Jun 23, 2014

Vancouver, BC - Langara Co-operative Education (Co-op) student Majd Qutob has been awarded a 2013-2014 Deputy Ministers' Recognition Award in the category of Creativity and Innovation. This prestigious honour recognizes Qutob's valuable work with Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC).

The Deputy Ministers’ Recognition Award recognizes exceptional performance of individuals and teams of employees who have demonstrated high standards of excellence, professionalism, and dedication to achieving AANDC’s goals and objectives. Qutob joined AANDC's BC Region in 2012 as a first-time Co-op student. Since then, she dedicated four work terms to help the government achieve their goal of closing accounts to reduce interest costs. This involved piecing together information from many sources, and developing a comprehensive recommendation to close as many accounts as possible. As a result of her work, she has saved the government and taxpayers thousands of dollars in interest charges each year, for many years to come. Qutob graduated from Langara this June with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting, and transitioned to a full-time role as a Lands Officer with AANDC.

"I was just happy to be nominated,” says Qutob. "I never thought that I would actually get this award. If it wasn't for Co-op, I wouldn't have been exposed to a position like this – I had no experience in this field and I was still in school. In this role, I get use my skills to help individuals and communities, and I get to work with an amazing team. Every day presents an opportunity to learn new things and meet remarkable people."

"We're so proud of Majd – this award is rarely given to students," adds Heather Workman, Langara Co-op Department Chair. "Madj embraced the opportunities in front of her and this demonstrates how career possibilities opened up that she never even knew existed. This step opens countless other opportunities – we are so pleased for her. What a great graduation present!"

The presentation ceremony was held in Ottawa on June 17, 2014, and broadcast live across Canada. Qutob, who attended via videoconferencing from Vancouver's regional office, was one of four recipients who won in the category of Creativity and Innovation.

About Langara Co-operative Education

Langara's Co-operative Education Program has an extensive, 30-year history of connecting students with employers. The program promotes a time-proven model that integrates an academic curriculum with full-time, paid work terms, allowing students the opportunity to obtain real-world work experience, build a resume, and meet potential employers. More than 100 students participate in the co-op program every year. 

About Langara

Located in beautiful Vancouver, BC, Canada, Langara College provides University, Career, and Continuing Studies education to more than 21,000 students annually. With more than 1,700 courses and 130 programs, Langara's expansive academic breadth and depth allows students of all ages, backgrounds, and life stages to choose their own educational path.

Media Contact

Sylvia Tan
Communications Officer
Langara College
604.323.5961 | stan@langara.bc.ca