Increase Capacity And Renew Energy with Co-op Education

This year, Function Point partnered with Simon Fraser University’s Co-operative Educational program to gives students the opportunity to explore career options outside of their study semesters. The program aims to match students’ professional goals with employers’ needs.

web-based business management softwareParticipating in the SFU Co-op Education program is an excellent long-term strategy for businesses who wish to increase their profile in the educational community—the primary incubator for up-and-coming, talented professionals who are at the start of their careers. Jehanne Burns, Function Point Marketing & Communications Manager, said that the idea to hire a Co-op student came from attending a HubSpot Inbound marketing conference, where presenters strongly supported initiatives in which businesses work with students from local educational institutions. The team at fp. was inspired by the suggestion and thought it would be an exceptional way in which to connect with the community and bring fresh energy to the company.

It is a part of Function Point’s core values to work hard in providing clients a leading web-based business management software. In addition to this, a major cornerstone of fp.’s culture is the company’s desire to support continuous learning, an idea that aligns with the principles of post-secondary education. SFU Criminology and Co-op student Kaitlyn Yeung praised the company’s flexibility, support and encouragement of her ideas, especially as she learns new skills. “One of the things I expressed an interest in,” said Yeung, “but didn’t have a thorough background in, was film and editing. It’s something I wanted to explore and they told me to go for it.”

Through the SFU Co-op Education program, vital links are created between students, the university, businesses and the community that result in positive, long-term benefits for all. Students receive a diversity of experience in different work environments and valuable professional additions to their resumes. Students also have the chance to apply their skills and knowledge learned through classroom theory and project work, in a practical way by working in a professional environment.

Burns noted that having a Co-op student on the Function Point marketing team has helped increase capacity, improve internal processes, and bring in new energy and perspectives. Adding new people to the team has meant they’ve become more organized, better at training, and have made processes more efficient. Co-op students can also invigorate a business by suggesting different ways to look at situations, and solutions. “You have that person questioning,” said Burns. “You have that energy of youth, fresh eyes, and the fresh energy that thinks anything is possible.”

Read the full press release.

Engaging in an intern partnership isn’t the only way to increase your creative agency’s success. Learn how business management software can help improve agency profitability in our Profitability Made Easy eBook.

Marissa Ho

Brand & Product Coordinator

Marissa was raised on a steady diet of mountain and ocean activities. She’s a product marketer by day, reader by night, and human being by day and night.