Meet Alex, a pragmatic and inquisitive second-year engineering student at the University of Waterloo. Juggling co-op applications and class assignments, Alex is skeptical about the value of longer co-op placements, questioning whether the experience truly outweighs potential risks or missed opportunities elsewhere. With a background in robotics, Alex is always on the lookout for practical and rewarding experiences that directly enhance career prospects, preferring to do their homework meticulously before diving into commitments.