Elise Malicki, a fourth-year Bachelor of Commerce Co-op student majoring in International Business with a minor in Law, Justice & Society, has developed a strong professional foundation through diverse co-op experiences. Originally from Rockwood, Ontario, she chose Dalhousie for its co-op program and the opportunity to explore Canada’s east coast. “I wanted to challenge myself and experience something new, and Dalhousie provided the perfect combination of academics and real-world learning,” Elise shares. “The co-op program has been invaluable in shaping my career aspirations.”

Elise’s first co-op in winter 2023 with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency as a Communications Assistant was fully remote, reinforcing the importance of self-discipline and time management. It also provided clarity on her work preferences. “I learned that I thrive in an interactive, in-person environment where collaboration is key.”

For her second co-op at BoyneClarke LLP, Elise combined her interests in business and law as a Marketing Assistant. She managed their social media channels, attended industry events, and created a video that was showcased at an international law conference. “My supervisor, Cailin Winters, encouraged me to take ownership of projects, which deepened my interest in Intellectual Property and Music Copyright Law,” she says.

For her final co-op, Elise was a Strategic Planning and Marketing Analyst at Waterford Energy Services Inc. She played a pivotal role in FloatMed, a floating wind and solar conference in Italy, by securing speakers, sponsors, and media partnerships. “When my employer first approached me with the idea, the scope was broad, and the expectations were high. Seeing months of planning come to life in Italy was an unforgettable experience,” she says. “It reinforced my ability to adapt, problem solve, and manage large-scale initiatives with confidence.”

Beyond her co-ops, Elise is actively involved in student societies, serving as Strategic Growth Coordinator for the Women in Business Association, Graduate Chair for the Dalhousie Commerce Society, VP of Engagement for the Happy Human Project, and VP External for the Dalhousie Marketing Association. These roles have strengthened her leadership, networking, and event planning skills. “Being part of these organizations has helped me build confidence and take initiative in ways I hadn’t imagined.”

Looking ahead, Elise plans to take a year to travel, work, and prepare for law school, with interests in focusing on Intellectual Property, Music Copyright, and Renewable Energy Law. “I’m keeping an open mind about my career path. The best opportunities often come when you least expect them. The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is to embrace new challenges,” she says. “The biggest growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. Whether through co-op, societies, or networking, taking initiative has been key. I plan to continue building meaningful connections and seeking out opportunities that push me forward.”