{"id":1964,"date":"2022-04-08T13:05:10","date_gmt":"2022-04-08T13:05:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lassonde.yorku.ca\/best\/?page_id=1964"},"modified":"2025-09-11T23:54:45","modified_gmt":"2025-09-11T23:54:45","slug":"best-co-op","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/lassonde.yorku.ca\/best\/best-co-op\/","title":{"rendered":"BEST Co-op"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover is-light\" style=\"min-height:30vw;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1318\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-2006\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/lassonde.yorku.ca\/best\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2022\/04\/AdobeStock_100013487-scaled-1.jpg\" style=\"object-position:50% 0%\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" data-object-position=\"50% 0%\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lassonde.yorku.ca\/best\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2022\/04\/AdobeStock_100013487-scaled-1.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/lassonde.yorku.ca\/best\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2022\/04\/AdobeStock_100013487-scaled-1-300x154.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lassonde.yorku.ca\/best\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2022\/04\/AdobeStock_100013487-scaled-1-1024x527.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/lassonde.yorku.ca\/best\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2022\/04\/AdobeStock_100013487-scaled-1-768x395.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lassonde.yorku.ca\/best\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2022\/04\/AdobeStock_100013487-scaled-1-1536x791.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/lassonde.yorku.ca\/best\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2022\/04\/AdobeStock_100013487-scaled-1-2048x1054.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/lassonde.yorku.ca\/best\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2022\/04\/AdobeStock_100013487-scaled-1-1920x989.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/lassonde.yorku.ca\/best\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2022\/04\/AdobeStock_100013487-scaled-1-1200x618.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/lassonde.yorku.ca\/best\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2022\/04\/AdobeStock_100013487-scaled-1-600x309.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim\" style=\"background-color:#222222\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group container padding-v-lg\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.5%\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading hero has-white-color has-text-color\">BEST Co-op<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.5%\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns container is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"container\">Students are offered an opportunity to learn the ins and outs of building and running a business in their field. During your work term, you and your mentor work together to plan and design your own business idea and establish yourself and your business moving forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Available after your&nbsp;<strong>second year.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Co-op consists of&nbsp;<strong>2 work periods<\/strong>&nbsp;separated by at least one academic term.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Upon completion of the program, you receive&nbsp;<strong>a co-op designation<\/strong>&nbsp;on your transcript. To receive this designation, the total duration across your 2 work periods must be at least 12 months and no more than 20 months<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Note:<\/strong>&nbsp;Students may complete either the&nbsp;<strong>BEST Entrepreneurial Co-op<\/strong>&nbsp;or the&nbsp;<strong>BEST Entrepreneurial Internship<\/strong>&nbsp;once during their undergraduate studies. The internship mirrors the co-op format but is independent of the Lassonde Co-op program and is only available to students no longer eligible for Lassonde co-op. Participants receive $4,000 in compensation for the four-month, full-time work term, awarded as a&nbsp;<strong>BEST Award<\/strong>&nbsp;deposited into their tuition account at the end of the term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-fdcfc74e wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100 is-style-fill text-wrap\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/coop.lassonde.yorku.ca\/\">Learn more about Lassonde Co-op<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100 is-style-fill\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/coop.lassonde.yorku.ca\/students\/eligibility\/\">Eligibility Criteria<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100 is-style-fill\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/bestlassonde.apps01.yorku.ca\/machform\/view.php?id=58524\">Apply for Summer 2025 