Anna Streeter is a fourth-year Commerce Co-op student majoring in Managing People and Organizations. Originally from Rothesay, New Brunswick, Anna chose Dal for its flexibility. “The Commerce Co-op program appealed to me because it gives you the opportunity to explore different organizations in different departments, so you’re able to see what area of business you are most interested in.”

In winter 2022, Anna completed her first co-op at Novonix Battery Testing, a firm focused on accelerating the adoption of clean energy. There, Anna was a Human Resources Intern where she assisted with the recruitment of candidates and the implementation of a new HR software. She then returned to Novonix in fall 2022 for her second co-op, this time with new responsibilities. “Instead of assisting with onboarding and interviews, I was in charge of leading them. I was also assigned more substantial projects such as researching and creating a workforce development plan. I worked with front-line workers as well as senior level managers which provided me a lot of exposure to different levels within the organization.”

For her third co-op last summer, Anna switched gears and completed a co-op at Canadian Health Solutions (CHS), where she worked as a Marketing and Sales Assistant. In this new role, Anna found fulfillment in a completely different way. “I was responsible for tasks such as researching and prospecting companies, developing and designing key account plans for CHS customers and competitors, supporting the design and implementation of a website project, organizing and presenting sales reports and pricing, as well as sourcing and ordering branded materials.”

Thanks to feedback from her supervisors, Anna has grown tremendously during this work term. “I feel as though my work term at Canadian Health Solutions helped me become more confident as a professional and more assertive in completing the tasks I am given.” Anna shares that she had the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects, from the launch of a new website to the establishment of new mental health services. “I really enjoy hearing first-hand how Canadian Health Solutions services have changed patients’ lives in positive ways. It’s exciting to know I am part of an organization who is researching and striving to provide excellent and life changing services.”

After her co-op, Anna continued to work part-time for CHS, assisting in business operations. After a few months, CHS was in the process of seeking a full-time Sales and Marketing Analyst, a role Anna immediately jumped on. “My supervisor approached me and inquired about my interest in fulfilling this role after graduation. This role was exactly what I was looking for and I have had an excellent experience at Canadian Health Solutions, so this opportunity is the perfect fit for me to kickstart my career!”

For students looking to return to a previous employer, here is Anna’s advice for you:

• Ensure that your responsibilities differ. Shifting job responsibilities creates room for growth.
• Try to be exposed to as many areas of the business as possible, you never know what might interest you.
• Request frequent feedback from your supervisor. This not only creates a relationship between you, but also increases confidence.