4th year Bachelor of International Economics
Most recent co-op job: Intern, GCO Global SCP Operations – SAP
You never know until you try
Lydia Lousky
A fourth-year student in the Bachelor of International Economics, Lydia Lousky has not approached her co-op experience sitting down.
Lydia was introduced to the real estate market while working for a broker during her gap year, gaining experience that would help her secure her first co-op position as a Junior Analyst for CLMS Financial, a commercial mortgage and real estate investment company.
“That company was really great because they provided a course throughout the summer where you could learn underwriting skills, which was what the full time analysts were doing,” she said.
“It was interesting to work on commercial mortgage backed securities because it’s something we learn about in economics courses—especially after the market crash, since a lot of the regulations changed,” Lydia said. “It’s interesting to see the actual implications on the world currently, and how the market looks now.”
Lydia’s transition from commercial real estate to her next job at software company SAP was largely guided by her desire to explore different fields during her co-op positions.
“I wanted to try something different and new, because I wanted to see what else was out there that I might like,” she said. “There are so many different industries that incorporate economics and finance.”
One of the key components of Lydia’s success has been her willingness to pursue what she wants, whether by researching degree-related positions or asking an employer to keep her on part-time during the school year. This last request led to an extension of her 8-month work term at SAP.
For Lydia, the best thing about the co-op program is the opportunity it gives students to explore options with little risk involved.
With co-op, “I’m not risking where my whole career path will go, so it’s like a free trial before you purchase something,” she explained.
Lydia encourages new co-op students to not be afraid to do what it takes to hunt down their dream job.
“I landed both of my positions by searching outside of co-op listings,” she explained. “I applied to many jobs that were posted on the co-op job board, but I also did my own research outside. Don’t limit yourself to what is easily available to you.”
“You have to take a risk and be ambitious and ask for things, because you never know until you try.”
Connect with Lydia on LinkedIn.
