Social media co-op experience shapes career path and confidence for Business student
Feb. 27, 2025
March is National Co-operative Education (co-op) and Work Integrated Learning (WIL) month. Georgian is a recognized leader in student work experience with most programs offering formal work-integrated opportunities. We spoke with Business (Co-op) student, Gunika Kinger to hear about her experience as a Social Media Assistant working with Georgian’s Marketing, Communications and Recruitment team.
When I first started my Business program at Georgian, I knew co-op would be a great opportunity—but I didn’t realize just how much it would shape my career and confidence. Through my co-op experiences, especially as a Social Media Assistant, I’ve gained hands-on skills, navigated real challenges and discovered my passion for social media and content creation.
Gunika Kinger, Business student
Why Business at Georgian College?
I chose to study Business at Georgian because I wanted a program that balanced theory with real-world experience. The strong co-op program stood out to me—I didn’t want to just sit in a classroom and learn about business; I wanted to do business. Georgian’s industry connections and focus on practical learning made it the perfect choice.
Why is co-op so important?
You can only learn so much from textbooks. Co-op bridges the gap between theory and practice, giving you firsthand experience in a real workplace. It’s one thing to learn about marketing strategies in class, but it’s completely different to apply them in a professional setting, adapt to real challenges and see how businesses actually operate.
It’s also a confidence booster. Co-op throws you into situations where you have to think on your feet, work with different teams, and handle responsibilities that add value to an organization. That experience is priceless when stepping into the workforce.
How has your co-op experience helped shape your career path?
Before my co-op, I had a general idea of where I wanted to go, but the experience really solidified my interest in marketing and content creation. Working as a Social Media Assistant, I discovered how much I love crafting messages, engaging with audiences and seeing the impact of digital storytelling.
One of the most unexpected and rewarding experiences of my first co-op was moving to a new city for a co-op term. It was both exciting and overwhelming—I had to adjust to a new environment, learn a different work culture and become independent in ways I hadn’t before. That experience not only helped me grow professionally but also pushed me outside my comfort zone personally. It showed me that I’m capable of adapting and thriving in new situations.
What skills did you gain that you wouldn’t have learned in a classroom?
Adaptability, hands down. In school, assignments have clear guidelines and deadlines. In the workplace, things change constantly—priorities shift, unexpected challenges come up, and you have to be quick on your feet. I also learned how to collaborate, communicate professionally and manage multiple projects at once.
Most importantly, I gained confidence in my own abilities. At first, I second-guessed myself a lot, but over time, I realized I do have valuable ideas and skills to bring to the table.
What was the most rewarding part of your co-op experience?
The people. I’ve had the chance to work with mentors and colleagues who genuinely want to see me grow and succeed. Having a supportive team makes such a difference—you feel encouraged to ask questions, take on challenges and step outside your comfort zone.
Also, knowing that my work on social media has made an impact is incredibly rewarding. Seeing students engage with the content I’ve helped create and knowing I’ve contributed to the college’s online presence is something I’m proud of.
Any advice for students preparing for their first co-op?
Keep an open mind and trust yourself. When I first started applying, I was told it would be tough to find a placement and that I should have a backup plan. But I didn’t let that discourage me—I kept looking, and I found a co-op that turned out to be a perfect fit.
Challenges will come up, but every challenge is a learning experience. Even if a task feels intimidating at first, just go for it—you’ll be surprised at what you’re capable of. And don’t be afraid to ask questions! People don’t expect you to know everything right away, so take advantage of the opportunity to learn from those around you.