How co-op catapulted this new grad’s career prospects
A leader is born. Computer science student and course union rep Osanyem Osadebe graduates this spring and credits his time at TMU with teaching him leadership and setting him up for professional success through his co-op experiences.
Osanyem Osadebe, an international student from Nigeria completing his fourth year in the computer science program, has a vivid recollection of his first North American winter.
His sister, already in Canada studying in the same program, was a major source of support in navigating a new country and school, but even she couldn’t accurately describe the frigid weather for him.
“Canadian winters are something no one can prepare you for; people tell you it's cold, but you never really get a sense of how cold,” he says.
Osadebe started at TMU in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, spending the first year studying remotely from Nigeria, juggling time zones.
It wasn’t until 2021 that he was able to study in Canada, mid-way into his second year, and spent much of his time applying for co-op placements.
“I narrowly missed the deadline to apply,” he says. “A teaching assistant in one of my labs gave me the heads-up which changed everything.”
Leveling up with co-op
Osanyem Osadebe speaks at a student event, becoming a leader and mentor to others in his program. Having benefited from student leaders who helped to guide him at the start of his academic journey, Osadebe is happy to give back.
Osadebe landed a placement as a software test engineer and later a software developer at theScore, a sports betting platform.
As someone who had never job-searched before, Osadebe found navigating the process overwhelming at first.
“I didn’t have a resume or cover letter, and I had no idea how to network,” says Osadebe. “But once I started working with the Career, Co-op & Student Success Centre, I was paired with a co-op peer advisor who had already been through the process and was able to offer guidance and advice.”
He also received substantial support from the centre with refining his resume, interview prep and staying on track.
“At TMU, co-op students gain real-world experience, build critical skills like communication and leadership and expand their professional network, setting them up for career success. In fact, 60 per cent of TMU co-op participants receive job offers before graduation,” says Emily Garant-Jones, director, student success and career navigation.
TMU’s commitment to experiential learning is one of the reasons it was named among the 10 best Canadian universities for workplace readiness.
But the paperwork didn’t end there. Osadebe still had to maintain his international student status in Canada.
“The International Student Support office made everything less overwhelming. Even before I applied, I reached out often, and they were always there to help.”
Scoring big with hands-on learning
Osadebe worked at theScore for multiple terms, amplifying his learning and expanding his professional network.
“What I’ve come to appreciate most about TMU’s computer science program is its emphasis on hands-on learning,” Osadebe says. “It’s not just about theory, you’re expected to apply what you learn. This is essential, because without practice you can easily start to forget what you’re learning in class.”
By using his new skills in real-world settings and taking on the challenges of a growing digital platform, Osadebe applied his knowledge to creatively problem solve and build professional competency. He also grew his industry connections.
“Most of my university social network was built during those work terms, the people I met have become my friends,” he says.
In fact, his placement gave him the opportunity to work alongside a TMU computer science course union representative who encouraged him to run as a fourth year rep – which he did, becoming a student leader himself.
Osadebe guided and advocated for other fourth year students in his program, while organizing academic, career and social programming.
Building his confidence and social networks. Osanyem Osadebe took advantage of leadership opportunities at TMU to help others navigate university life. As an international student, he knows how overwhelming it can be to adapt and adjust to big changes.
New grad on what’s to come
As Osadebe prepares for his convocation this month, he is also looking forward to seeing family. His parents are travelling from Africa to be part of the momentous day.
His sister, Dumebi Osadebe, who graduated from the same program in 2023, and is now working as business intelligence analyst at Bell, will also be in attendance.
A student leader herself, Dumebi received the Black Student Leadership Award in her final year, was a lead international student ambassador helping to guide others and had an experiential learning opportunity as a software programmer for TMU’s Centre for Urban Energy. Her achievements prove that drive, talent and community-mindedness run in the family.
Ambition, work ethic and charisma run in the family. Osanyem Osadebe poses with his sister, Dumebi Osadebe, a TMU alumni.
Osadebe is also looking forward to celebrating with community at the Black Excellence Graduation Celebration. The theme this year is ‘Black Legacy, Bold Futures’, honouring achievements and continued empowerment. This celebration of belonging and community will take place on Wednesday, June 11, at the Student Learning Centre (SLC).
What comes next?
“What I'm looking forward to the most is getting my professional career started,” he says. “I've seen a lot of people graduate from the TMU computer science program and go on to successful careers. I'm excited.”