Originally from Toronto, Janet Li is a second-year Bachelor of Commerce Co-op student, pursuing majors in Finance and Economics. When selecting where to attend university, Janet knew she wanted an experience that would prepare her for the future. “I saw the Commerce Co-op program to be an exciting challenge that would allow me to gain an applied education and set me up with a strong foundation for my future career.”
Janet completed her first co-op this past winter at RBC’s Global Asset Management office in Vancouver as a Trade Operations and Settlements Administrator. “I had the opportunity to work at the largest bank in Canada and learn from industry-leading professionals. It wasn’t a question of whether I would accept the role; I was more interested in when my start day would be.” She had daily responsibilities such as managing collateral accounts, contacting brokers and custodians regarding various reports, and overseeing the group inbox.
During her co-op, Janet took the lead on organizing an RBC Global Asset Management intern showcase. “I planned an intern showcase between the Vancouver and Toronto offices, which branched into different departments, teams, and both online and in-person events,” she says. “My manager was incredibly supportive when I was branching my knowledge into other teams and different areas within the firm, and it allowed me to take full advantage of my experiences.”
Janet shares that while she was also met with some challenges, that did not stop her from succeeding and thriving through the term. “Being focused and having a supportive group of people around you were significant factors in managing stress. Staying active also helped me manage my stress; being consistent in making time for runs and the gym was an important part of my stress management.”
Outside of co-op and schoolwork, Janet is also a part of the Dalhousie Commerce Society (DCS) as Social Actions Director. “I loved working with the DCS; it allowed me to work closely with students from other years in the program and assist in creating a better student experience for all students within the faculty.” As she continues in this role, she aims to plan events and continue to improve her leadership and organization skills.
Looking forward, Janet plans to expand her professional experience outside of banking in the finance sector. One of her strategies as she searches for her fall co-op is to tailor her resume and cover letter to each role as much as possible. Janet is eagerly awaiting her next co-op to expand upon her skills and to broaden her horizons.