Semester<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/lassonde.yorku.ca\/best\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2022\/04\/engineer-and-apprentice-meet-on-floor-of-engineeri-UJTG3HX-2048x1366-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-460\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lassonde.yorku.ca\/best\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2022\/04\/engineer-and-apprentice-meet-on-floor-of-engineeri-UJTG3HX-2048x1366-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/lassonde.yorku.ca\/best\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2022\/04\/engineer-and-apprentice-meet-on-floor-of-engineeri-UJTG3HX-2048x1366-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lassonde.yorku.ca\/best\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2022\/04\/engineer-and-apprentice-meet-on-floor-of-engineeri-UJTG3HX-2048x1366-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lassonde.yorku.ca\/best\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2022\/04\/engineer-and-apprentice-meet-on-floor-of-engineeri-UJTG3HX-2048x1366-1-391x260.jpg 391w, https:\/\/lassonde.yorku.ca\/best\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2022\/04\/engineer-and-apprentice-meet-on-floor-of-engineeri-UJTG3HX-2048x1366-1-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/lassonde.yorku.ca\/best\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2022\/04\/engineer-and-apprentice-meet-on-floor-of-engineeri-UJTG3HX-2048x1366-1-1920x1281.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/lassonde.yorku.ca\/best\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2022\/04\/engineer-and-apprentice-meet-on-floor-of-engineeri-UJTG3HX-2048x1366-1-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/lassonde.yorku.ca\/best\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2022\/04\/engineer-and-apprentice-meet-on-floor-of-engineeri-UJTG3HX-2048x1366-1-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/lassonde.yorku.ca\/best\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2022\/04\/engineer-and-apprentice-meet-on-floor-of-engineeri-UJTG3HX-2048x1366-1.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:31px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center container\">Streams<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns container is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:20%\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:60%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group card rounded-0\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"background-color:#993366\">Stream 1<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center card-body rounded-0\">Students <strong>working on their own business idea<\/strong> at BEST with BEST Faculty supervision<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lassonde.yorku.ca\/best\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2025\/04\/BEST-Co-op-Stream-1-Guidelines.pdf\"><strong>BEST Co-op Steam 1 Guidelines<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group card rounded-0\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"background-color:#993366\">Stream 2<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center card-body rounded-0\">Students <strong>working with a BEST startup <\/strong>with BEST Faculty supervision<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:20%\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center container\">What our students say about BEST Co-op<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cgb-featured-tabs-block hide\">        <div class=\"container\">\n            <div class=\"featured-tab-container\">\n                <div class=\"row\">\n                    <div class=\"column-small-12 column-large-3\">\n                        <div class=\"tabs-column\">\n                            <ul class=\"tabs\" role=\"tablist\">\n                                                                    <li role=\"presentation\" data-tab-target=\"5681\" class=\"featured-tab-title js-tabs-title is-active\" role=\"tab\">\n                                        <button role=\"tab\" type=\"button\" style=\"border-left-color:#cc3333;\">\n                                            BEST CO-OP | Koroush Toghrol, Mechanical Engineering, 2022                                        <\/button>\n                                    <\/li>\n                                                                    <li role=\"presentation\" data-tab-target=\"497\" class=\"featured-tab-title js-tabs-title\" role=\"tab\">\n                                        <button role=\"tab\" type=\"button\" style=\"border-left-color:#cc3333;\">\n                                            BEST CO-OP | Nick Di Scipio, Mechanical Engineering, 2021                                        <\/button>\n                                    <\/li>\n                                                            <\/ul>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n\n                    <div class=\"column-small-12 column-large-9\">\n                        <ul role=\"tablist\" class=\"featured-tab-responsive-accordion js-responsive-accordion js-tabs-container\">\n                                                            <li role=\"presentation\" class=\"featured-tab-responsive-accordion-item js-footer-responsive-accordion js-accordion-item is-active\" data-tab-panel=\"5681\" role=\"tab\">\n                                    <button role=\"tab\" type=\"button\" class=\"featured-tab-responsive-accordion-title js-accordion-title\" style=\"border-left-color:#cc3333;\">\n                                        