How Sheridan Co‑ops and Internships Lead to Full‑Time Jobs: WIL Month Success Stories

Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) is a key part of the Sheridan experience, giving students the opportunity to apply what they learned in the classroom in real world environments. Through WIL activities, students gain hands-on experience, build the skills needed to launch their careers, connect with industry professionals, and deepen their understanding of their field. 

For three Sheridan graduates, Taranjeet Singh (‘25), Kelsey Vassallo (‘25) and Pratiksha Pansare (‘25), their WIL experiences paved their way from co-op or internships to a full-time role after graduation:

As a graduate of the Computer Systems Technology – Software Development and Network Engineering program, Singh completed three co-op terms with each role, giving him a diverse range of practical experience. He also participated in various skills and technology competitions, experiences that ultimately helped him secure a full-time position after graduation. 

For Honours Bachelor of Experiential Design graduate, Vassallo’s internship as an Experiential Design Intern at the ASTOUND Group gave her the opportunity to collaborate with experienced teams and expand her professional network, reinforcing how internships can open doors.

During her co-op term with NVA Canada, Advertising – Account Management alumna, Pansare discovered the world of learning design — a career path she never thought of but quickly realized she loved. This hands-on experience showed Pansare how co-op can help students discover new possibilities and explore roles they never imagined.

We recently caught up with Singh, Vassallo, and Pansare to learn more about how their WIL experiences shaped their career paths, the lessons they’ve carried forward, and their advice for future students entering the workforce.

Q: What did you work on during your co-op/internship?

Singh: I had a total of three co-op work terms with each experience helping me grow step by step. In my first and second co-op semesters, I worked as a Junior Software Developer at Skill Squirrel then as a UX Designer at Sheridan College where I led cross-browser optimization and supported technical planning for new features. In my last co-op semester, I landed a role at the Bank of Montreal (BMO) where I led the migration of 400+ mainframe files to GitHub as part of a modernization initiative.

Vassallo: I had the opportunity to work on request for proposals (RFP) during my internship with ASTOUND Group. One key project of note was the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation’s inaugural Cricket to Conquer Cancer event. I was part of the team that developed the RFP that awarded us the project. I learned how RFPs operate, the team dynamics required to complete projects, and how to strengthen the skills to be a creative strategist.

Pansare: I had the opportunity to work on several learning and training projects that support teams across NVA Canada. Some of the key projects I worked on included creating learning modules such as WHMIS training, Respect in the Workplace training, and the Welcome to NVA onboarding program. One moment that I will always remember was when I had the chance to facilitate a session for my team about the Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace. Leading that session was a very proud moment for me because it showed the trust my team had in me.

Q: In what ways did your studies at Sheridan prepare you for your WIL experience, and what skills did you gain or strengthen as a result?

Singh: Through my co-op journey, I developed a wide range of technical and professional skills that helped me strengthen my web development skills in React.js, JavaScript and Node.js. I’ve also developed my skills in Figma and learned how to develop applications end-to-end, conduct user research and interviews to gather real feedback. These skills helped me win two gold medals at the Skills Sheridan Competition. I significantly improved my human skills, including communication, leadership, teamwork, work ethic, and taking ownership and responsibility.

Vassallo: The Bachelor of Experiential Design program gave me a strong foundation of skills that I further developed during my internship. My main responsibilities included concept development, graphic design, consumer journey mapping, research and discovery, and creating mood boards. On the technical side, I improved my skills in Figma, AI tools, and various Microsoft applications. My internship also helped me understand how the design industry operates, strengthened my ability to communicate ideas effectively, and expanded my knowledge of digital design software and emerging innovations.

Pansare: My marketing education helped me a lot during this co-op. In advertising and marketing, we learn how to communicate ideas clearly, tell stories, and design content that captures attention. I used those same skills while creating training modules, presentations, posters, and other learning materials. Creativity played a big role in designing modules that are engaging and easy for people to understand. On the professional side, I improved my communication, collaboration, and presentation skills. I became more confident sharing ideas, leading discussions, and working with different teams. I also developed stronger problem-solving skills and learned how to think creatively when designing learning content.

Q: How has this internship/co-op influenced your career goals or helped prepare you for the workforce?

Singh: After completing my third co-op work term, I gained a much clearer understanding of my skills and the direction I wanted my career to take. Since each of my co-op experiences was diverse, I gained professional exposure to both modern and legacy systems and worked in different team environments, ranging from small teams of five people to larger teams of over thirty. These experiences helped me better understand how IT teams operate in real-world settings and strengthened my technical and soft skills. Through this journey, I was able to analyze my strengths, identify areas where I perform best, and gain clarity on the career path I wanted to pursue. As a result, even before graduation, I was able to secure a full-time role at BMO as a Production Support Analyst.

Pansare: When I first began my co-op at NVA Canada, I expected that most of my work would be related to marketing. Instead, I discovered the world of learning design, and it quickly became something I truly enjoyed. Because of this co-op, I discovered a career path that combines creativity, communication, and education. It prepared me for the workforce by giving me real project experience and helping me understand how my skills can create meaningful impact in an organization.

Q: Why do you think co-op or internships are important for students?

Singh: I believe co-op and internships are important for students because they allow them to learn and apply their skills in real-world settings. Students can identify their strengths, understand how to apply their knowledge in the industry, and gain clarity about their career direction. Co-op also provides mentorship and helps students develop people-friendly skills such as communication, teamwork, and professionalism. While courses are important for building strong foundational knowledge, internships allow students to implement advanced skills, gain hands-on experience, and better prepare for the workforce.

Vassallo: A huge benefit of an internship is the work experience it provides and the connections that are developed through it. I felt more confident in my approach to design and felt better equipped to tackle projects. It also helps you add relevant experience that employers are looking for to your resume. After I graduated and began looking for a job, I made so many connections with coworkers who had been in the industry for a while. They actively helped me find roles, provided references, and even introduced me to some of their connections. Having a network of connections is a huge advantage when looking for work.

Pansare: Co-op and internship experiences are valuable because they allow students to see how things work in the real world. In the classroom we learn theories and concepts, but internships allow us to apply that knowledge in real situations. Students can build confidence, learn professional skills, and understand workplace culture. Internships also help students discover what they enjoy doing and what type of career path is right for them.

Q: What advice would you give to students who are about to start their first internship or co-op?

Singh: I’ve been there myself during my first co-op and trust me, these early experiences shape your skills, confidence and career more than you realize. Believe in yourself, stay focused, and give your best in every project. You have got this! Enjoy the journey, keep learning, and make the most of every opportunity.

Vassallo: Think of the internship like an extended interview. Your internship might have the possibility of becoming a permanent role. If you can stand out and show the company why you would make a good addition, there’s a great chance they will want to keep you on afterwards.

Pansare: My advice would be to stay patient and keep believing in yourself. Sometimes finding the right opportunity takes time. My journey included many job applications and interviews before I found the right place.

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Visit Sheridan's Career Services webpage to learn more about how Sheridan provides career education for current students and supports recent graduates and alumni in starting their career. To learn more about co-op and WIL at Sheridan, visit Cooperative Education.