Meet Max Barrow, a fourth-year Bachelor of Commerce Co-op student majoring in Finance. Originally from the small town of Lindsay, Ontario, Max decided to attend Dalhousie for the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and cultivate an extensive external network, all while pursuing his degree. “Despite the 1,200-kilometre separation from Lindsay, I experienced an immediate sense of belonging. The community at Dalhousie, both internally and throughout the alumni network, is exceptional.”

As Max embarked on his co-op search, his primary objective was to engage and network with individuals in his field of interest. For his first two co-ops, he worked in Halifax at CIBC Wood Gundy, a private wealth management section of CIBC. There, he was determined to make a lasting positive impact on his team while regularly participating in team meetings, always willing to share suggestions for improvement. “I consistently displayed a genuine interest in the business and strived to be more efficient and effective.” He actively sought out feedback and took initiative to implement changes that would benefit the team. As a result of his hard work and dedication, Max was awarded the Exceptional Student Award, and was nominated for the 2022 Dalhousie Faculty of Management Co-op Student of the Year Award. “Reflecting on my experience and the progress I have made in my professional self, I can say I am proud of my achievements, the network I have developed, and the obstacles I have overcome.”

During his final co-op search, Max wrote an article on trade thesis that made the front cover of Dalhousie Investment Society (DALIS)’s newsletter, The Schooner. This caught the attention of two portfolio managers from Ninepoint Partners Ltd., a firm who typically hires exclusively from Queen’s and Western. In an unexpected turn of events, Max was invited to an interview the very next morning. After advancing to the second round of the process, Max had just days to prepare a stock pitch presentation, complete valuation models and multi-tiered analysis, all while completing his midterms. To ensure his best chances at securing the position, he flew to Toronto immediately following a 3-hour exam in the morning and was presenting to the portfolio managers that afternoon.

In the end, he was hired as an Analyst for the summer 2023 term. “As the first Dalhousie student to join the firm, I felt the weight of expectations. I was driven by a strong desire to uphold and enhance Dalhousie’s reputation and to showcase the exceptional talent that our university fosters.”

Now in his final year of the Commerce Co-op Program, Max has taken on a leadership role as  President of DALIS, which he first joined in his first year of university, hoping to uncover the path he intended to major in. “The relationships I have built and the connections I have made through DALIS have been critical to my success. It’s an honour to lead this exceptional group of individuals and inspire the emerging talents who sit in the same seats I once did,” he says. “My goal for the year is to open the door to anyone and everyone with an interest in financial markets. Regardless of your background, major, or experience level, there is a place for you in both the financial industry and within the DALIS community. I encourage every student to embrace this opportunity for knowledge expansion, even when it takes you out of your comfort zone. Within our society, we come together to learn, grow, and, above all, savour the journey, making every moment a rewarding and enjoyable experience.”