New co-op and career executive director to start July 1
March 31, 2026
Karima Ramji has been appointed Executive Director, Co-operative Education Program and Career Services, effective July 1, 2026, following a robust search process supported by an external firm.
Karima has dedicated her career to co-op and career services at UVic for close to 30 years, and is currently serving as Associate Director, International, Indigenous and Accessibility. A globally recognized leader in work-integrated learning (WIL), Karima has led the development of WIL programs that advance UVic’s institutional priorities in global engagement, Indigenous reconciliation, equity and inclusion, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Karima brings a values-based, collaborative and inclusive leadership style grounded in research and evidence-based practice. She holds a Master of Health Administration from UBC.
As announced last year, Andrea Giles is retiring from UVic, following decades of transformational service to co-op and career services and to UVic. Her last day will be June 30, 2026, and we will share more information about her retirement celebration in the coming weeks.
March 13, 2025
After many years of dedicated service to the 探花系列, Andrea Giles has indicated that she intends to retire from the university.
Andrea’s career at UVic and involvement in co-operative and work-integrated education spans more than 30 years. Since 2018, Andrea has served as Executive Director, Co-op Education and Career Services. Prior to this appointment, Andrea was Director of Operations in the division for 14 years. Through her leadership, Andrea has fostered invaluable connections between education and professional practice, championing opportunities that have empowered students to thrive during their studies and in their careers.
During her time as Executive Director, the division has celebrated numerous milestones—including the 100,000th work-term placement—and received several external awards for innovative programming and initiatives. Andrea provided steadfast sector-wide leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, fostering new partnerships and ensuring students still had access to meaningful co-op placements and career preparation opportunities. More recently, Andrea implemented dedicated supports for Indigenous students and students with disabilities. Her commitment to student success and her contributions to the university community leave an enduring legacy, and work-integrated learning at UVic has never been stronger.
In the coming weeks, the Office of the Vice-President Academic and Provost will launch a search for the Executive Director, Co-op and Career Services. The position profile will be posted on the UVic leadership opportunities web page once the search committee has been established and has had an opportunity to meet. Andrea has graciously offered to stay on until we have completed the hiring process.
In the meantime, please join us in extending heartfelt congratulations to Andrea on her well-earned retirement.