Lauren Yellan, a second-year student from Oakville, Ontario, is currently navigating her summer semester in the Commerce Co-op program. Her decision to join the program at Dalhousie was driven by a desire to gain relevant work experience through her co-op opportunities, as well as and the draw of Atlantic Canada’s vibrant culture and scenic landscapes.
Lauren completed her first co-op in winter 2024 at Digital Nova Scotia (DNS) as a Marketing Communications Coordinator. There, she honed her skills in content creation and video editing, which included initiating a TikTok presence for DNS, achieving impressive engagement metrics and contributing significantly to the organization’s digital outreach strategies. “It felt like one big family—everyone was very welcoming and eager to help the co-op students learn and grow.” Lauren shares that the team’s welcoming culture and proactive mentorship approach enabled her to integrate seamlessly into the organization and amplify her learning. This inclusive atmosphere left a lasting impression, influencing Lauren’s approach to collaboration and professional development.
Lauren’s first co-op was not her first experience with the professional world, however. Driven by her passion for social media and entrepreneurship, she founded Dueljewelss in 2020 during the peak of the COVID-19 lockdown. “I launched Dueljewelss at the age of 15 as a way to earn money during isolation when part-time jobs weren’t available.” What began as a platform for selling second-hand clothing evolved into a thriving jewellery business. Lauren’s strategic pivot to room decor products catered specifically to the student demographic in Nova Scotia.
Reflecting on her job search experience, Lauren shares a memory from her first year at Dal, when she applied for a digital marketing role that was advertised for second- and third-year students. “My application was initially declined, but I reached out to the hiring manager, expressing my strong interest in the role and my passion for marketing. I requested a chance to chat in person.” After proactive outreach, she secured an interview and then an offer. “Anything is possible if you believe in yourself and have confidence!”
Here is Lauren’s advice for you:
- Seize opportunities, even if they seem initially beyond reach.
- Don’t judge a job solely based on its description. Research the opportunity and the organization.
- Look up past Dalhousie co-op students who have held similar roles to see their experiences.
- Start your business in something that you are passionate about.
Looking ahead, Lauren remains committed to expanding Dueljewelss while pursuing diverse co-op experiences to further enrich her skill set.
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