"Co-op education has given me an environment where I can apply the textbook knowledge I gained at Douglas College. It has given me hands-on experience with many topics, which revealed a whole new level of understanding," said Tanya.

When asked what she learned about working in an industry-related field, Tanya replied, "First and foremost, always be patient. Sometimes the solution is very simple and takes either thinking it through, doing five minutes of research or asking someone. As well, the IT field can be a `flood or famine' situation. It can be busy at times, and slow at times, and you just have to know how to use each situation to your advantage."

Tanya recommends the Co-op Program to all employers, "The program allows employers to meet potential employees and to see if they would suit the company and the position. It offers the employer to hire students who are eager to learn and just need a little experience to get them started. Instead of hiring permanent employees who have no experience, it allows the employer to hire someone temporarily to do simple tasks. There is less risk involved in hiring a Co-op student than hiring someone permanent just out of school. As well, if the employer sees a future for the student at that company, both parties have benefited beyond the expectations of the program."

Tanya was awarded the Canadian Information Processing Society Scholarship in 2002 and the Hewlett-Packard Scholarship in 2003.