Featured Student: Lorna Tu

Why did you choose to enroll in co-op?

I didn’t have a plan for what to do with my degree so co-op sounded like a great way to freely explore different job options and fields. Also, I heard that it’s difficult to get a job in science after graduation without much experience so co-op would help fill in the gaps.

Which positions did you work during co-op?

My first position was at the Genome Institute of Singapore, where I worked on a computational genomics project as a research assistant. For my second one, I was a research assistant working on biophotonics with the International Collaboration of Repair Discoveries here in Vancouver.

Would you recommend an international co-op placement to other students? Why?

For sure! I went to Singapore for a placement and it has been the highlight of my university experience. It was sort of a rite of passage for me because I grew up in Vancouver and was never away from home by myself for so long before. It was scary at first, but it helped me become more independent. I also got to travel to many other countries and make lasting friendships along the way (and of course, learn a lot about science!).

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

Go with the flow! When I was applying for jobs, I had no idea what I wanted to do. I didn’t even know which field or type of job I wanted. So if future students are also unsure, it might be a good idea to apply for everything that interests them because they’ll never know where that’ll take them.

What are you looking forward to after graduation?

More research (after a much needed break from school!).