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Victor Gomez

"When I participated in Co-op in 1999, little did I realize that my Co-op experience would pay a huge dividend on my career and help me to acquire a lucrative position at HSBC," said Victor Gomez, a successful Co-op grad in the Computer Information Systems Program.

"I applied for Co-op because I wanted to gain real work experience, to obtain valuable job training, and to make important contacts in the IT communities.  Although I didn't secure a placement right away, I valued the information the Co-op Office had given me.  The Co-op staff was extremely helpful and kind.  They encouraged me to keep trying and to persevere.  It was my personal goal to gain important work experience needed in a very competitive workplace prior to my graduation."

With great determination and hard work, Victor secured two work terms at BC Centre for Disease Control as a System Analyst in 2000.  The Co-op experience strengthened not only his technical skills in computers, but it also enhanced his soft skills in time management, communication, customer service, and how to perform in a professional office environment.  More importantly, Victor knew that he had chosen the right career.

Victor's current full-time position at HSBC is interesting and challenging.  As a Business System Support Officer, he is responsible for providing technical support to the clients and staff of the bank, supporting and troubleshooting issues regarding the website and online tools, and providing a channel of communication between the business and the IT departments.

Victor urges every student to engage in Co-op.  "Co-op is a wonderful learning experience.  It gives you both the skills and the experience you need in today's competitive workforce.  You can gain valuable contacts.  Without the Co-op experience, I would not have made it to where I am today.  You have nothing to lose and so much to gain.  Hard work and sacrifice lead to success! I would like to especially thank Arlene Patko, Mary Hatch, Dana Wakabayashi, and Raymond Yu in helping me with my placement when I was a Co-op student."