Chilton Barrow, a fourth-year Bachelor of Commerce Co-op student majoring in Entrepreneurship, is originally from Burlington, Ontario. While Ontario will always feel like home, she was excited to explore the East Coast and experience a new community and culture. Dal’s Commerce Co-op program stood out immediately. “I knew gaining three real business experiences before graduating would help me develop stronger skills, grow my network, and set me apart when applying for full-time roles.”
Chilton completed her first co-op in winter 2024 at BMO Private Wealth in Halifax as an Operations Analyst, supporting senior trust officers, investment counsellors, and portfolio managers. Her responsibilities ranged from administrative and compliance tasks to RESP coding and service requests. That experience led to her second co-op at BMO Nesbitt Burns, where she worked as a Wealth Management Intern. She supported two investment advisors by creating portfolio plans, building client onboarding decks, preparing reinvestment recommendations, and even helping plan the annual Song Circle event. “This co-op was incredibly impactful, as the advisors I worked with took the time to mentor me and involve me in strategic and innovative projects that shaped what I now look for in future roles.”
For her final co-op, Chilton chose a different path. Through an entrepreneurial work term (EWT), she launched her own business venture, Up Til Sunday, a vintage rework apparel brand inspired by the Ontario district of Muskoka. By selling her products at the Muskoka Small Business Centre, she received mentorship and a $3,000 government grant, giving her hands-on experience in everything from product development and marketing to tracking invoices and cash flow. “This experience was the perfect combination of entrepreneurship, sustainability, creativity, and my love for Muskoka. It taught me what it truly takes to bring a business to life and continues to inspire my future as an Entrepreneurship major.”
Chilton chose an entrepreneurial work term because she wanted to bring her coursework to life. “I knew this was a rare opportunity to take a risk, try something new, and truly understand what it takes to build and run a business from the ground up.” After noticing that Muskoka merchandise felt “generic and repetitive”, she decided to create her own sustainable, vintage-inspired alternative. “Since I couldn’t find it, I decided to create it myself.” Her message to future EWT students: take the leap. “You don’t need to know everything going in. The EWT is designed for learning, experimenting, and growing. Surround yourself with people who are genuinely interested in what you’re building. The conversations, guidance, and support you receive will help your business grow faster than you expect.”
One of the most valuable lessons Chilton learned through co-op is the importance of figuring out what you love, and what you don’t. “Co-ops are truly about exploration. I was able to test different paths, gain real experience, and build confidence in the direction I want to pursue after graduation. I feel ahead of the curve because I understand the kind of work that aligns with my strengths and interests.”
Looking ahead, Chilton plans to continue exploring roles that challenge and energize her. “I’m focused on growing my confidence, especially in competitive and fast-paced settings, and becoming the best version of myself, both professionally and personally,” she says. “Each experience, whether in wealth management or running my own venture, taught me how to learn quickly, ask the right questions, and problem-solve creatively.”