX
- Annabelle Faia & Zachary Smith – Arkalumen
- Jennifer Farrell – BluMetric
eCo-op Venture of the Year Award:
- Bingchen Jing – Computer Engineering Technology – Computing Science
The success of Cooperative Education at Algonquin College is only possible thanks to the support of our Co-op and Career team, industry partners, and faculty. Congratulations to all the award recipients, and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who supports our students throughout their Co-op journeys.