Meet Josh Wright, a Bachelor of Management student majoring in Managing Data and Information who is originally from Toronto. After choosing to attend Dalhousie, Josh knew he wanted to pursue a business-related degree, and determined that the Management program was the perfect fit. And once he learned there was an optional 8-month Management internship program, he felt it was a no brainer to apply. “I’ve always believed that a true grasp of any subject matter is achieved when theory meets practice. The internship program offered me the unique chance to immerse myself in a real business environment, face real-world challenges, and apply my classroom knowledge in tangible scenarios.”

Josh is currently completing his internship at Delphic Research, an AI-based research company which he found through his own job search. “The role was shaped around my skills, as it was not a previous listing that was posted online but rather came about through identifying where they needed help, the strengths that I have and what they wanted to teach me,” he says. “I had made it clear to my current supervisors in the interview that the marketing, management, and personal AI knowledge I have would be of great value to them. And they have certainly pushed and tested me on my knowledge.”

Josh started his job search early and invested effort and time to find a role and company he was truly excited about. After a few months of networking and interviewing, he was connected with the CEO of Delphic Research through a personal contact, who had shared Josh’s interests and how they were similar to the work Delphic is doing. “With a few brief discussions with other members of the Delphic Research team, and seeing where I could fit, they were very quick to want me on board! I attribute it to all the relationships I built and discussions I had along the way.”

As Josh’s position was created specifically for him, he hasn’t had a definitive job title or role, but he shares that for him, this has been a positive experience. “From the start, it was an extremely welcoming environment that clearly fosters and encourages deep thinking, problem solving, and creative ideas from each and every level of the company.” He found that knowing his work really mattered and that he is making an impact is something incredibly important to him. “I’ve ranged on projects from personally building out an RFP procedure that would later help train our team in the Philippines, to supporting our National Director on sales, to pitching with our CEO for a capital raise, and developing marketing strategies including traditional media and social media marketing to help hit our niche audiences.” Earlier this month, Josh was also tasked with organizing an event the company sponsored for the former Health Minister and former Premier of Ontario. “As an intern, it was certainly a project with high expectations, but also a unique opportunity to showcase how I perform under pressure.”

Josh says that he would wholeheartedly recommend the internship program to other Management students, and shares some advice from his own journey:

• Start Early: Begin your job search well in advance. The early start can provide a buffer to find and secure the right opportunity.
• Network Actively: Don’t underestimate the power of conversations. Talk to parents, friends, and friends of friends.
• Highlight Your Strengths: Companies value students who bring unique skills to the table.

Josh also emphasizes that the Management Internship program is not just about securing a job, it’s about gaining experience. “It’s about developing a range of skills and understanding the nuances of the corporate world. So, dive in with an open mind, be proactive, and make the most of this unique learning experience!”