Two students from the University of Prince Edward Island recently returned to the province after having completed a co-operative education work term in Ireland. The students, Mark O'Brien and Becky Rogers, are both in the Business Administration Co-op program.
Established in 1996, UPEI's Co-op program gives students the opportunity to gain valuable work experience related to their academic program. The program developed an international focus in 2000 and, with the help of Prince Edward Island Business Development, initiated an International Placement Program.
It's no secret that the key to our future success lies with today's students," said the Honourable Mike Currie, Minister of Development and Technology. "An international work experience can strengthen students' skills and create new perspectives. The Province sees great benefit in this, which is why we gladly supported UPEI in this initiative."
Both O'Brien, who worked as a Risk Analyst with Allied Irish Banks in Dublin, and Rogers, who served as Assistant Manager at Murlach Lodge in Connemara, considered their international work placement to be an excellent learning experience.
"The benefits of international employment are personal," said Rogers. "Working in an office, regardless of the geographic location, will offer similar employment experience. But the independence and confidence you get when you realize you are far from your safety net but still standing strong, can't be replaced."
Don MacCormac, Director of UPEI's Business Co-op Program, participated in the Trade Team PEI trade mission to Ireland in October to seek out additional employment opportunities for the Co-op Program. While in Ireland, MacCormac also had the opportunity to visit with O'Brien and Rogers and meet with their employers.
In today's global economy, business leaders need an international perspective. Business students can acquire this outlook by working in another country for a period such as a Co-op work term," said MacCormac. "We are pleased that opportunities are becoming more available since international work experience benefits both the future business person and our province. It is a win-win situation.
For more information on UPEI's Co-operative Education Program, contact the UPEI Co-op Office at 628-4395.