Featured Student: Abid Salahi Esfahani

What is your field of study?

I was a Computer Science student and graduated in 2021.

Why did you choose to enroll in co-op? 

Co-op was my way of getting my foot in the door.

When you’re just starting out, it’s hard to know where to look for jobs and how to really prepare for interviews. Co-op helped me bridge that gap and provided many tools that brought me success in my experience.

Which positions did you work during co-op?

I did an eight month term at SAP as an Agile Software Developer, a four month term as a Web Application Developer at the UBC School of Economics and another four month term at RBC as a Software Engineer Intern.

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

It was one of the really fun activities that our team did back at SAP.

We went to play Laser-tag, divided into two separate teams and played against each other. Company activities allowed you to feel more included, connect with your co-workers and gain valuable insight into their careers as well.

Because of it, I gained many connections during my time at SAP and was able to reconnect with my co-workers after the Co-op term had ended.

What was your best achievement in co-op?

I worked with an Economics professor at the UBC School of Economics and built an entire Web Application from scratch during my third Co-op semester.

It was quite a rewarding experience and involved a huge learning opportunity, as I had to lead the development process, understand different requirements and deliver within a four-month timeframe. The platform was later used by the professor’s students and helped them learn about concepts of game theory more effectively.

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

I think my biggest challenge was preparing for and doing interviews.

When I was just starting out as a Computer Science Co-op student, it was quite difficult to master the interview process. What I found most helpful to overcome these challenges, was following the interview guidelines the Co-op program had for my specific field.

In addition, it’s important to not get discouraged by a few bad interviews and look forward to the next one and learn from each interview.

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

Co-op provides a tremendous opportunity to try out different experiences, learn from mentors or different people ahead in their careers and find out what works best for you.

How do you feel co-op has helped your career?

It helped me gain valuable experience early on and prepared me for my career.

I think it allowed me to try out different companies, different technologies and really understand which areas I find the most interesting.

It helped me land a full-time software engineering job at Splunk which gave me years of experience. It also allowed me to realize my passion for FinTech and with the help of a friend, started to build a mobile app that helps people with personal finance.

Overall, Co-op helped me narrow down my career path, which a lot of people can struggle with.

What advice would you offer future co-op students?

You will thank your future self after having done Co-op.

The experience you gain is invaluable and the learning opportunity sets you up for success after graduation, even if it’s delayed for a bit.

What are you looking forward to after graduation?

I look forward to the tremendous opportunity that lies ahead in the Tech sector.

With the help of the Co-op program, I feel more prepared to tackle bigger challenges and understand my career path much more clearly.

I will focus on building tools that help people with their everyday lives and make that be a priority. I will continue to work on my personal finance mobile app and see where the road takes me.