Co-op Chronicles: Summer 2026

Every co-op experience offers a different perspective on what it means to learn through practice. From developing AI technologies to supporting project delivery and navigating regulatory compliance, these Northeastern Toronto students gained firsthand experience while contributing to meaningful work across a range of industries.

Read on to learn how their co-op experiences challenged them, expanded their skills, and helped shape their career goals, along with the advice they have for future co-op students.

Ragha Vasdarini Ramesh – Master of Science in Project Management

Co-op position: Project Control Officer at CGI

Tell us about your co-op experience. What made it memorable or surprising?

As a Project Control Officer, I learned a lot about the corporate world and how to navigate working within teams. One thing that surprised me was how much being outgoing and presenting yourself professionally can help you build connections. Breaking the ice with casual conversations while maintaining a high standard of work goes a long way.

What was your primary project or responsibility, and how did your work contribute to your team’s goals?

My primary responsibilities included maintaining project documentation and coordinating with external suppliers. I set up regular checkpoints, kept stakeholders informed of updates, and helped ensure everyone stayed aligned throughout the project.

What new skills or knowledge did you gain, and how did this experience shape your development?

I developed stronger networking skills by connecting with senior leaders from different backgrounds, and I gained research experience in sales. This experience gave me a new perspective on account development and business strategy.

What advice would you give to students beginning their co-op journey?

Use as many new technologies as possible to give yourself an edge and stay familiar with emerging trends. Reach out to colleagues who are just ahead of you in their careers, as their advice can be especially valuable.

Three words that sum up your experience

Insightful. Growth. Exposure.

Duc Nguyen – Master of Science in Information Systems

Co-op position: Software Engineer Intern at Hamming AI (Forward Inc.)

Tell us about your co-op experience. What made it memorable or surprising?

My co-op experience has been phenomenal. I had the opportunity to learn from some of the top leaders in the industry while working on high impact projects. What made the experience especially memorable was being trusted to contribute across the platform, from shipping infrastructure to supporting key features. The late nights and extra effort all paid off, and I learned more than I could have imagined.

What was your primary project or responsibility, and how did your work contribute to your team’s goals?

My primary project was the Voice Agent platform. As a company, we develop a testing platform for voice AI, and my responsibilities expanded across many of the platform’s features. Being able to contribute in so many areas helped support the team’s goals while giving me invaluable hands-on experience.

What new skills or knowledge did you gain, and how did this experience shape your development?

The biggest skill I gained was learning how to use AI as a force multiplier in my work. In just eight months, I feel like I’ve grown the equivalent of two years as an engineer. The experience has motivated me to keep learning, improving, and pushing myself further.

What advice would you give to students beginning their co-op journey?

Find something you love and keep building your skills around it. Don’t lose faith if you face rejection, because it can lead to an even better opportunity. Keep learning, keep building, and keep going.

Three words that sum up your experience

Just keep going

Shruti Alpeshkumar Parekh – Master of Science in Regulatory Affairs

Co-op position: Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs Intern at The Crumps Group Inc.

Tell us about your co-op experience. What made it memorable or surprising?

My co-op experience at The Crumps Group Inc. has been memorable because it allowed me to apply regulatory and quality concepts from the classroom to real-world manufacturing operations. What surprised me most was how cross-functional collaboration between Quality Assurance, Production, and Research and Development directly impacts product safety and compliance, reinforcing how critical quality systems are in everyday decision making.

What was your primary project or responsibility, and how did your work contribute to your team’s goals?

My primary responsibility was supporting the ingredient approval process from a regulatory affairs perspective. I reviewed ingredient documentation for compliance with FDA, AAFCO, and Health Canada requirements, verified supplier information, and identified potential regulatory risks before approval. This work helped ensure only compliant and safe ingredients were used, supported audit readiness, and reduced the risk of delays in product development.

What new skills or knowledge did you gain, and how did this experience shape your development?

Through my co-op, I gained hands-on experience reviewing ingredient regulations, interpreting FDA, AAFCO, and Health Canada requirements, and assessing compliance risks. I also strengthened my skills in regulatory documentation, cross-functional communication, and risk-based decision making. The experience increased my confidence and reinforced my interest in a career in regulatory affairs and quality compliance.

What advice would you give to students beginning their co-op journey?

Be proactive and ask questions early, because co-op is the best time to see how classroom knowledge applies in real-world situations. Stay organized, be open to feedback, and take initiative to get the most out of the experience.

Three words that sum up your experience

Educational. Impactful. Rewarding.