Things I wish I knew before going on co-op

Journalism student and co-op ambassador, Ciara Nolan shares things she wishes she knew while organising her own placement alongside some advice for future co-op students. 

It is for many, the first step into the professional world and the unknowns can cause stress or worry. She explains, how despite it being challenging at times, she has made the most of the experience. 

My co-op placement has been one of the most eye-opening and valuable experiences during my time at UL so far. Stepping out of the classroom and into a professional working environment has given me a fresh perspective and an opportunity to learn so many new skills, while also putting my own strengths and knowledge into action.

My name is Ciara Nolan, I’m 20 years old and I’m a third-year journalism student here at the University of Limerick. I’m from Co. Roscommon, and I’m currently over four months into my Cooperative Education placement at Ocean FM, a local radio station based in Collooney, Co. Sligo. My experience on co-op so far has been both exciting and nerve-wracking, and while I know this experience is invaluable to me as a young journalist, there have certainly been some learning curves.

I am enjoying my placement and gaining all the skills I always hoped to learn through my co-op. I am in a different area of the station every day, I assist in producing one of the morning shows “Northwest Today”, manage social media pages and posts, work with the sports department creating bulletins and sourcing stories, experience the fast-paced environment of the newsroom, go on air reading my bulletins, and recently I was involved in organising the annual “sports awards” hosted by Ocean. I can only describe the experience as invaluable; it is a credit to all students to get to graduate from UL with not only a degree but professional experience in your area as well. My co-op is flying by and I’m so grateful to work in an office with so many kind and talented individuals who have enriched my experience in ways they can’t imagine.

My advice for future co-op students is don’t get too stressed and try to enjoy the process. Co-op is about gaining experience and learning what you want from your course, and remember that above all, this is the factor that should come first. It’s a few months of your college experience where you can really focus on what you want from your course and put your learning first. I must admit it’s also a nice break from the assignments and exams after an incredibly busy previous semester!

Ask questions and don’t be afraid to do things that are out of your comfort zone, put it an honest day’s work and try your best, say yes to any opportunities they give you- they will stand to you in ways you don’t even know yet, and most importantly enjoy it- it’s enriching your future and no one else’s! I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities and lessons learned during my time at Ocean FM, and I’m so glad UL gives students this opportunity. It has been a transformative experience. I hope you’re able to take something valuable from this, and if you’re going on co-op soon, I wish you the best of luck in your placement and future studies!