BEST CO-OP | Koroush Toghrol, Mechanical Engineering, 2022                                    <\/button>\n\n                                    <div class=\"featured-tab-responsive-accordion-body js-accordion-body\">\n                                        <div class=\"checker-row-right\">\n                                            <div class=\"checker-row\">\n                                                <div class=\"checker-bg-column\">\n                                                    <div class=\"checker-row-bg-img\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/lassonde.yorku.ca\/best\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2022\/06\/Koroush-Toghrol.jpg'), url('https:\/\/lassonde.yorku.ca\/best\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2022\/06\/Koroush-Toghrol-150x150.jpg');\"><\/div>\n                                                <\/div>\n                                                <div class=\"row checker-content-row\">\n                                                    <div class=\"column-small-12 column-large-9 column-xlarge-7 checker-content checker-content-small white-bg\">\n                                                        <div class=\"relative\">\n                                                            \n                                                            <div class=\"highlight-top-div\" style=\"background-color: #cc3333\"><\/div>\n                                                            <h2 class=\"h1\">BEST CO-OP | Koroush Toghrol, Mechanical Engineering, 2022<\/h2>\n\n                                                            <p>\u201cAfter leaving my job in manufacturing in October 2020, I doubled down on my farming venture, KROP. Through the entrepreneurial co-op program at the BEST Lab, I began a journey that, as of February 2022, secured its first client and delivery. Between those two dates has been filled with ups, downs, success, failures, and many hardships. However, lessons learned from the focused entrepreneurial mindset of the BEST Lab have allowed me to push through and, more importantly, motivate my growing team of seven, to do so as well. KROP is an indoor vertical farm focused on micro-green and salad greens production. While our current clientele and business strategy are focused on boutique restaurants, greens-focused businesses, and premium subscription boxes, our end goal is straightforward: We are working towards a future where produce is grown locally, sustainably, and affordably; for everyone, everywhere. Our proprietary growing platform is piloted with micro-greens and salad greens to capitalize on their short seed to yield times. Still, it is being developed to handle many common and not-so-common farm crops. The goal is to be the primary producer of a nutritious, sustainable, and long-term diet.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>-Koroush Toghrol, Mechanical Engineering, 2022<\/p>\n\n                                                            \n                                                                                                                    <\/div>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                                                                            <img decoding=\"async\" style=\"background: center \/ cover url('https:\/\/lassonde.yorku.ca\/best\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2022\/06\/Koroush-Toghrol-150x150.jpg') no-repeat\"\n                                                             src=\"https:\/\/lassonde.yorku.ca\/best\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2022\/06\/Koroush-Toghrol.jpg\"\n                                                             alt=\"Headshot of Koroush Toghrol\"\n                                                             class=\"checker-row-mobile-img\"\n                                                             loading=\"lazy\"\n                                                             width=\"320\"\n                                                             height=\"245\">\n                                                                                                    <\/div>\n                                            <\/div>\n                                        <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                <\/li>\n                                                            <li role=\"presentation\" class=\"featured-tab-responsive-accordion-item js-footer-responsive-accordion js-accordion-item\" data-tab-panel=\"497\" role=\"tab\">\n                                    <button role=\"tab\" type=\"button\" class=\"featured-tab-responsive-accordion-title js-accordion-title\" style=\"border-left-color:#cc3333;\">\n                                        BEST CO-OP | Nick Di Scipio, Mechanical Engineering, 2021                                    <\/button>\n\n                                    <div class=\"featured-tab-responsive-accordion-body js-accordion-body\">\n                                        <div class=\"checker-row-right\">\n                                            <div class=\"checker-row\">\n                                                <div class=\"checker-bg-column\">\n                                                    <div