Co-op Student of the Year soars to exciting new career heights
June 19, 2025
Savitri Vahini Muthukumar, a recent Aviation Management graduate (class of 2025), is recognized as the 2025 Co-op Student of the Year. Her background in aerospace engineering inspired her to come to Georgian and learn more than just how planes fly, but also the safety and business operations of the entire aviation industry.
She completed her co-op term at Air Canada and will be returning to their team after securing a full-time role as a Data Specialist in the Corporate Safety department.
Why did you choose to study at Georgian?
I chose Georgian College because of its strong reputation for practical learning through co-op programs and industry connections. As someone who values practical exposure just as much as classroom knowledge, I was really drawn to Georgian’s co-op opportunities and its supportive learning environment. I also felt it would be a great place to develop both personally and professionally as an international student navigating a new education system and country.
What drew you to the Aviation Management program?
My passion for aviation started early, and during my bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, I developed a deep interest in how aircrafts are designed and function. Learning the technical side of aviation sparked a curiosity in me to understand more than just how planes fly. I wanted to know how the entire aviation industry operates, especially from a safety and management perspective. That’s what made me pursue the Aviation Management program at Georgian. It offered the perfect combination of business, operations, and aviation safety, allowing me to build on my technical background while preparing for leadership roles in the industry. It felt like the ideal next step toward an impactful career in aviation.
How does it feel to be named Co-op Student of the Year?
It honestly feels incredible and very humbling. Being recognized as the Co-op Student of the Year means a lot to me, especially as an international student. It reflects all the hard work, learning, and growth I’ve experienced throughout my co-op journey. I’m extremely thankful to my team at Air Canada, my mentors, and the faculty at Georgian for supporting me and guiding me through this experience. It’s a proud moment that I’ll always carry with me.
Where did you complete your co-op term and what did you like best about it?
I completed my co-op with the Corporate Safety team at Air Canada, and it was an amazing experience. What I appreciated most was that every day brought a new opportunity to learn. I started with basic tasks, but as time went on, I was trusted with more complex responsibilities. The entire team, from the senior leadership to colleagues, was incredibly welcoming, supportive, and encouraging. It felt like a truly motivating environment where I was challenged and supported at the same time.
What types of projects or tasks did you work on during co-op?
Initially, I worked on drafting preliminary safety reports for the Transportation Safety Board of Canada. I also handled CADORS reports from Transport Canada, entering them into our Safety Management System so our managers could review and follow up as needed. Over time, I supported weekly safety review meetings, managed documentation, and helped prepare internal safety presentations. Each task helped me understand the importance of data accuracy, organization, and how aviation safety is managed at a corporate level.
What was the most challenging part of your co-op experience?
Honestly, I’m a quick learner, so I adapted to the work quite quickly. But if I had to choose the most challenging part, I would say maintaining accuracy in report handling was a bit challenging during high workload periods. There were moments where tiny details could be missed, but I caught them during my reviews, corrected them, and took them as a learning opportunity. It taught me the importance of double-checking your work, especially when dealing with safety data.
What skills from your Georgian program did you apply on the job?
The group projects and classroom activities at Georgian helped me develop communication and teamwork skills, which were essential in my co-op role. I was able to confidently collaborate with my team, contribute ideas, and take initiative. The coursework also gave me a good foundation in aviation regulations, operations, and safety principles, which I could directly apply on the job.
What did you learn on co-op that you can’t in the classroom?
There are a lot of things you can only learn through practical experience. For example, I learned how to multitask efficiently, manage time under pressure, and work independently with minimal supervision. I also got to use tools like Power BI and Air Canada’s internal safety portals that are not typically part of classroom learning but are essential at the workplace.
What do you hope to do after graduating from Georgian?
I am very excited to be joining Air Canada again, this time in a full-time role as a Data Specialist within the Corporate Safety department. My co-op experience helped me build a strong relationship with the team, and I’m thrilled that they saw value in my work and offered me the opportunity to continue. I look forward to contributing to the airline’s safety culture, growing in my role, and taking on new challenges in the aviation safety space.
Any advice for future co-op students or future Georgian students?
My biggest piece of advice is to stay curious and never hesitate to ask questions. Be dedicated and honest in your work, and don’t be afraid to take initiative even when things seem unfamiliar. Everyone starts as a learner, and your willingness to grow will be noticed. Build genuine relationships with your team, show your passion, and always treat every experience as a learning opportunity. That mindset made a huge difference in my journey, and I believe it can for others, too.
About the Co-op Student of the Year award
The Co-op Student of the Year award is presented to a full-time student in a co-operative education program who has demonstrated remarkable achievements in academic and co-op terms.