For 25 years, the UBC Arts Co-op Program has opened doors to career possibilities and jump-started professional journeys for thousands of students. During our 25th year, we celebrate every step taken and every success earned along the way.
Throughout the years, Arts Co-op students have consistently demonstrated academic excellence, workplace leadership, and meaningful community engagement. From receiving national and provincial recognition to making a lasting impact at work and beyond, they continue to show what’s possible with an Arts degree.
As we mark this milestone, we invite you to look back with us at the moments, stories, and achievements that brought us here—making way for even greater opportunities ahead.
1990s
In 1997, the Arts Co-op Program started as a small pilot for 40 students in the Department of English with support from a TLEF grant — an innovative move that laid the groundwork for what would become one of the Faculty of Arts’ most impactful experiential learning opportunities.
Just two years after its pilot, in 1999, Arts Co-op officially launched, expanding to include undergraduate students in Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), and Bachelor of Music (BMus) programs.
It’s vital for students to learn how to take their Arts degrees out in the world. On a personal level, the work has been so rewarding, and I feel very fortunate.
Early 2000s
In the early 2000s, the Arts Co-op Program marked several key milestones. The first students began work terms with employers like the Canadian Embassy in Mexico, Nortel Networks, The Fraser Institute, and Bard on the Beach, setting the foundation for strong experiential learning opportunities.
Students soon formed the Arts Co-op Students’ Association, an official AMS club, creating a supportive peer network that strengthened the co-op experience. In 2002, the program expanded to include graduate students from the UBC School of Information—welcoming those in the Master of Archival Studies (MAS), Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS), and dual MAS/MLIS programs—and broadening the program’s academic reach.
In 2001, English major Laura Francis-Lamb became the first Arts Co-op graduate. She now works as a Senior Communications Advisor at Health Canada, demonstrating the program’s long-term impact. “I can’t overstate the benefit of UBC Arts Co-op. It’s the reason I have the job I have today. The program unlocked doors, added concrete experience to my degree, and put me on a whole new career and life path. Don’t walk, run to apply,” says Lamb.
Arts Co-op First Graduating Class, 2001
This cohort makes history as the inaugural graduating class of Arts Co-op students, paving the way for future change-makers in Arts.
Arts Co-op 10 Year Anniversary
Arts Co-op celebrates its 10th anniversary at Cecil Green Park House with program alumni, students, and staff.
The first Arts Co-op graduate
BA'01 English major Laura Francis-Lamb, the first Arts Co-op graduate, with the catalyst of the program, Julie Wachli.
In 2006, English student Alexandra Chu received the first Arts Co-op Student of the Year award for her work with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, highlighting the excellence and career potential fostered by the program.
By 2007, UBC’s co-op programs combined to make the university the largest co-op institution in British Columbia for the first time—a testament to the success and growing demand for co-op education. Just two years later, in 2009, Arts Co-op celebrated its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of transformative student experiences and career development.
2010s
Following its early momentum, Arts Co-op continued to reach significant milestones throughout the 2010s. The Arts Co-op Students’ Association received the Helen McCrae Award for outstanding contributions by a UBC AMS club, recognizing the strength of student leadership within the program.
From provincial and national co-op awards to historic work terms—like supporting Commander Chris Hadfield at the Canadian Space Agency during his mission as Commander of the International Space Station—Arts Co-op students demonstrated their impact across diverse sectors.
Eva Kwan, BA'14 Major Psychology, Minor Commerce
During her co-op at the Canadian Space Agency, Eva helped Commander Chris Hadfield navigate the psychological challenges of space.
Alex Chen, BA'14 Major International Relations, Minor French
In a first for UBC, Alex was awarded Canada’s top co-op student in 2014 by what is now Co-operative Education & Work-Integrated Learning Canada.
Jonathan Newell, PhD'17, English Language and Literature
Dr. Newell became UBC’s first PhD graduate with a co-op designation, opening doors for future doctoral students.
Helen You, 2014
Arts Co-op Student Advisor Helen You celebrates National Co-op Week with a furry co-op ambassador.
ACE Conference in Victoria, 2011
Co-op staff and students take work-integrated learning to super heights at a BC co-op education conference in Victoria.
Morrell Andrews, BA'17 Major International Relations, Minor Political Science
“Being an Arts Co-op student has supplemented my education in so many unique and incredibly formative ways.”
Avril Espinosa-Malpica, BA'18 Major Economics & Poli. Science, Minor French
"Co-op played a huge role in getting me to where I am today. It really opened doors for me within the public service, which is where I wanted to work."
In 2014, International Relations student Alex Chen became the first UBC student to be named Canada’s top co-op student by what is now known as Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada.
The program also broke new ground in 2015 by launching UBC’s first PhD co-op and expanding to include graduate students from the Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs. By 2019, cumulative student earnings had surpassed $50 million, reflecting the transformative power of co-op experiences across disciplines and career stages.
Early 2020s
In more recent years, Arts Co-op has continued to reach new milestones in innovation, recognition, and program growth. A highlight from 2020 was the launch of the Arts Entrepreneurial Co-op option, which created new opportunities for students to pursue business ideas, creative projects, and social ventures during a co-op work term.
By 2022, Arts Co-op continued expanding its reach and recognition—both through new graduate-level offerings and standout student achievements. This year marked the launch of co-op pilots for Master of Arts students in English and Political Science, alongside a historic national win for PhD History alum Henry John who became Canada’s University Work-Integrated Learning Student of the Year. The momentum continued in 2024 when Psychology student Himali Chhabra received BC’s top co-op student honour, reinforcing the program’s growing legacy of excellence and impact.
Lee Barrett-Lennard, BA'22 Intl. Relations, MA'24 Political Science
"Each co-op term is built on the previous one, and it is thanks to my co-op experience that I am in my current position."
Samantha Schumacher, BA'21, Political Science
"Figuring out what you want to do post-grad can be super overwhelming but participating in co-op made that decision a lot less intimidating."
Himali Chhabra, BA'24 Psychology
She received BC’s top co-op student honour, reinforcing the program’s growing legacy of excellence and impact.
Lindy Yang, BFA'21 Creative Writing
"My E-Co-op experience reaffirmed my desire to be a writer. I enjoyed writing full time and could definitely see myself doing it as a career."
Dr. Henry John, PhD'22 History
In 2022, Henry was awarded Canada's University Work-Integrated Learning Student of the Year, a historic national win.
In 2025, Economics student Anusha Jindgar accepted Arts Co-op’s Undergraduate Student of the Year Award from Dean Crowston, capping a remarkable co-op journey. Her experience spanned four impactful work terms with industry leaders KPMG and Deloitte, where she consistently showcased her sharp analytical skills, adaptability, and innovative thinking.
Why join Arts Co-op in 2025?
💼 Gain real-world experience: Apply what you’re learning in class to paid opportunities in a variety of sectors—before you graduate.
📄 Build your resume early: Graduate with 12 months of relevant experience and learn how your Arts education applies across fields—and how to tell that story to your employers.
🤝 Expand Your Network: Connect with mentors, supervisors, and fellow co-op students who can support your growth and future job search.
🎯 Get Personalized Support: Access one-on-one advising, professional development workshops, and job search guidance tailored to Arts students.
🏅 Be part of a legacy of success: Join a 25-year tradition of excellence, where students have consistently earned recognition for their contributions and leadership.