class=\"checker-row-bg-img\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/lassonde.yorku.ca\/best\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2022\/04\/Nick-Di-Scipio.01.jpg'), url('https:\/\/lassonde.yorku.ca\/best\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2022\/04\/Nick-Di-Scipio.01-150x150.jpg');\"><\/div>\n                                                <\/div>\n                                                <div class=\"row checker-content-row\">\n                                                    <div class=\"column-small-12 column-large-9 column-xlarge-7 checker-content checker-content-small white-bg\">\n                                                        <div class=\"relative\">\n                                                            \n                                                            <div class=\"highlight-top-div\" style=\"background-color: #cc3333\"><\/div>\n                                                            <h2 class=\"h1\">BEST CO-OP | Nick Di Scipio, Mechanical Engineering, 2021<\/h2>\n\n                                                            <p>\"Having already experienced an unprecedented academic year due to COVID, it seemed only fitting that my co-op term was just as unique. The BEST Co-op program provided me with the flexibility to take my start-up in my own direction while connecting me with a community of like-minded and innovative individuals within Lassonde. Working with BEST also allowed me to see the value of my startup and gave me the essential tools to take my startup to the next level. My BEST co-op term became the starting point for a new chapter of MPN 3D in which we could work within the Lassonde community to learn, grow, and become more successful because of it. My co-op experience with BEST has showed me the importance of being a well-rounded individual by allowing me to simultaneously gain experience both in the business and engineering world.\"<\/p>\n<p>-Nick Di Scipio, Mechanical Engineering, 2021<\/p>\n\n                                                            \n                                                                                                                    <\/div>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                                                                            <img decoding=\"async\" style=\"background: center \/ cover url('https:\/\/lassonde.yorku.ca\/best\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2022\/04\/Nick-Di-Scipio.01-150x150.jpg') no-repeat\"\n                                                             src=\"https:\/\/lassonde.yorku.ca\/best\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2022\/04\/Nick-Di-Scipio.01.jpg\"\n                                                             alt=\"Nick Di Scipio outside with snowy forest\"\n                                                             class=\"checker-row-mobile-img\"\n                                                             loading=\"lazy\"\n                                                             width=\"320\"\n                                                             height=\"245\">\n                                                                                                    <\/div>\n                                            <\/div>\n                                        <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                <\/li>\n                                                    <\/ul>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <script>\n        require([\n            'kindling',\n            'kindling\/plugins\/accordion',\n            'kindling\/plugins\/tabs'\n        ], function (K) {\n            new K.Accordion(\n                '.js-responsive-accordion',\n                {\n                    allowAllClosed: true,\n                    multiExpand   : true\n                }\n            );\n\n            new K.Tabs(\n                '.tabs',\n                {\n                    panelContainer: '.js-tabs-container',\n                    tabTitles     : '.js-tabs-title'\n                }\n            );\n        });\n        <\/script>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"swiffy-slider slider-item-show3 slider-nav-sm slider-nav-page slider-item-snapstart slider-nav-round slider-nav-dark slider-indicators-sm slider-indicators-outside slider-indicators-round slider-indicators-dark slider-nav-animation slider-nav-animation-slideup slider-item-first-visible container\">\n  <div class=\"slider-container\">\n    <div class=\"slide-visible slider-card-style\" style=\"border-color: #cf2e2e\">\n        <h3 class=\"text-uppercase\">Umar Faruk Sani<\/h3>\n        <h4>Reefers Technologies<\/h4>\n        <h4>(Graduated, Mechanical Engineering)<\/h4>\n        <p>\n            \u201cWhat surprised me most was how interdisciplinary engineering work truly is. I expected to stay within the mechanical realm, but I found myself regularly collaborating with electrical and business-focused team members. This broadened my perspective and helped me understand how interconnected technical, strategic, and user-focused decisions are. I was also surprised at how much responsibility I was trusted with early on, which pushed me to rise to the challenge.