When it comes to mixing the theoretical with the practical, Fine Arts students have been participating in UVic’s vibrant Co-op program since 1986. In the past five years alone, we’ve had more than 300 students earn both academic credit and a monthly wage while getting work experience in their chosen fields.  

This past year, we had 25 students getting first-hand experience in a variety of positions not only in Victoria but also in Parksville, Vancouver, the Sunshine Coast and farther afield in Kelowna, Revelstoke and Alberta. Their positions ranged from museum interpreter and heritage collections assistant to graphic designer, communications technician, assistant public affairs advisor, junior antiquarian bookseller, communications technician and software programmer and developers.  

Art History & Visual Studies student Burke Camara — seen here in the vault at the Revelstoke Museum & Archives, where he worked as a collections assistant — experienced real-world applications of the theoretical practices he’s been studying. “This was a great opportunity to see what jobs are out there and possibly take away some of the anxiety regarding career planning,” he says. “I learned several programs and archival practices, and was able to build meaningful connections in an environment I would want to have a career in.”

Meg Winter is pursuing a Professional Writing minor in journalism and publishing, so was ideally suited for her position as a social media coordinator for UVic’s Faculty of Education. “This has been the most amazing experience I’ve had so far during my time at UVic,” says Winter, seen here shooting video at Victoria’s Pride Parade. “I’ve been able to transfer the skills from my classes into professional experience. The incredible mentorship I received has allowed me to develop both professionally and personally.” 

AHVS student Athena Ivison worked as an interpreter at the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies in Banff, Alberta — not only giving daily tours but also operating in a curatorial capacity. “I was tasked with going through objects that didn’t have current photos on file and updating the records,” says Ivison (seen here holding a pennant from Banff’s alpine Skoki lodge. “This co-op gave me excellent insight into what it’s like to work in a museum setting. I also had an opportunity to work with museum objects, which will contribute to my understanding of art history.”