Originally from Unionville, Ontario, Erika Worden is a fourth-year Bachelor of Management student majoring in Leadership and Organizations. When deciding where to study, Erika was looking for a program that emphasized people, leadership, and a broader understanding of how organizations function. She found the Management program was the perfect fit for these values.

Recognizing the long-term value of work-integrated learning, Erika applied to the optional Management Internship Program with a clear goal in mind. “I could see the value in getting eight months of relevant work experience before graduation.” She viewed the internship as a strategic move, one that would build confidence, strengthen her professional skills, and potentially allow her to return to her employer after graduation.

Erika completed her internship with Aon’s Halifax office as a Commercial Insurance Associate Broker, entering an industry she had no prior exposure to. That unfamiliarity quickly became an opportunity – the role introduced her to a wide network of possible careers she hadn’t thought about before.

What made the experience especially impactful was how fully she was included. “I was fortunate enough to not feel like an intern.” She participated in strategy meetings, networking events, and client conversations, gaining exposure to both one-on-one and group discussions with clients and insurance partners. “Almost every day I encountered something new and challenging, whether related to renewals or day-to-day policy operations.”

Through her internship, Erika developed a strong understanding of the importance of building and maintaining a professional brand. “One thing I said over and over in my interview was that I was excited to learn and ready to put in the work.” She also learned that first impressions must be consistently reinforced. Erika intentionally brought her personality into her professional identity, something she felt supported in doing. Her passion for staying active and participating in sports became part of how colleagues knew her, emphasizing the importance of personal connection in a relationship-driven industry.

Reflecting on her job search, Erika points to one defining lesson: reaching out and getting connected matters. After initially relying on online applications, she shifted her approach by reaching out directly to individuals whose interests aligned with her own. That decision led to a coffee chat, a referral, and ultimately her role at Aon before a resume or cover letter was reviewed. “This shows the importance of putting yourself out there and establishing personal touch points that show you are a go-getter,” she says. “Reaching out in person, or by phone, will always be better than a text, email, or simply pressing an apply button with no personal contact.”

Looking ahead, Erika hopes to return to Aon after graduating this June and plans to pursue her Chartered Insurance Professional designation to continue building her career in commercial insurance.