\u201d\n        <\/p>\n    <\/div>\n <div class=\"slide-visible slider-card-style\" style=\"border-color: #6A1B9A\">\n        <h3 class=\"text-uppercase\">Nathan benayguev<\/h3>\n        <h4>Nobl Kids<\/h4>\n        <h4>(Graduated, Computer Science)<\/h4>\n        <p>\n            \u201cMy biggest takeaway from this experience was realizing how much I grew into a cross-functional developer. I worked across nearly every part of the system, from frontend and backend development, to analytics and marketing integrations, to understanding product decisions. This gave me a unique perspective on how technical work directly connects to user growth and business outcomes. I discovered that one of my strengths is being able to bridge the gap between development, product, and marketing, which makes me confident I can add value in many different areas of a project.\u201d\n        <\/p>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"slide-visible slider-card-style\">\n        <h3 class=\"text-uppercase\">Muhammad Ali Kermali<\/h3>\n        <h4>Nobl Kids<\/h4>\n        <h4>(Graduated, Computer Science)<\/h4>\n        <p>\n            \u201cMy biggest takeaway is that software development involves more than just coding. It requires understanding users and business goals, adapting to change, collaborating effectively, and taking initiative to deliver impactful products. Success in this field requires a blend of technical skills, business knowledge, and a passion for innovation. This co-op experience has solidified my love for software development, and I will continue pursuing a career in the field.\u201d\n        <\/p>\n    <\/div>\n\n<div class=\"slide-visible slider-card-style\">\n        <h3 class=\"text-uppercase\">Walid Duri<\/h3>\n        <h4>PharmShift<\/h4>\n        <h4>(Graduated, Computer Engineering)<\/h4>\n        <p>\n            \u201cThe internship taught me how quickly I can turn unfamiliar theory into production code when the stakes are real. I realised my strengths in rapid learning and problem decomposition, but also saw that I must give more realistic time estimates and get feedback earlier. Tackling a brand-new AI integration project has pushed me to be self-directed and inventive.\u201d\n        <\/p>\n    <\/div>\n\n<div class=\"slide-visible slider-card-style\" style=\"border-color: #cf2e2e\">\n        <h3 class=\"text-uppercase\">Nick Di Scipio<\/h3>\n        <h4>Pantheon Prototyping<\/h4>\n        <h4>(Graduated, Mechanical Engineering)<\/h4>\n        <p>\n            \u201cThe BEST Co-op program provided me with the flexibility to take my start-up in my own direction while connecting me with a community of like-minded and innovative individuals within Lassonde. Working with BEST also allowed me to see the value of my startup and gave me the essential tools to take my startup to the next level.My co-op experience with BEST has showed me the importance of being a well-rounded individual by allowing me to simultaneously gain experience both in the business and engineering world.\u201d\n        <\/p>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n      <div class=\"slide-visible slider-card-style\" style=\"border-color: #cf2e2e\">\n          <h3 class=\"text-uppercase\">Koroush Toghrol<\/h3>\n          <h4>KROP<\/h4>\n          <h4>(Graduated, Mechanical Engineering)<\/h4>\n          <p>\n              \u201cAfter leaving my job in manufacturing in October 2020, I doubled down on my farming venture, KROP. Through the entrepreneurial co-op program at the BEST Lab, I began a journey that, as of February 2022, secured its first client and delivery. Between those two dates has been filled with ups, downs, success, failures, and many hardships. However, lessons learned from the focused entrepreneurial mindset of the BEST Lab have allowed me to push through and, more importantly, motivate my growing team of seven, to do so as well.\u201d\n          <\/p>\n      <\/div>  \n\n        <div class=\"slide-visible slider-card-style\">\n            <h3 class=\"text-uppercase\">Shaylin Ziaei<\/h3>\n            <h4>Lab2Client<\/h4>\n            <h4>(3rd year, Software Engineering)<\/h4>\n            <p>\n                \u201cThis co-op gave me the chance to get out of my comfort zone and do the tasks that I didn\u2019t think I could do. So, It was a great opportunity to cultivate my academic knowledge and confidence at the same time.\u201d\n            <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n      \n        <div class=\"slide-visible slider-card-style\">\n            <h3 class=\"text-uppercase\">Khawaja Faiza Qaisar<\/h3>\n            <h4>Pantheon Prototyping<\/h4>\n            <h4>(4th year, Computer Engineering)<\/h4>\n            <p>\n                \u201cOne of the biggest takeaways is something I used to hear from professors that one may not always end up working doing one thing. In this position, I didn&#8217;t just have a role to develop but also to be a project manager and to lead. This is the biggest takeaway for me that be ready to swap roles and be efficient in each.\n                \u201d\n            <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n      <div class=\"slide-visible slider-card-style\">\n            <h3 class=\"text-uppercase\">Muhammad Hamza Sohail<\/h3>\n            <h4>Muhammad Hamza Hamza Sohail<\/h4>\n            <h4>(3rd year, Software Engineering)<\/h4>\n            <p>\n                \u201cUndoubtedly, my most significant takeaway from this co-op experience as a back-end engineer was the profound understanding of the interconnectedness between technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and effective collaboration within a team. This experience not only deepened my technical expertise but also illuminated essential aspects of personal and professional growth.