Laurier User Experience Design student Chantal Vaillancourt named Co-op Student of the Year

March 8, 2024

Chantal Vaillancourt, a fourth-year User Experience Design student, has been named Wilfrid Laurier University’s 2023 Co-op Student of the Year after a 16-month term at Simplii Financial, a division of the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC).

As a User Experience Design co-op student, Vaillancourt conducted user research, analyzed research findings, developed user journey maps and designed online applications for Simplii Financial services.

“Chantal is a conscientious team player who demonstrates a passion for both user experience design and research,” says Geordie Graham, a senior user experience researcher with Simplii Financial and Vaillancourt’s supervisor. “She is a strong collaborator and excels at taking initiative, approaching her work with dedication and focus. Chantal made great contributions to Simplii Financial.”

Laurier’s annual Co-op Student of the Year award program recognizes students who have made outstanding contributions to their co-op employer, but also considers students’ academic standing and contributions to the Laurier community. Vaillancourt was nominated by Graham. She was chosen from 30 nominations.

During her 16-month contract, Vaillancourt made significant contributions to the development of Simplii Financial’s online mortgage application process, from the integration of new brand elements and online components to launching the application form.

Vaillancourt also led an internal research project to assess the effectiveness of the User Research Department collaboration site on the CIBC employee intranet. Vaillancourt developed a research plan, conducted and moderated usability tests, and analyzed data to present a package of research findings and recommendations to user experience and research teams at CIBC. The implementation of Vaillancourt’s recommendations has resulted in increased site traffic and employee access to UX resources on the CIBC intranet.

Vaillancourt received CIBC’s Exceptional Student Award twice during her co-op position. She also onboarded and mentored additional co-op students and helped develop training materials.

“My co-op experience stands out among everything I have done while at Laurier,” says Vaillancourt. “It provided an excellent opportunity to work in my field, network with others and use the skills and knowledge I have gained during my undergraduate studies. I am honoured to be recognized with Laurier’s Co-op Student of the Year Award.”

Outside of her studies, Vaillancourt is an active member of Laurier’s student community. She has served as a residence don, campus ambassador, and member of the Foot Patrol team and User Experience Design Students’ Association. Vaillancourt is currently working on a project for the Government of Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

“Chantal is an exceptional student and we are so proud of the excellence she demonstrates in the application of skills developed through the User Experience Design program at Laurier,” says Kathryn Carter, professor and coordinator of the User Experience Design program. “The 16-month extended co-op term for User Experience Design students allows them to develop strong working relationships with their employer, which enhances the learning and working experience.”

About Co-operative Education at Laurier

Laurier offers co-op programming in more than 40 undergraduate and graduate programs in arts and science, among other disciplines, including the largest business degree co-op program in Canada. Co-op is available year-round, with students beginning work in January, May or September, and can last from four to 16 months. Visit wlu.ca/co-op for more information or email lauriercoop@wlu.ca.