Originally from Dartmouth, Zion Ash is a third-year Bachelor of Commerce Co-op student majoring in Marketing. He chose Dalhousie for its strong academic reputation, proximity to home, and for the opportunity to gain real work experience through co-operative education. “I wanted a business program that would give me real experience, not just classroom learning,” he says. “The chance to build my skills and network before graduating made Dal feel like a place where I could grow both academically and professionally.”

Zion’s interest in marketing stemmed from his early entrepreneurial experiences selling products and building online engagement, but it was through his co-op journey that he discovered how meaningful the field could be when used to support communities and create impact.

His first work term was in winter 2025 with The PREP Academy, a non-profit supporting African Nova Scotian students transitioning from high school to post-secondary. As a Marketing Intern, he helped develop both digital and print content while contributing to broader marketing initiatives across the province. “Securing this co-op was especially meaningful because I was supporting students from my own community,” he reflects. “It showed me how marketing can create awareness for work that truly helps people.”

For his second work term, Zion joined Dalhousie’s Office of Student Recruitment and Marketing as a Digital Marketing & Content Coordinator, where he supported student-focused communications and engagement initiatives. One of his favourite projects was producing a video series highlighting campus resources and student support services. “When I first started at Dal, I didn’t realize how many supports were available. Creating content that helps students access those resources has been really rewarding. It’s a great mix of collaboration, creativity, and doing work that has a real impact on student life.”

Balancing coursework and the co-op job search required structure and discipline. Zion set aside weekly time for applications, resume updates, and outreach, which is a strategy that helped him stay organized during busy academic periods. His advice to other students? Start early and use the support available. “MCS offers so many resources, from resume reviews to interview prep. Taking advantage of that support makes a big difference, and it’s much less stressful than trying to secure a co-op at the last minute.”

Looking ahead, Zion hopes to complete his final co-op in a marketing or creative agency environment, where he can continue developing skills in content creation, digital strategy, and social media. Long-term, he hopes to apply what he learns toward building something of his own. “I want to work closely with clients, lead campaigns, and eventually create a business that helps people and brands share their stories,” he says. “Every co-op I’ve done so far has helped me move one step closer to that goal.”

Chilton Barrow, a fourth-year Bachelor of Commerce Co-op student majoring in Entrepreneurship, is originally from Burlington, Ontario. While Ontario will always feel like home, she was excited to explore the East Coast and experience a new community and culture. Dal’s Commerce Co-op program stood out immediately. “I knew gaining three real business experiences before graduating would help me develop stronger skills, grow my network, and set me apart when applying for full-time roles.”

Chilton completed her first co-op in winter 2024 at BMO Private Wealth in Halifax as an Operations Analyst, supporting senior trust officers, investment counsellors, and portfolio managers. Her responsibilities ranged from administrative and compliance tasks to RESP coding and service requests. That experience led to her second co-op at BMO Nesbitt Burns, where she worked as a Wealth Management Intern. She supported two investment advisors by creating portfolio plans, building client onboarding decks, preparing reinvestment recommendations, and even helping plan the annual Song Circle event. “This co-op was incredibly impactful, as the advisors I worked with took the time to mentor me and involve me in strategic and innovative projects that shaped what I now look for in future roles.”

For her final co-op, Chilton chose a different path. Through an entrepreneurial work term (EWT), she launched her own business venture, Up Til Sunday, a vintage rework apparel brand inspired by the Ontario district of Muskoka. By selling her products at the Muskoka Small Business Centre, she received mentorship and a $3,000 government grant, giving her hands-on experience in everything from product development and marketing to tracking invoices and cash flow. “This experience was the perfect combination of entrepreneurship, sustainability, creativity, and my love for Muskoka. It taught me what it truly takes to bring a business to life and continues to inspire my future as an Entrepreneurship major.”

Chilton chose an entrepreneurial work term because she wanted to bring her coursework to life. “I knew this was a rare opportunity to take a risk, try something new, and truly understand what it takes to build and run a business from the ground up.” After noticing that Muskoka merchandise felt “generic and repetitive”, she decided to create her own sustainable, vintage-inspired alternative. “Since I couldn’t find it, I decided to create it myself.” Her message to future EWT students: take the leap. “You don’t need to know everything going in. The EWT is designed for learning, experimenting, and growing. Surround yourself with people who are genuinely interested in what you’re building. The conversations, guidance, and support you receive will help your business grow faster than you expect.”

One of the most valuable lessons Chilton learned through co-op is the importance of figuring out what you love, and what you don’t.  “Co-ops are truly about exploration. I was able to test different paths, gain real experience, and build confidence in the direction I want to pursue after graduation. I feel ahead of the curve because I understand the kind of work that aligns with my strengths and interests.”