\u201d\n            <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n      <div class=\"slide-visible slider-card-style\" style=\"border-color: #cf2e2e\">\n            <h3 class=\"text-uppercase\">Minupa Rodrigo<\/h3>\n           <h4>KROP<\/h4>\n           <h4>(4th year, Mechanical Engineering)<\/h4>\n            <p>\n                \u201cI got the opportunity to handle the project however I wanted. Which meant I got the freedom to approach the problem however I wished. This meant that I was able to apply my skills and knowledge to the fullest.\u201d\n            <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n      <div class=\"slide-visible slider-card-style\">\n            <h3 class=\"text-uppercase\">Michael David<\/h3>\n            <h4>Chatbase<\/h4>\n            <h4>(3rd year, Computer Science)<\/h4>\n            <p>\n                \u201cMy biggest takeaway from this co-op experience is mainly that taking risks\/diving into ambiguity is quite important for change\/progress and I should consider thinking more decisively towards taking on these kinds of opportunities. My main focus was not currently in web development before starting, but returning to it and trying to go into tasks with a positive mindset helped me a lot and kept me productive for most of my working days. Even with problems arising sometimes, after getting through them, the potential to grow from struggling some amount is huge. This could especially help me to land my next co-op and perform well in future work environments.\u201d\n            <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n      <div class=\"slide-visible slider-card-style\">\n            <h3 class=\"text-uppercase\">Mouiz Ahmed<\/h3>\n            <h4>Chatbase<\/h4>\n            <h4>(3rd, Software Engineering)<\/h4>\n            <p>\n                \u201cOne of the biggest takeaways from this experience was that I&#8217;m an extremely quick learner and can adopt new languages, technologies, codebases, and APIs efficiently and quickly. Throughout the co-op, I&#8217;ve had to constantly learn new things through research and documentation while being able to implement them effectively. I&#8217;ve found myself to exceptionally thrive while doing this, while also finding it enjoyable to constantly expand my knowledge. This will be very useful and can be applied to almost every part of my life including school, future jobs, and adopting new skills throughout my life.\u201d\n            <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n      <div class=\"slide-visible slider-card-style\" style=\"border-color: #cf2e2e\">\n            <h3 class=\"text-uppercase\">Rares Tibu<\/h3>\n            <h4>Reefers Technologies<\/h4>\n            <h4>(4th year, Mechanical Engineering)<\/h4>\n            <p>\n                \u201cThe biggest takeaway from this experience was learning about working in a startup. I learned how a wide variety of tasks ranging from technical to soft skills are distributed among a small team. This allows one to engage in a wide variety of tasks.\u201d\n            <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n      <div class=\"slide-visible slider-card-style\" style=\"border-color: #cf2e2e\">\n            <h3 class=\"text-uppercase\">Che Lorde<\/h3>\n            <h4>HandiFuel<\/h4>\n            <h4>(6th year, Mechanical Engineering)<\/h4>\n            <p>\n                \u201cWhat surprised me was how much fun I had doing my job. I was under the impression that the work would be highly demanding and the work atmosphere would be tense, but it was the opposite. I had a wonderful time working with my teammates and doing my role.\u201d\n            <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n      \n    <\/div>\n\n    <button type=\"button\" class=\"slider-nav\" aria-label=\"Go left\"><\/button>\n    <button type=\"button\" class=\"slider-nav slider-nav-next\" aria-label=\"Go left\"><\/button>\n\n    <div class=\"slider-indicators d-md-none\">\n        <button class=\"active\" aria-label=\"Go to slide\"><\/button>\n        <button aria-label=\"Go to slide\"><\/button>\n        <button aria-label=\"Go to slide\"><\/button>\n        <button aria-label=\"Go to slide\"><\/button>\n        <button aria-label=\"Go to slide\"><\/button>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Students are offered an opportunity to learn the ins and outs of building and running a business in their field. During your work term, you and your mentor work together to plan and design your own business idea and establish yourself and your business moving forward. Note:&nbsp;Students may complete either the&nbsp;BEST Entrepreneurial Co-op&nbsp;or the&nbsp;BEST Entrepreneurial&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":134,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-templates\/full-width.php","meta":{"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"5497,5509,5499","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1964","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.9 - 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