Lassonde School of Engineering names RBC Co-op Employer of the Year

Each year, York University’s Lassonde School of Engineering honours an employer partner who has demonstrated commitment to the growth and development of students through cooperative education.

This year, Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) was named Lassonde’s 2023-2024 Co-op Employer of the Year, recognizing the company’s exemplary values, culture – and most importantly, the work-integrated learning experiences provided to students. The annual recognition of Lassonde’s top co-op employer highlights the impact of collaboration and partnership in shaping engineering leaders of tomorrow.

“We are thrilled to award RBC as Co-op Employer of the Year,” says Mayolyn Dagsi, Manager, Co-op Program & Business Partnerships at Lassonde. “RBC’s continuous engagement with our diverse student body, and their commitment to providing impactful learning experiences is what makes them an exceptional employer partner. We are grateful to their campus recruitment team and the hiring managers for working with and mentoring Lassonde students.”

RBC has been a key partner in Lassonde’s co-op education program for nearly a decade, providing more than 560 job postings and 90 work terms. The company has shown continued dedication to the professional advancement of students through each step of their co-op experiences – from initial recruitment to the culmination of their work term, ensuring they gain valuable skills and enhanced career prospects along the way.

RBC has also invested in many campus-engagement activities, hosting collaborative events with departments across the School and sponsoring student-led initiatives like the York University Robotics Society’s Computing & Mechanics Industry Night.

In addition, RBC have hosted more than 30 events related to career and co-op education, showcasing their commitment to partnership and collaboration between academia and industry.

“Working with students from York’s Lassonde School of Engineering has been a fantastic experience for us at RBC,” says the RBC Recruitment Team. “These students consistently impress us with their preparedness and insightful questions during on-campus events. Whilst working with us, we can see how proactive they are with responsibilities and making an impact – bringing valuable insights from their studies into our projects. Their fresh perspectives and eagerness to learn contribute significantly to our teams, and we look forward to continuing this rewarding partnership. “

Students who have completed co-op terms with RBC consistently rave about their experiences, with an impressive 100 per cent recommending the company as an employer. RBC’s collaborative and encouraging environment are particularly appreciated, along with the company’s commitment to tackling complex challenges, which enriches their learning experiences and supports professional skill building.

“RBC provides students with amazing opportunities to transcend into their desired careers with hands-on learning. The work-life balance and team culture are also phenomenal – the whole team feels like a big family; always there to support your passions and goals,” says Omar Shamsul Haque, third year Computer Science student who recently completed an internship with RBC as a software developer/technical systems analyst intern.

Similarly, Abbas Rizvi, who also pursed an internship at RBC as a software developer felt that, “This was one of the best work experiences I have ever had.” He explains, “RBC has a very organized and systematic way of development, from brainstorming and planning to actual implementation. They maintain a very up-to-date environment, so every now and then, I would get a chance to learn about the latest technologies in the field.”

Building strong relationships with industry partners like RBC, is crucial for the success of Lassonde and its students. These partnerships help bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world experiences, equipping students with pragmatic skills and knowledge essential for thriving in diverse career fields.

Learn more about Lassonde’s co-op program.