Written by Malak Ouahi, Ottawa, October 19, 2026.
“Nearly flawless … dazzling … and perpetually surprising.” This was The New York Times review of the movie 127 Hours.
A co-op term is usually 40 hours per week (depending on your program) over 16 weeks, which makes a total of 640 hours. And while gaining work experience and learning from peers is the end goal, imagine finishing those 640 hours with a performance review that reads just like that: nearly flawless, dazzling, and perpetually surprising.
This article is your ultimate guide to getting there.
Whether you’re about to start your co-op placement or stepping into a new job altogether, this guide is for you. And if you read until the end, a bonus section will be waiting for you.
Every job, every placement, and every office is a battlefield.
Starting a new job or landing a co-op placement is exciting at first, overwhelming somewhere in the middle, maybe confusing near the finish line but, hopefully, always rewarding at the end. At least, that’s what I hope for you. So first, congratulations. And second, here are a few lessons I’ve learned from my past co-op experiences that helped me navigate mine.
1. Be Prepared. Do Your Research.
Sun Tzu said it best in The Art of War: “Know the enemy, know yourself; your victory will never be endangered.”
This lesson highlights the importance of knowledge, not just to win, but sometimes to avoid unnecessary conflict altogether. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses, and understanding the environment you’re stepping into, gives you confidence on the battlefield.
Because yes: every job, every placement, and every office is a battlefield.
Before your first day, take the time to research your organization. Understand what they do, how they operate, and what they value. Knowing what they’re looking for allows you to prepare yourself accordingly.
The knowledge you gain from your research will help you stand out early on. It boosts your confidence, not just in your abilities, but in your ability to survive and grow in a new environment.
Visualize this: you understand the workplace, the hierarchy, and how things get done. The space no longer feels foreign. You can navigate it. You’re no longer swimming unknowingly in a pool of sharks. You’re an orca.
2. Be Aware Of The Imposter Syndrome
One of the biggest traps students fall into is underestimating themselves.
Some might downplay their skills, undervalue their efforts, or convince themselves they were simply “lucky” to get the job. So they stay quiet and lie low. But confidence doesn’t grow in silence.
Don’t feel small for asking questions. Don’t feel guilty for needing clarification. You deserve your position, and curiosity is not a weakness: it’s part of the job.
You’re not expected to know everything. You are expected to learn.
3. Know Your Responsibilities … And Your Rights
Understanding your role is important, but understanding your rights is just as critical.
Familiarize yourself with basic labour standards: working hours, breaks, overtime, and workplace expectations. Knowing these boundaries protects you and helps you advocate for yourself professionally.
I learned this firsthand when I took the time to reread a revised contract and realized the importance of clarity and alignment. It reinforced the value of asking questions early and understanding what you’re agreeing to.
Being informed isn’t confrontational, it’s responsible.
4. Make Friends.
Get to know your team.
Work is easier, more enjoyable, and often more meaningful when you build relationships with the people around you. You never know, one of your coworkers might end up being your neighbour. (Yes, this is inspired by real life. Shoutout to Sid.)
And sometimes, that connection starts right at your desk. I share a cubicle with Vanshika this co-op, and it’s safe to say she’s an Excel expert. What started as a simple “Do you want to go on lunch break?” turned into a friendship, and a reminder that learning doesn’t always come from manuals or onboarding sessions.
Connections matter more than you think.
5. Enjoy The Moment
It’s easy to focus on performance, expectations, and future goals. But don’t forget to be present.
These 640 hours will shape how you see work, professionalism, and yourself. Take it all in, the challenges, the growth, the small wins, and even the uncomfortable moments. They all matter.
You won’t leave the same person you were on day one.
Bonus Section: Work Hard or Work Smart?
You made it to the end of the article, and as promised, here’s the reward: my take on the work hard vs. work smart dilemma.
For a long time, I was firmly in the work hard camp. I arrived first, stayed last, and said yes to everything. I did what I was told, and sometimes what others were supposed to do as well. I thought effort alone would set me apart.
What I didn’t realize then was the importance of optimization.
Over time, I learned that working hard without intention doesn’t always lead to impact. Working smart does. Thinking critically, planning ahead, and understanding why something is done matters just as much as doing it.
We have a brain for a reason.
So yes, do what you’re asked. But also think beyond it. Ask whether there’s a better way. Suggest an improvement. Offer a solution. That’s often what makes you stand out.
In my experience, the answer isn’t work hard or work smart.
It’s work smart and let your effort support your thinking, not replace it.
Share your thoughts on TBJ’s Instagram: would you rather work hard or work smart?
So for those counting their first 640 hours, and for those who stopped counting long ago, trust yourself and your instincts. And as Nietzsche once said, “Become who you are.”
