Celebrating UBC Arts Co-op Student Success
As the UBC Arts Co-op Program marks its 25th anniversary, we’re celebrating our extraordinary students and looking back at the award-winning accomplishments of three undergraduate students.
These individuals embody the best of what is possible with an Arts degree, exemplifying workplace excellence, academic achievement and community involvement. They have all earned national or provincial acclaim, in addition to awards for UBC Arts Co-op Undergraduate Student of the Year.
Alex Chen, BA 2014, International Relations
& French
2013 Student of the Year in Canada
Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada
Alex’s award-winning work term:
Junior Officer, Northeast Asia Division, Global Affairs Canada
Alex contributed to numerous projects, from managing ministerial correspondence, event logistics, and consultation work, to supporting and filling in for multiple colleagues in times of crisis. He also wrote briefs, conducted research and analysis, and created presentations for the department, touching on political and trade matters that his employer remarked as “vital to the progress of important files for Canada.”
Co-op helped Alex realize his long-time dream of working in the federal service, and since graduation, he has held multiple government roles, including Vice-Consul with the Consulate General of Canada in Dubai and Head of Agriculture at the Embassy of Canada to Japan.
Bashara Hussain, BA 2020, Economics
2019 University Co-op Student of the Year in BC/Yukon
Association for Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning BC/Yukon
Bashara’s award-winning work term:
Economic Development Analyst, BC Ministry of Jobs, Trade and Technology
Bashara went above and beyond her responsibilities assisting with research, policy reports, and econometric and statistical support for two regional economic development programs in BC. She was instrumental in operationalizing a pilot program to measure outcomes and help the Ministry gain a clearer understanding of how its work is impacting BC communities.
Through her co-op work terms, Bashara realized her ambitions in economic development and in creating more equitable and sustainable societies. In Bashara’s words, “I am grateful for my co-op experience for not only guiding me to discover my passion in development, but also for helping me gain the skills and confidence to bring rigour to this blossoming field.”
Himali Chhabra, BA 2024, Psychology & Economics
2023 University Co-op Student of the Year in BC/Yukon
Association for Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning BC/Yukon
Himali’s award-winning work term:
Strategy Consultant Co-op, TD Bank
In her day-to-day responsibilities, Himali acted as a “competitive intelligence engine,” conducting secondary research on competitors to determine industry trends, emerging technologies, and behavioral patterns. She also contributed to over 10 projects, some of which laid the foundation for the team’s patentable ideas.
Himali credits co-op with helping her achieve greater clarity and confidence in her career. “In a world where transformation is constant, I aim to integrate my psychology background with my interest in new technologies to help organizations navigate change, unlock their full potential, and future-proof their workforce.”
Support the Undergraduate Arts Co-op Student of the Year Award
The Undergraduate Arts Co-op Student of the Year Award, an annual award of $1,000, has been celebrating exceptional students for nearly two decades—recognizing their workplace excellence, academic achievement and community involvement.
With the program’s 25th anniversary in 2025, your support can help us continue this annual tradition, ensuring deserving Arts Co-op students are rewarded for their remarkable impact both on campus and beyond.
