Featured Student: Kristy Law

What is your field of study and when will you graduate? 

I’m studying Food Science and Nutrition as a double major. I aim to graduate in the spring of 2027.

Why did you choose to enroll in Co-op? 

To gain work experience related to my degree, as well as a network of people in the industry.  

It's hard to find part-time jobs that are relevant to what I study and work with my school schedule, so Co-op was a great option to take a break from school to learn in different ways.

Which positions did you work during Co-op? 

I worked as a Research Intern in the food chemistry department of the Dresden University of Technology (one term), then as a Research and Development intern at Daiya Foods (two terms) and lastly as a Quality Control Laboratory Assistant at Parallel 49 Brewing Company (one term).

Can you share your favourite experience while in Co-op? 

My favourite experience was at Daiya Foods, where I did lots of benchtop work and tastings.

I contributed to new projects in the kitchen and enjoyed laughing with my team.

Can you share anything about the new products that Daiya Foods was creating, what you worked on or how you contributed in your Research and Development role?

Unfortunately, I don’t think that I can share about the new products that I worked on – but, a hint is that it's sweet and dairy free.

I contributed by running all the shelf-life tests for the projects I was on, coordinating and prepping for sensory tastings, as well as helping out during plant trial days.

Through my Co-op project, I learned more about ingredient functionality and ran an experiment to improve the texture of a new product. This was significant, as well as useful when shipment delays and other problems occurred during a plant trial, which resulted in utilizing my learnings to make quick decisions about a formula change for a large batch size.

I had gone into Co-op interested in research in a lab, quality control, as well as research and development, so I’m proud to have been able to work at three great places that helped me understand what I’m interested in pursuing post-grad.

What was your best achievement in Co-op? 

My best achievement is finishing Co-op with the experience of three different positions within my field.

I had gone into Co-op interested in research in a lab, quality control, as well as research and development, so I’m proud to have been able to work at three great places that helped me understand what I’m interested in pursuing post-grad.

What about the best day you had in your Co-op city, Vancouver and beyond? 

Looking back, it would have to be when I was in Germany, being able to hop on a train after work on a Friday and be in a new city with the other interns.

For example, one weekend we did an overnight bus to Munich, dropped off our stuff at the hostel and took another train to be in Salzburg, Austria for a day, then spent the last day in Munich before taking the train back.

Do you mind sharing a bit more about your international Co-op experiences?

My international Co-op experience went very smoothly in terms of finding affordable accommodation, long-term stay applications and other paperwork needed to stay for three months. 

This internship was a part of DAAD RISE program where students are given a lump sum to cover costs of living and working for up to 90 days in Germany. 

It’s a reasonable amount for three months, but I definitely spent more to be able to travel more frequently. The research that I helped with was for the food chemistry department of the university, where the goal was to determine if saccharomyces cerevisiae can metabolize methylated lysine (MML, DML, TML). 

Week to week, I performed incubations with MML, DML or TML and collected samples to run through the HPLC machine to determine the level of methylated lysine metabolized. Some days were very light, which included quick sampling of the incubations, media preparation, cleaning or yeast propagation.  

At the end, I summarized my data and presented the findings to the department. Looking back, a challenge was in connecting with the people in the lab because they all spoke German to each other and were also super busy. 

I lived in a mid-sized city, so not knowing German was okay. However, I wish I had taken even more initiative in networking and getting to know the people in my department. 

My advice for other students going to Germany for Co-op is to enjoy it, try to explore as much as possible and connect with other Co-op students going.

My advice for other students going to Germany for Co-op is to enjoy it, try to explore as much as possible and connect with other Co-op students going.

What did you feel most challenged by and how did you overcome it? 

I felt most challenged networking and asking questions unrelated to work, but related to career.

I didn't really overcome it, but I got better with time and practice.

Managing the balance between academics, Co-op responsibilities and a personal life can be intense – what are your self care practices and/or how do you manage stress?

I wasn't taking any courses during my work-term, so I didn’t feel the stress that I usually feel during the school term.

Though sometimes the workday was stressful, it was very nice to clock out, not think about it and enjoy an evening cooking, running or hanging out with friends.

During Co-op, I felt that weekends helped me recover from a busy work week; I managed stress by doing the things that I enjoy doing and going outside lots.

Though sometimes the workday was stressful, it was very nice to clock out, not think about it and enjoy an evening cooking, running or hanging out with friends.

During Co-op, I felt that weekends helped me recover from a busy work week; I managed stress by doing the things that I enjoy doing and going outside lots.

How do you feel Co-op helped your personal growth?

Co-op has helped me come out of my shell.

I’m more confident in who I am, what I’m good at and what I'm still working on.

Being exposed to three different work environments, I learned about what I like and what I might want to try more of when I head back to school.

Which supports from the Co-op program (workshops, practice interviews, etc.) do you feel best supported you? Can you talk about the direct impact on your career and/or personal growth?

I think having friends in the Co-op program supported me the most. We were able to do practice interviews with each other and share advice.

Within the Co-op program, being able to set up meetings with supervisors for advice, questions and support was useful.

What advice would you offer to future Co-op students?

Be passionate and interested about the jobs when you apply. Companies can really tell and it sets you apart.

Everyone who applies is a student with little experience. What will set you apart is how willing you are to learn and why you want the job. Also, I would recommend that you should take a job only if you're interested in it and can see it helping you with your career/resume.

All jobs will teach you something, but what will make your experience valuable is engagement with what you do. Also, if you’re worried that you haven't taken the courses that are beneficial for some jobs (food science labs, food chemistry, etc.), don’t worry too much because they train you.

All jobs will teach you something, but what will make your experience valuable is engagement with what you do. Also, if you’re worried that you haven't taken the courses that are beneficial for some jobs (food science labs, food chemistry, etc.), don’t worry too much because they train you.

What are you looking forward to after graduation?

To be honest, graduation is still far for me as I am heading back to school and going on an exchange semester in France.

Currently, I am looking forward to learning more theory behind the work I have done in Co-op.