At D2L, building meaningful relationships as a co-op is a top priority, and D2Ls co-op program and offerings makes it easy to connect with others. With friendly faces and a vibrant company culture, a co-op term at D2L is more than just work—it’s an experience that shapes your future. If you’re a student looking for a supportive and collaborative student environment, D2L could be the perfect place to kickstart your career. Our lunch breaks are always filled with excitement and there is always something fun to do—whether it’s a quick ping pong match, a friendly game of Mario Kart, or even simply hanging out and chatting. There is no shortage of work-organized events, including movie nights, costume contests and the infamous cake days, infusing fun into our everyday work and learning experiences.
In this blog, D2L co-op’s Chantelle, Oroni and Taryn share some of their highlights and memories from their terms with D2L.
Each term, D2L’s Early Talent program organizes a volunteer-based social committee just for co-ops, encouraging co-ops to plan events to help everyone build connections both inside and outside of work. This past term, the social committee has planned trivia nights, online Code Names tournaments, arcade outings, bowling, gingerbread house decorating, and more. These events strike the perfect balance between fun and team building, helping everyone unwind, laugh, and get to know each other on a personal level.
Although we started out as strangers, we bonded over these activities, along with the joys of Slack memes and funny whiteboard doodles, and the co-op group quickly became a close-knit community of co-workers who are always ready to lend a hand, share advice and celebrate each other’s successes. Having a supportive group of peers who are all going through a similar co-op journey is great to feel like you have someone you can relate to and means you’re never alone. Also, if you don’t play ping pong at the start of your term, it is guaranteed you’ll be a pro by the end.
Altogether, D2L fosters a supportive, welcoming environment where friendships go beyond the workplace. The connections built here will last well beyond the co-op term, making the experience feel more like being part of a team than just completing an internship.
The Social Scene: A Return Co-op’s Perspective
My first co-op at D2L was in the Fall of 2023. The Kitchener headquarters impressed me with its grandeur from the moment I arrived. While my team was mostly remote, it took some time before I discovered the co-op community within the office. After my manager encouraged me to explore, I found where the other co-ops were sitting and instantly clicked with the small group of in-person co-ops, creating connections that made the experience even more rewarding.
One of the other co-ops and I shared an interest in art and drew a whimsical gratitude tree together on the blackboard in one of the kitchens, which withstood the wear and tear of time and is still alive today. This was the term when D2L re-launched in-person co-ops, so many co-ops were still working remotely. The majority of socializing was during lunch with just the few of us in the office, and yet it was a very pleasant work term. We all spent our last day getting dinner and going to Ctrl V after work, along with a fun game of mafia at someone’s place afterwards.
The Fall 2023 term had a quiet, bustling, but friendly air. I decided to come back for a co-op this Fall 2024, after enjoying my time here last year. On my second first day at D2L, it was pin drop silent as all 20 of the KW-based co-ops sat around a conference table. People fiddled with their badges as their eyes darted between new faces, but not many words were spoken. A part of me missed my co-op friends from last year but I knew there was a lot to look forward to with this many new people. The following week came in like a big jazz band plopping down from the heavens, raising trumpets high into the sky with every woodwind player’s face contorting into a purple balloon. Loud, harmonious sounds filled the once quiet office space. It was a stark contrast from my quieter term last year. We had an active social committee and planned co-op socials every week, such as virtual Codenames, going to a pub, bowling and gingerbread house decorating. The pod where I used to sit alone was now filled with three other co-ops who I became close to. My ping pong skills have also significantly improved from playing riveting games with the other co-ops during lunch. Having been able to bond with such a diverse, large group of other students is unforgettable.
No matter where you are in your co-op journey, D2L offers an incredible opportunity to grow, connect, and make a meaningful impact—all while having a lot of fun along the way. Who knows, this might just be the start of your own unforgettable experience, check out our Early Talent career page to learn more.
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