Concordia celebrates 45 years of co-op education
This year marks a major milestone for the Institute for Co-operative Education at Concordia: its 45th anniversary. What began in 1980 as a bold initiative to integrate academic study with hands-on work experience has grown into one of the university’s most dynamic engines for preparing students for the working world.
Cherine Zananiri, director of experiential learning and co-operative education at Concordia, is proud of the Institute’s impact on both students and employers.
“It’s an incredible privilege to witness the transformative impact that the Institute has — not just on students, but on the organizations that welcome them,” she explains.
“For 45 years, the Institute has been a bridge between the classroom and the world of work, helping students launch meaningful careers while giving employers access to fresh talent. I’m extremely proud of how far we’ve come and excited for where we’re headed.”
‘A powerful experience’
On May 13, 2025, the Institute will celebrate its 45th anniversary at CARE 2025, a special edition of the annual celebration of student and employer excellence.
This year’s event will include a thought-provoking panel discussion, “Adapting, Thriving, Leading: 45 Years of the Institute of Co-operative Education,” followed by an awards ceremony and a festive reception.
This conversation will feature industry leaders and co-op alumni, including Anne Nguyen, Chief AI Officer at the Conseil de l’innovation du Québec; Johanne Bohn, a senior HR leader; and Shawn Bruno, from Pratt & Whitney Canada, a long-time co-op employer.
Panelist Johanne Bohn is an alumnus of the Institute. She says it’s incredibly meaningful to be in a position to hire students and offer the same opportunities she had to the next generation.
“It feels like a full-circle moment,” she explains. “I remember how much I grew during my co-op experiences—not just in skills, but in my understanding of workplace realities, my confidence, and my clarity about the future I wanted to pursue. I see so much potential in the next generation, and it’s a real privilege to help nurture it.”
Niayesh Sanaat, a graduating Industrial Engineering student and 2025 Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Student of the Year Award national nominee, will represent students on the panel. She has built an impressive resume through co-op internships at CBC/Radio-Canada, CMP, and RONA, and from her involvement at campus events, competitions and conferences.
Together with her fellow panelists, Sanaat will explore the evolution of work-integrated learning, its role in shaping future-ready graduates, and what the next 45 years might hold.
“Co-op has allowed me to not only advance my career but also make a difference in the lives of others,” she says. “Every internship challenged me to grow and learn outside of the classroom. Being able to mentor other students has been especially meaningful. It’s a chance to give back and show others how powerful the co-op experience can be.”
Co-op education by the numbers
The Institute now has more than 5,000 student members across over 70 programs — in all four faculties. It facilitates more than 2,000 internships each year at employers from small start-ups to large multinationals and government agencies.
Look into the archives to discover a few moments in the Institute's history.
Learn more about the celebration of co-operative education at Concordia at CARE 2025.
