Faculty of Computer Science blog

Name: Ryan DeLong, current student
Current Co-op Placement: VeroSource Solutions Inc.
Fourth-year software engineering student, Ryan DeLong, explains how experiential learning puts classroom and lab work into perspective and prepares future graduates to transition to the workplace.

What was your biggest concern starting your degree?

I had no real connections to this field of work when I started my degree. It was important for me to gain practical experience and make connections. Having access to the computer science co-op job bank to gain real-work experience is among the most valuable aspects of my degree at UNB.

What is the value of experiential learning as part of a university degree?

I put significant value on experiential learning. As crucial as classroom and lab work is to prepare for your future career, graduating with experience and connections is invaluable. It is difficult to replicate a real workplace and its challenges within a classroom environment. It is important to gain working experience in my field before I graduate.

What drew you to VeroSource for your work placement?

I was interested in Verosource as a local start-up technology firm. The company’s culture felt more impactful to me and seemed like a good fit. I appreciate the welcoming environment as my first position at a tech company. I felt at home at VeroSource right away and I’m so glad to be part of their team!

What skills did you get to develop on-site working at VeroSource?

I have had an opportunity to develop an array of work-ready skills at VeroSource. Working as a member of a development team and following client requirements has vastly improved my communication skills and overall development process and provided me with confidence in a professional environment. I have gained a lot of valuable knowledge, but the more important skills I've learned are process and mindset oriented.

What do you mean by “process and mindset oriented” learning experiences?

Thanks to VeroSource, I have gained valuable front-end development experience and exposure to new tools on various projects. Work placements impart the “process and mindset” of doing the real work of solving actual software engineering problems. The expectations and respect from my supervisors and colleagues at VeroSource improved my problem-solving in real-world terms.

Learn more about how UNB and VeroSource are working together to strengthen New Brunswick’s future growth with work-ready talent educated and trained at UNB.

More information
UNB Computer Science | CS Co-op Program | VeroSource Solutions Inc.