Two decades of connections that have transformed careers across Canada’s business community.
For 20 years, the Asper School of Business Co-op program has built connections, transformed careers, and fostered mentorship across Canada’s business community.
Established in 2006, the Asper Co-op program, accredited by CEWIL Canada, is the largest business co-op program in the province. Co-op placements offer undergraduate and graduate students a chance to gain practical, paid experience in the workforce and connect to the Manitoba business community while pursuing their studies.
“For me, Asper Co-op was the best decision I ever made in my career,” said Clinton Lim [BComm(Hons)/14], Manager, Corporate Recruitment at The North West Company, who went from being a co-op student, to hiring them.
It’s a story that was common to many in attendance at the 20 Years of Co-op Celebration event. Co-op alumni, current students, employers and staff came together to celebrate two decades of unforgettable, transformative experiences with far-reaching career impacts.
Total number of students placed in the Asper Co-op Program over the past 20 years: 1,930 (to date)
Total number of work terms completed: 4,794
Number of employer partners: 500+
Percentage of students hired following their co-op experience or rehired by participating employers: 44% in 2025
“Our co-op program wouldn’t be what it is without the support of the Manitoba business community, who provide our students guidance, mentorship, and connection as they learn on the job. Thank you to our employers, not just for hiring our students, but for being dedicated to student learning and growth,” said Robert Biscontri, Acting Dean of the Asper School of Business.
Arthur Reis [BComm(Hons)/20] still carries the lessons from his first Manitoban workplace with him, even while working at Netflix’s indirect tax unit in São Paulo, Brazil. “I learned that being successful at work is not only about having the right technical answer, but also about knowing how to communicate it, and building relationships,” he said.
Read more stories of co-op alumni across the world!
Panelists at the Co-op 20th anniversary event: Eden Sorrell [MBA/23], Sheree Carmona Galdamez [BComm(Hons)/15], and Jackson Gustavson-Fish [BComm(Hons)/19]
“I am continually humbled by what our nearly 2000 students have achieved, by the impact they have on our community, and by the people they become during their time at Asper. I hope Co-op endures as one of the defining and most transformative experiences of their Asper journey.” said Kelly Mahoney, Director of Asper’s Career Development Centre.
As the largest business program of its kind in the province, Asper Co-op offers students a hands-on, paid learning experience for academic credit. Stats show that 95% of Bachelor of Commerce co-op grads are employed within 3 months of graduation. In 2026, Asper co-op celebrates 20 years of transforming student careers locally and globally.
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