Co-op Managers
Dedicated support throughout your Co-op experience
Through the Hari B. Varshney Business Career Centre, all UBC Sauder Co-op students have access to a team of knowledgeable and enthusiastic Co-op Managers to help guide them through their Co-op journey.
This team not only offers support to help you find your Co-op work term, they will work with you during your placements to ensure you get the most out of your work experience. This team also provides personalized 1:1 coaching and advising appointments to help you succeed in your personal and professional development.
Meet your Co-op Team
Phil Seo
Associate Director, UBC Sauder Co-op Program | phil.seo@sauder.ubc.ca
About Phil: I’m a proud Sauder Co-op alumnus who enjoyed doing work terms in Ottawa and Vancouver, and exchange studies in Korea. I went on to work for Deloitte Consulting, get my MBA from Berkeley, and then work for Vancity Credit Union. In 2019, I pursued my long-term passion of helping Sauder students and am excited to lead the Co-op Program.
Best piece of career advice Phil ever received: Do your research, but at the end of the day, trust your gut to make big decisions.
Fun fact: I raced on the national reality TV show “The Amazing Race Canada: Heroes Edition”!
Kimberly Chang
Manager, UBC Sauder Co-op Program | kimberly.chang@sauder.ubc.ca
About Kim: It wasn’t too long ago that I was roaming the halls of Sauder. I had such a transformative experience that I decided to come back to help students with their own professional development. After graduating from the Accounting option, I worked in Audit at KPMG Vancouver, obtained my CPA designation, and later joined Nature’s Path Foods as an Operations Accountant. Formerly a Sauder student and now a young professional, I understand the challenges you may face when starting your career. I look forward to helping you with your journey through the Co-op Program!
Best piece of career advice Kim ever received: Focus on the process, rather than the results.
Fun fact: The highlights of my Sauder experience include teaching abroad in Kenya with Sauder Social Entrepreneurship and in Poland with AIESEC UBC.
Lea Gashi
Manager, UBC Sauder Co-op Program | lea.gashi@sauder.ubc.ca
About Lea: Co-op is an opportunity for you to explore and learn more about yourself and various career paths! My passion for supporting youth throughout their careers stemmed from my previous role at KPMG as a Campus Talent Attraction Specialist, where I thrived in making meaningful connections. I spent a number of years in Human Resources at Porter Airlines Inc. working in talent acquisition, advising and events. I completed my BA at the University of Toronto in 2016, and as a young professional, I understand the various hats many students wear throughout their education and career. I look forward to being a part of your unique Co-op journey and supporting you throughout the process.
Best piece of career advice Lea ever received: Live your life and not someone else’s – stay true to yourself, your goals, motivators and values.
Fun fact: I owned and operated a Balkan-themed cocktail bar in Toronto!
Michael Rankin
Manager, UBC Sauder Co-op Program | michael.rankin@sauder.ubc.ca
About Michael: I look forward to helping you navigate through all of the challenges and aspects of your journey through the Co-op Program! My passion for coaching undergraduate business students with their professional development and career management is evidenced in over 5 years of career advising and coaching, most recently at SFU’s Beedie School of Business and prior to that at McGill University’s Desautels Faculty of Management. I completed my BA in Honours Economics at The University of Western Ontario and prior to working in higher education, I spent two years as an Analyst with Merrill Lynch in Toronto and was fortunate to train in New York City at Merrill’s global headquarters.
Best piece of career advice Michael ever received: It might sound cliché, but pursue your passions!
Fun fact: I make home-made food for my English Bulldog, Jack!
How do you book an appointment with a Co-op Manager?
To make a 1:1 appointment with a Co-op Manager, take the following steps:
- Log into COOL using your CWL
- Click on the “Coaching" tab
- Click “Request New Appointment”
- Select the type of coaching appointment you would like to book
- Select "Virtual Coaching Appointment" as your location for virtual appointments or "Business Career Centre" for in-person appointments
- Select "Check Availability"
- Once you select a date and time that works for you, fill in the required fields and click “Submit Request"
Need more instructions on booking appointments?
Download the PDF below: How to Book a Coaching Appointment on COOL
If you have any issues making an appointment or have further questions, contact the Business Career Center at 604.822.6479 or careercentre@sauder.ubc.ca. If you're calling from out of town, our toll-free number is 1.877.777.6479.
How to book coaching & advising appointments on COOL
In this video, we will walk you through the simple steps of finding available Co-op Managers and scheduling appointments with them on the COOL (Career Options On-Line) career platform.
How do Co-op Managers help?
"The Co-op Managers at Sauder provide on-going support in helping students successfully find co-op jobs that align with their interests. As an accounting student going through CPA recruit, my Co-op Manager spent many hours talking with me about the different opportunities in industry and public practice. Thanks to my Co-op Manager for her feedback and advice on my job applications, I have developed greater confidence in searching for my next work term!" - Jason N., Accounting Co-op Student