Originally from China, Yi You is a fourth-year Bachelor of Commerce Co-op student majoring in Finance. Before coming to Dal, she was enrolled in a Mathematics program, but realized she was looking for something more applied and business focused. “I wanted a new environment with practical business experience.” The Commerce Co-op program stood out because it offered the opportunity to gain meaningful work experience before graduation.

That sense of career exploration shaped all three of her work terms. Yi intentionally chose roles across different sectors: Connect Atlantic Utility Services as an Accounting Co-op Student, Dalhousie’s Faculty of Management as a Research and Administrative Assistant, and most recently, RBC as an Operations Analyst.

The variety was intentional. “I wanted to explore different industries before narrowing down my long-term career path.” Moving between utility services, higher education, and banking required adaptability and a willingness to quickly learn new systems and processes. It also gave her insight into how organizations operate at different scales and structures. Through those transitions, she gained clarity not only about the industries, but about herself. “Working in different environments helped me realize that I enjoy roles that require strong attention to detail, organization, and cross-team communication.”

At RBC, Yi monitored payment queues and followed up on outstanding invoices across multiple jurisdictions. By staying organized and communicating proactively, she helped resolve delays and ensure compliance with internal controls. “It was meaningful to know that my work directly improved operational efficiency.” The experience reinforced the importance of precision and consistency in financial operations and strengthened her confidence in navigating complex processes.

Outside of her work terms, Yi has been proactive in developing practical skills. As a volunteer tax filer through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program at the International Centre, she assisted international students and community members with preparing and filing tax returns, building confidence in client-facing communication. She also served as a Second-Year Representative with the Dalhousie Commerce Society, developing her leadership and teamwork skills through organizing events and connecting students with industry professionals.

In 2025, her participation in the Toronto Corporate Tour further expanded her perspective. “One key lesson I learned was the importance of building relationships and staying adaptable in a fast-changing business world,” she reflects. Seeing various finance career paths up close helped her better understand how her interests could evolve.

Throughout her job search, Yi approached the process strategically. She tailored her resume and cover letter for each role, tracked deadlines carefully, and prepared thoroughly for interviews. “Staying prepared and continuously improving after each interview helped me remain confident.” Rather than being discouraged by uncertainty, she treated each step as part of her development.

Her advice to other international students is grounded in experience. “Networking, asking questions, and applying even when you feel uncertain are very important.” She has learned that confidence doesn’t develop overnight. “Building confidence takes time, but every experience helps you grow professionally.”

Looking ahead, Yi is interested in corporate finance, financial analysis, and investment-related roles where she can apply analytical thinking to support strategic decision-making. The technical skills, adaptability, and communication abilities she has developed across diverse work terms have prepared her for that next step. Each experience has brought greater clarity and strengthened her confidence to take on more responsibility.