Originally from Fredericton, New Brunswick, Josh Orser is a third-year Bachelor of Commerce Co-op student majoring in Finance, who was drawn to the program by the mandatory co-op component. “I liked the idea of not just learning about business in a classroom but getting thrown into real work environments and figuring things out as I go.” With interests in sales, operations, and entrepreneurship, gaining hands-on experience while studying felt like the best way to explore where those interests could lead.
During his most recent work term last fall, Josh joined PepsiCo in the Frito-Lay division supporting the Ottawa and Kingston areas. His role combined market service and sales support, which meant no two days looked the same. Some mornings began early at the distribution centre before heading out to service stores across the region: stocking shelves, organizing displays, and ensuring products were presented correctly. The experience quickly revealed how much strategy goes into retail execution. “It’s amazing how much thought goes into something as simple as where a bag of chips sits on a shelf.”
Alongside the in-store work, Josh supported the sales team with data reports across the Ottawa and Kingston markets. Tracking performance and sharing key updates helped teams stay within store limits and monitor results. Seeing both the operational and analytical sides of the business provided a clearer understanding of how data, strategy, and day-to-day execution connect.
One of the most valuable parts of the experience for Josh came from building relationships with store managers and owners across the region. “You quickly realize that business is really about people.” He learned that strong relationships often made a difference when it came to promotions, displays, and ensuring products moved effectively. The experience reinforced how communication and trust play a key role in successful business partnerships.
Alongside his studies and work term, Josh has also been running his own business based in Fredericton. What began as an opportunity to build something independently quickly became a hands-on lesson in entrepreneurship. “You start thinking about efficiency, customer experience, and how small decisions affect the bigger picture.” Managing every aspect of the business strengthened skills in problem solving, adaptability, and decision making, all of which carried over into his work term experience.
When it comes to the job search, Josh shares his advice for other students: stay persistent and treat every interview as an opportunity to improve. “Not every application or interview will work out the way you hope, but each one helps you get better at telling your story.” Looking back, he would have started networking earlier and connected with more professionals in industries he hopes to explore.
Through both his work term and entrepreneurial experience, Josh discovered that he enjoys environments centered around relationship-building, problem-solving, and business growth. As he continues developing his career, he is particularly interested in opportunities related to sales leadership, business development, and operations.