Looking ahead, Chilton plans to continue exploring roles that challenge and energize her. “I’m focused on growing my confidence, especially in competitive and fast-paced settings, and becoming the best version of myself, both professionally and personally,” she says. “Each experience, whether in wealth management or running my own venture, taught me how to learn quickly, ask the right questions, and problem-solve creatively.”

Originally from Toronto, Ontario, Mikayla Menezes is a fourth-year Bachelor of Commerce Co-op student majoring in Supply Chain and Logistics. “I was very indecisive about which path I wanted to take with my degree. I switched to this major at the beginning of September, and it was the best decision I could have made. Coming to Dalhousie and choosing the BComm program has had a huge impact on my professional interests and personal growth.”

Mikayla’s co-ops have taken her across three different sectors: marketing, internal audit, and supply chain, each playing a key role in shaping the direction of her career. Her first work term was with TELUS Health as a Marketing Coordinator, where she worked on integrated marketing communications, consumer research, and event execution. “This role showed me how much I love creativity and consumer-oriented work.”

Her second co-op with TJX Canada on the internal audit team offered an entirely different experience. “Although it was a great learning experience, where I leaned on operational auditing, SOX testing, and financial controls, I quickly realized that accounting was not the right fit for me.” Still, it was a pivotal moment for Mikayla. “During this co-op, I was first introduced to the world of merchandising and the role of a buyer. This discovery ultimately changed my career direction.”

Most recently, Mikayla worked at Canadian Tire Corporation on the Product Stewardship team. “This role directly connected me to the merchandise and gave me exposure to product safety, quality, and compliance. I loved the product side of retail and understanding how supply chain decisions ultimately reach customers. In the future, I want to be someone who influences product strategy, assortment decisions, and customer experience.” She describes her final co-op as her most impactful yet. “This was by far my favourite co-op and helped me confirm I wanted a career in merchandising with the long-term goal of becoming a buyer.”

One of the highlights of her Canadian Tire experience was supporting research for the Canadian Standards Association on sustainability and the circular economy. “In simple terms, the circular economy is about keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible, rather than throwing things away and creating waste,” she says. “Working on this research opened my eyes to how much the retail industry can improve and how much power companies have to make positive changes. One of my greatest achievements is that this work has helped me discover my own passion and purpose. Through my CSA research and my courses with Dr. Ulku, I have learned about sustainability and responsible supply chains, and I feel these values have become a core part of myself.”

Mikayla wants other students to know that being uncertain is normal. “It took me changing my major three times, completing three co-ops, and earning so many credit hours to finally discover what felt right for me.” Her advice is to stay flexible. “It’s important to have goals, but don’t become so set on a single plan that you miss the opportunities right in front of you.”

Looking ahead, she hopes to begin as a Replenishment Analyst to build the analytics foundation she needs. “I’m not attached to any one outcome, but I’m full of goals and hope to make my own mark on the world.”

Toronto-born Kali O’Neil, a fourth-year Bachelor of Commerce Co-op student, chose Dalhousie because she believed “the co-op program would not only be beneficial for my educational growth, but for gaining real-world experience and overall personal growth.”

Kali’s co-op journey has taken her across the globe, starting with her first work term in winter 2024 in London, England, at UK Power Networks. Working in Financial Risk and Assurance, she stepped into completely new territory. “I was nervous at first and didn’t realize just how different the culture would be.” Despite the initial adjustment, she settled in faster than she expected. “I have never felt so included and supported – every member of my team was genuinely invested in my learning and made sure I felt at home.”

Her second co-op brought her back to London and back to UK Power Networks, this time on the Commercial Litigation team. “Sitting in on real cases and helping pursue settlements sparked a strong interest in law and ultimately inspired me to pursue a degree in the field after graduation.” Kali’s decision to return to the company was intentional. “I truly felt supported, included, and valued during my first co-op,” she says. Knowing she wanted to shift towards law, Kali built strong relationships with the in-house legal team. “Before I finished my term, I kept in touch with the General Counsel, and a few months before my second co-op, I expressed my enthusiasm about returning under his team. This communication made the process seamless.”

Kali completed her final co-op in New York City with the private credit firm, Turning Rock Partners. After building a connection with the company over time, she joined their investment team this past summer. “Although I had been fairly set on law, I’m incredibly grateful for this experience; it taught me valuable lessons in finance and analysis that I continue to draw on in both my academic work and future career planning.”

Living and working abroad challenged Kali in ways that have shaped who she is today. “Working abroad didn’t just push me outside my comfort zone – it completely reshaped how I learn, adapt, and navigate the world.” Experiencing corporate cultures across different countries has helped her develop key personal and professional skills. “Those differences taught me to be open-minded, resilient, and curious, and they became some of the most defining lessons of my journey so far.”

