Originally from Newmarket, Ontario, third-year Commerce Co-op student Deanna Jablonszky chose Dalhousie not only for its strong academic reputation, but for the opportunity to step outside of her comfort zone. “The integrated co-op component within the four years provides valuable opportunities to apply learned skills in a practical setting.”
The value of both learning and doing quickly became clear during her first work term in winter 2025 in the Dean’s Office of Dalhousie’s Faculty of Management. Working as a Communications and Engagement Strategy Intern, and later as a Marketing Coordinator, gave her a behind-the-scenes perspective on the program she was part of. “I had no idea how much support was available to us as students, or how many faculty and staff members across various departments were responsible for providing that support.” Seeing the scale of collaboration across teams reshaped her understanding of how the faculty operates and how many moving parts contribute to a single student experience.
Deanna’s second work term with PepsiCo, working on the Frito-Lay side as a Sales Intern, marked a shift into a more fast-paced, people-focused environment. “From getting out into the field and learning the job firsthand, to being consistently challenged with projects that pushed me to think outside the box, I knew it was the perfect company for me to return to and continue growing.” The experience combined both autonomy and teamwork, which she recognizes as essential skills for her career path.
That clarity is leading Deanna to return to PepsiCo for her third work term this summer, this time in a more strategic role supporting regional sales teams. The transition reflects both the trust of her team and her own initiative in shaping her path, as she actively explored where she could continue to grow and took steps to align her next role with her interests.
Beyond her work terms, Deanna has been deeply involved on campus, currently serving as Vice President of the Dalhousie Women in Sport Society and previously contributing to the Commerce Society and the Dalhousie Football Team. “My involvement has been about much more than just ‘building my resume’, it’s been an opportunity to give back to the Dalhousie community that I value so much.” Balancing academics, work terms, and leadership roles has also strengthened her discipline and organizational skills, turning proactivity into a habit rather than a skill she has to think about.
Her approach to the job search reflects the same mindset: start early, build genuine connections, and develop a conversational mindset. “An interview is just as much about presenting yourself as it is about determining whether the role is the right fit for you.” That people-first perspective continues to guide her decisions, especially as she explores sales on a global scale during her semester abroad at Aalto University in Finland.
Looking ahead, Deanna sees herself continuing in sales, driven by both the energy of the work and the collaborative environments it creates. With another term at PepsiCo on the horizon, she is focused on expanding her perspective and building on the momentum she has already created, one intentional step at a time.