Shafiul Hassan Rafi, a third-year Bachelor of Commerce Co-op student majoring in Accounting, describes himself as a passionate entrepreneur with a keen interest in social business development. Originally from Bangladesh, he chose Dalhousie because of the opportunity to integrate co-ops into his university studies, enhancing his professional development.

For his first co-op, which took place this past winter, Shafiul worked as a Tax Co-op Student at Emera. Currently, he is wrapping up his second co-op as a Supply Management Contracts Specialist Co-op Student at Irving Oil Limited. “These diverse co-op opportunities have been instrumental in building my professional network and acquiring essential skills, both technical and soft, such as time management, interpersonal skills, problem solving, and critical thinking.”

As Irving Oil is located in Saint John, New Brunswick, Shafiul was required to move to a new province for his co-op. “Relocating to Saint John presented challenges, but I embraced the experience by making friends at work and engaging in the numerous events and volunteer opportunities offered by Irving Oil.” Shafiul has also embraced the opportunity to develop his LinkedIn presence by sharing what he has been learning on his co-op, recognizing the substantial value the platform adds to his professional development. “While not a job requirement, this proactive approach enables me to build my professional network, showcase my skills and achievements, stay informed about industry trends, discover potential job opportunities, and continually learn from others in my field.” By maintaining an active LinkedIn presence, Shafiul has not only reinforced his professional identity but has also positioned himself for future career growth opportunities beyond the scope of his current co-op. It’s all part of continuous learning, which he emphasizes is crucial, especially in rapidly evolving industries. “Staying up to date on industry trends and acquiring new skills has been crucial for my professional growth. Additionally, cultivating a proactive and adaptable mindset has proven beneficial in navigating challenges and seizing opportunities throughout my academic and professional journey.”

Shafiul emphasizes that a strategic approach to job searching has been beneficial to him so far. Here is his job search advice for you:

• Shortlist 10 jobs of interest.
• Tailor your application for each role to match the job requirements.
• Proactively reach out to potential employers.

Shafiul adds, “Networking plays a crucial role, and I encourage fellow students not to shy away from this essential aspect of job searching. Management Career Services has also been a tremendous resource during my job search, offering support with practice interviews, resume writing, and cover letters. I highly recommend students utilize the resources provided by MCS to enhance their job search.”