Erin Dustan (back left), the Executive Director of the Hyack Festival, and her Co-op students: Alanna Carmichael (back centre), Lillian Kwok (right), and Tomomi Chu (front).
The Hyack Festival is steeped in tradition: the Ancient and Honourable Anvil Battery "anvil salute," May Day celebrations and, more recently, hiring Co-op students for the summer.
The festival took on two more Douglas College students this year to help with administrative work, learn office management and build databases. Lillian Kwok, a General Business student, and Tomomi Chu from the Marketing Management program, also got a chance to coordinate special events.
"Hyack has been getting Co-op students for quite some time," says Erin Dustan, Executive Director of the Hyack Festival. "They had an opportunity to do hands-on coordination."
Tomomi coordinated the Mascot Parade and Lillian worked on the Lucille Johnstone Workboat Parade for Fraser Fest. Lillian also worked on the Tricycle Races with help from Tomomi.
Working at the Hyack Festival allowed Chu to put the marketing theory she learned in the classroom to good use. "I've gained a whole bunch of practical experience because I'm doing the things they teach you in marketing, the field I really want to get into, things like event planning and how a business operates," says Chu. "Plus, I've added extra experience in things like doing research and learning about databases. It's been rewarding and relevant."
For Kwok, a summer position with the festival was a positive learning experience with some added bonuses. "I got to do a lot of things I would normally never have an opportunity to do," says Kwok. "Plus I made a lot of contacts with business people and others."
Just ask Alanna Carmichael, a former Co-op student in Sports Science who was placed last year and then worked full-time with the Hyack Festival. "Co-op is very beneficial," says Carmichael. "It enhances your job experience. I would recommend it to every student."
The Co-operative Education Program at Douglas College combines academic studies with related work experience. After completing the first half of a diploma or university transfer program, Co-op students alternate semesters of classroom studies with semesters of paid, full-time employment. Employers get access to a year-round supply of well-trained and highly motivated temporary employees for special projects, peak periods, or staff leaves. It's a win-win for students and employers. For more information on the Co-operative Education Program, please contact Dana Wakabayashi, Co-op Coordinator, at 604-527-5608.
Erin Dustan (back left), the Executive Director of the Hyack Festival, and her Co-op students: Alanna Carmichael (back centre), Lillian Kwok (right), and Tomomi Chu (front).