Written by: Mara Williams

Jessie Rankin (BComm ’20), is an Investment Banking Associate at NewPoint Capital Partners, who leverages her technical and communication skills to provide solutions for clients. The roots of her passion and expertise in this career can be found in the co-ops she completed during her degree at Dalhousie. “My work terms leading up to my final co-op well positioned me for a career in investment banking, with my last co-op directly leading to a full-time position with NewPoint.” Work-integrated learning set her up for success immediately following graduation, and the skills she developed help her continue to thrive today.

Awakening a Passion for Investment Banking

Completing three co-ops over the course of her degree allowed Jessie to discover and deepen her interest in investment banking. She completed her second co-op at Scotiabank, where she worked as a Global Portfolio Advisory Group Intern. During this experience, she had the opportunity to connect with employees who had worked in the investment banking field. “Without the co-op program, I wouldn’t have even known I was interested in investment banking.” Learning more about the industry allowed her to pursue an investment banking role for her final co-op, NewPoint Capital Partners. This co-op helped her launch a full-time career at the company, allowing her to continue working in the field she is passionate about.

Real-World Experience

The co-op program allowed Jessie to gain practical, real-world experience and acquire insights into the financial industry that she would not have gained in a purely academic environment. “No classroom teaches you how to navigate shifting priorities, read between the lines in emails, or anticipate what senior bankers need before they ask.” Learning how to handle the world of investment banking before beginning her post-grad career allowed her to strengthen the essential skills of communication, professionalism, and the ability to build trust between colleagues and clients. Getting real-world experience allowed her to combine the technical skills perfected in the classroom with the essential soft skills needed to succeed in this relationship-driven field.

Leadership in Student Societies

As a student, Jessie was involved in several student societies in a variety of roles, contributing to an enriching university experience. She held the position of Fourth-Year Director for the Dalhousie Commerce Society and Vice President Finance for Alpha Gamma Delta. In addition, she was Vice President Projects for Enactus Dalhousie. Combining these leadership roles with her participation in case competitions allowed her to make valuable connections and gain practical experience. “These experiences allowed me to develop skills in financial management and analysis, project coordination, critical thinking, presentations, and time management that really made a difference in my performance during my co-ops.”

Advice for Her First-Year Self

Now five years out of university and working in a career she loves, Jessie reflects back on her early days as a Dalhousie student. She encourages students to get involved in extracurricular activities early and not let fear or anxiety hold you back from putting yourself out there. She had the opportunity to participate in a trip to Asia with an International Trade class, a coding course, and various case studies and competitions across Canada. In addition to these finance opportunities, she gained extensive beneficial knowledge by engaging with different communities and exploring a world outside of finance as well. “Cognitive diversity is incredibly important; exposing yourself to different ideas, people, and problem-solving approaches will make you a more adaptable, creative, and insightful professional.”

Hiring Students Today

Today, Jessie is involved in hiring co-op students in the role she once held as a student. She utilises her experience as a co-op student at NewPoint to understand the challenges students face and what makes an exceptional candidate. “I’m uniquely positioned to identify the traits that lead to success in the role. It’s incredibly rewarding to be in a position where I can recognize potential and provide opportunities that help students grow in their careers.”

In fall 2024, Management Career Services reached an incredible milestone of 20,000 business work terms for students in the Bachelor of Commerce Co-op, Bachelor of Management, and Corporate Residency MBA programs. These programs have produced a diverse group of alumni who have made significant contributions across industries. To learn more about their stories and the impact of these work-integrated learning programs, visit our website.