Originally from Toronto, Ontario, Isaiah Tsouluhas-Posner is a second-year Bachelor of Commerce Co-op student and a varsity athlete on the Dalhousie Men’s Soccer Team. He chose Dalhousie for its strong academic reputation and competitive soccer program, but the decision was also a personal one: his mother and her six siblings all attended Dal, and much of his family still lives in Halifax. Unsure of his career direction, Isaiah was drawn to the Commerce Co-op program for the balance it offered. “I could get real work experience, build connections, and make money, all while completing my degree.” That blend of learning and hands-on work experience confirmed Commerce as the right path for him.
Isaiah recently completed his first work term as a Marketing and Communications Intern with Dalhousie Athletics and Recreation, where his responsibilities spanned three main areas: creating and managing social media content, overseeing game day promotions, and supporting event planning. “Before beginning my work term, I felt nervous about the transition into a professional environment. However, I trusted in the coursework that had prepared me, and the experience ultimately exceeded my expectations,” he says. “From day one, I felt supported by my supervisor and colleagues, which made a significant difference in my confidence and overall experience. Each day brought new challenges and opportunities, keeping the role both engaging and rewarding.”
The skill Isaiah developed most during his work term was professional communication, whether connecting with colleagues in person or over email. He credits that growth to courses such as Business Communications and Personal and Professional Development, as well as his year as a server at the Armview Restaurant.
Athletics has shaped who Isaiah is. The Dalhousie soccer program lives by a phrase: ‘Sometimes me, sometimes you, always us.’ “This is an attitude myself and the rest of my team has been able to instill in our team culture. No matter what, everyone has each other’s backs and wants the best for the person sitting next to them,” he says. “Everyone pushes each other to grow and put their best foot forward every moment you’re on the pitch.” The team’s hard work and contributions led to a successful season; they won Dal’s first AUS Men’s Soccer Championship since 2009.
During the job search, Isaiah recommends starting early. Networking helped him connect with previous co-op students and speak with professionals in Dalhousie Athletics. “Don’t feel pressured to find the ‘perfect’ job. The purpose of co-op is to gain experience and better understand your future career path.”
Isaiah’s first co-op played a key role in confirming his decision to major in marketing, reinforcing how much he values collaboration and the kind of work environment he wants in his career. Having gained valuable experience, he now feels much more confident about the path he is pursuing. As he looks ahead to his next work term, he is eager to keep building on this foundation while exploring roles related to international business or entrepreneurship.