We are proud to share that Optima Living has been recognized by The Career Directory as one of Canada’s Best Employers for Recent Grads this 2026 for the second consecutive year.
This recognition reinforces our ongoing commitment to upholding our North Star: Let Us Welcome You Home. Through the mentorship of skilled and passionate leaders, co-op students gain valuable experience in an increasingly vital industry, while contributing meaningfully to the lives of our residents.
“They’re having an amazing experience, and it’s the managers and the teams that are giving that to them,” shares Simran Sandhu, Manager of HR Special Programs, who leads the Co-op program.
Since 2021, Optima Living has provided dozens of Co-op placements across our support offices and functions—from Accounting and HR to Finance and Operations—along with over 150 practicum placements annually across communities in BC and Alberta. From our first Co-op placement in its first year to 36 placements in 2025 across Western Canada, the programcontinues to grow not only in numbers, but also in impact.
“My journey from co-op student to Junior Accountant has been incredibly rewarding,” shared Bella Yang, a junior accountant working out of Optima’s Vancouver support office. “I’m grateful for the guidance and support from my colleagues, which has helped me grow both professionally and personally.”
At Optima Living, co‑op students work alongside senior leaders passionate about mentoring and sharing industry knowledge that isn’t as easily learned in a classroom.
“The first co-op that started with us was working under a Director. It’s not every day that you get to work in a company where you’re working with directors and senior managers,” adds Simran.
From managing the full production of a podcast to leading a province-wide operational safety initiative, co-op and practicum students are helping transform the senior living experience by contributing across every aspect of how residents are welcomed home.
“We want students to be open to taking on challenges—not just learning how to do the task but learning about the industry and going out and being advocates for seniors,” she explains.
With an aging population and the growing need for enhanced seniors’ support, Optima Living continues to invest in the future of the industry by mentoring the next generation of professionals.
“There’s so many opportunities to make a difference in senior living,” shares Simran, “We have to do something [for the seniors]—because this country has been built by them.”
Early-career professionals are encouraged to explore career opportunities with Optima Living and help welcome seniors home every day.