Originally from Oakville, Ontario, Makaila Melhuish is a third-year Bachelor of Commerce Co-op student, pursuing a major in Marketing. “What drew me to the Commerce program was the strong preparation it offers for building a successful career, particularly through all the different experiences we gain in our co-ops.”
This past winter, Makaila completed her first co-op with Seaboard Transport Group as a Human Resources Intern. “I supported various HR functions including internal communications, recruitment, and creating promotional materials,” she explains. One of her key accomplishments during her work term was stepping outside of her comfort zone and growing professionally. “The experience helped me develop confidence, stronger communication skills, and a better understanding of HR operations.” Her time in this role also offered her exposure to real-world challenges in the workplace, laying a strong foundation for her future work opportunities.
Makaila is currently completing her second work term with Dash Social as the Office and Events Intern. Dash Social is a growing company that provides advanced workflow solutions, analytics, and automation tools to help brands achieve impactful results. “In my role, I help coordinate their internal events, support office operations, and assist with employee engagement initiatives,” she says. “I am most looking forward to putting my creativity into action. Whether it’s brainstorming event themes, designing engaging activities, or finding unique ways to make the office environment more fun and collaborative.”
Looking back on her job search experience, Makaila highlights the importance of setting aside dedicated time each week to avoid becoming overwhelmed. “The most stressful part for me was the waiting, especially after interviews, and hoping to hear back from companies. I reminded myself that with hundreds of students applying for the same roles, employers have many resumes and interviews to review. A delay in response doesn’t always mean bad news.” To manage this stress, she focused on doing things she enjoyed outside of school and work.
Makaila hopes to carry forward the lessons and skills she’s developed so far. “I plan to carry what I’ve learned in my co-ops into future opportunities by staying open to challenges and continuing to learn by doing. These experiences have shown me the importance of adaptability and effective communication, which I know will be valuable in any career path I take.”
Looking ahead to her final co-op and future career, Makaila is excited to keep exploring her passion for events. “Just three weeks into my current co-op and I already feel confident that this is the right path for me, and I’m excited to continue gaining hands-on experience to grow professionally.”