Internships and Co-ops

Internships & Co-ops
New Grads
Indigenous Students

Students flourish here

Learn, contribute, belong and grow

Gaining real-world experience is everything when starting out in your career. The right co-op or job gives you opportunities to work alongside experienced professionals, develop your skills, and make a meaningful impact that will nurture your potential. That’s what we offer students and new grads at First West. Our annual internships and co-ops cross all business areas to give you supported, hands-on experience. From day one, you’ll be part of an award-winning team that values your contributions and encourages you to take on challenges.

On your career path or exploring options

Through meaningful, paid work you’ll practice and develop skills in many areas of business that further your career and education goals. In your interview you will have the opportunity to share with us your passions for diverse fields of study, from finance and accounting to risk management, marketing, member experience, and dozens of other areas of work.

During your four-month summer term (May through August), you’ll be part of a student group that’s involved in real work that matters. If your schedule is different, let us know, we may have terms lengths and times throughout the year that accommodate your needs.

Career-boosting experiences

More than a typical internship

When your work term is complete, we want you to feel excited and prepared for what comes next in your career and in life. That’s why we create special professional and personal development opportunities for students to add to your academic learning and practical work experience. Your internship may include:

Leadership talks

Get to know some of our most experienced team members from across First West as they share advice for success and answer your questions.

Lunch and learns

We’ll help you understand and plan your career trajectory and show you how others have succeeded.

On-site member visits

Meet local Commercial and Business Banking members who offer their insights on how we build strong relationships with members and help them flourish in their industry.

Financial literacy sessions

A wealth expert on our team will offer guidance to help you understand the decisions and options you’ll have to manage your money throughout your career and life.

Volunteer opportunities

Spend time during work hours (yes, you get paid for giving back!) to contribute to the credit union’s commitment to helping everyone flourish.

Informative orientation

We’ll introduce the innovative and welcoming culture at First West. You’ll learn about agile methodologies, our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), rewards and recognition, and learning.

Weekly coffee meet-ups

Part of your student experience is having opportunities to check-in, collaborate, and have some fun together.

Mentorship

During your term, you’ll be connected to a dedicated learning partner who offers advice, coaching and support while sharing their own work experiences.

Job shadowing

Explore other areas of the credit union reveal new interests and expand your overall knowledge of how an organization operates.

“As a summer student at First West, I know how exciting and daunting it can be to start in a professional work environment. I’ve felt those emotions and have built deeper connections with fellow students, learned to communicate effectively with my colleagues, ask questions (all are important), and take risks.”
Sofia Neumann, Intern, Marketing

Students flourish here!

From gaining hands-on experience to bringing new ideas and making new connections, we’ve shared many moments with students at the beginning of their careers. Here are some of the things that helped them along the way.

Meet Gurnoor

Meet Suzen

Meet Harry

Gurnoor Kaur, Student, ESG

“My goals for my summer work experience were to implement my climate accounting and reporting skills, along with the frameworks I’ve learned in school. I also wanted to develop skills like time management and networking, at which my people leader has been extremely helpful in guiding me.”

Suzen Bhaidani, Student, Learning & Development

“I’ve acquired numerous skills in these four months. I’ve been able to improve my communication styles, public speaking, efficiency in project management, and working with diverse professionals. All these practical experiences align with my academic learnings and have given me the tools to succeed in my field and as an individual.”

Harry Cooper, Student, Finance

​​“Having access to many experienced professionals and numerous networking opportunities is invaluable. As a student, navigating uncertainty can be challenging, but engaging with professionals can be a guide to discovering your career path. Learning from their firsthand experience is a privilege, all it takes is reaching out to connect.”

Inclusion and accessibility

We welcome your individuality

With diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) as part of our culture, we’re a place where everyone can feel like they belong. You’ll see it in the involvement and influence of people and groups creating practices, education, and opportunities that address barriers and raise awareness.

Through seven Employee Networks Groups (ENGs), team members form deep connections based on shared experiences and purpose: The Black Employee Network, First West Women’s Network, First West Young Leaders, Indigenous Peoples Circle, Pan-Asian Employee Network, Pride Employee Network, and Poss-Ability Network. They offer support, learning and camaraderie as a community, furthering our understanding of the experiences of and allyship with historically underrepresented groups.

This commitment is reflected in our hiring practices. Student job opportunities are available to all those pursuing a diploma, undergraduate degree, or post-graduate degree. All internships and co-op positions are aligned to salary guidelines provided by BC’s Living Wage Program to support you, regardless of skills, post-secondary experience, or location.

Join our team

You have enough homework, here’s the simple way to apply for our student or co-op jobs

Application process:

Connect with a co-op coordinator at your post-secondary institution. Let them know you’re interested in hearing about opportunities at First West as they arise.

In January, submit your application to posted internship/co-op opportunities. Check our job postings to see if applications are currently being taken. Interviews are typically held in February. You’ll be contacted if your application may fit one of the opportunities we have coming up.

Talk with us:

If you’re curious about student opportunities with us, please contact our Talent Attraction Specialist, Kate Hartley. Let us know what you’re studying and the kind of work experience that would help you grow your career.