For students considering a work term abroad, Kali encourages curiosity and connection. “Build your connections, and don’t be afraid to ask people about their experiences.” She highlights that her favourite networking question, Where has your favourite place to work been? often leads to meaningful conversations. “The more I mature, the more I realize that travel and working in different environments are universal conversation starters.”

Looking ahead, Kali plans to maximize the next few years. “After graduation, I’m hoping to take a year off and return to London while my visa is still valid. I want to work, travel, and make the most of being in Europe. During that time, I also plan to study for the LSAT, and apply to law school for the 2027 academic year.”

Kali’s journey shows that embracing new environments and building meaningful connections can not only shape your career but who you become along the way.

Originally from Mexico City and raised in Houston, Texas and Palm Beach, Florida, Aria Soria settled in Halifax during her final year of high school. Aria is a second-year Bachelor of Commerce Co-op student intending to major in Accounting and pursue both the CPA and CFA designations. “I chose Dalhousie because of its strong reputation across the Atlantic provinces and its mandatory co-op program, which provides invaluable real-world experience early in your degree.”

During her first two years at Dalhousie, Aria embraced any professional development opportunities that came her way. She has participated in seven case competitions, including podium finishes at Rumble in the Rowe (2nd place), Challenges Within National Case Competition (2nd place), and Strategic Solutions Summit (1st place). “Beyond competing, I’m also coordinating and overseeing the Atlantic Invitational Case Competition, which has been one of my most rewarding leadership experiences so far.”

Aria also focuses on prioritizing opportunities for professional networking. “I make it a point to attend every networking event I can, both on and off campus. Showing up consistently, with a strong resume and genuine curiosity, has opened doors for me and helped me secure opportunities like my upcoming co-op at EY and my current internship at Marsh MacLennan.” Her participation in the 2025 Toronto Corporate Tour also helped her gain exposure to Toronto’s professional landscape through visiting corporate offices and making connections at the alumni and employer partner networking reception.

Aria’s drive comes from her sense of curiosity. She holds executive roles across multiple societies, including Dalhousie Commerce Society as HR Director, Dalhousie Accounting Society as VP Community, Dalhousie Investment Society as Marketing Rep, Dalhousie Consulting Association as Academic Co-chair, Dalhousie Black Business Student Association as VP Finance, and Dalhousie Unity in Business Society as President and Founder. “Being involved in multiple societies allows me to meet and collaborate with incredible students while giving back to the Dal community. I truly prioritize these roles because they’ve shaped my university experience and allowed me to grow as both a leader and a learner.”

Outside of Dal, Aria has developed her professional experience through roles at Deloitte and Marsh MacLennan. As a Tax Analyst at Deloitte, she assisted with preparing and reviewing corporate and personal tax returns while managing multiple client files under tight deadlines, which taught her the importance of collaboration, time management, and how to stay calm under pressure. At Marsh, she works in the Captive Management division, contributing to “the preparation and analysis of monthly financial statements for captive insurance entities and conducting financial benchmarking and variance analysis in Excel to evaluate performance.” She says the role has strengthened her technical and analytical skills and reinforced her belief that involvement beyond classroom is essential for building confidence.

With goals to build an international career that blends accounting, finance, and strategy, Aria is excited to begin her winter co-op with EY and continue to build on her professional skills and experience.

Coming from Mount Uniacke, Nova Scotia, Jade Wyrcimaga is a fourth-year Bachelor of Commerce Co-op student pursuing a major in Accounting and completing an in-progress certificate in Marketing Management. “Growing up in Nova Scotia, Dal was always glamourized for being prestigious and one of the best schools in Atlantic Canada. I was inclined to stay local, so I figured Dal would give me the best opportunity for success.”

Jade’s co-op journey began in winter 2024 with Bluewater Group where she worked as an Accounting Co-op Student. “At Bluewater, I was pulled in to assist with the revenue billing team and take over for the previous billing manager. This included performing high level CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant) activities that I would not have experienced otherwise.”

During her second work term with Metro Community Housing Association (MCHA) as the Accounting Assistant, she was appointed as the head coordinator of the holiday fundraiser for clients. “This was so exciting to me, because I was able to learn and apply all of the fundamental concepts of what it looks like to fundraise as a non-profit organization.”

Her third and final co-op took place this past summer, where she worked at Stingray Radio as an Accounting Associate. “All of my work terms gave me the privilege of working on extra tasks that fell outside the typical co-op scope of responsibilities. I am so fortunate to have experienced not only co-op duties, but tasks of significance to my supporting CPAs.”

Jade shares that she was sometimes made to feel that her co-op experiences were ‘less than’ by others, because she was working in industries rather than accounting forms. However, her decision to complete three accounting work terms outside the Big 4 firms was entirely intentional. “Although the Big 4 firms are ideal for gaining real-world accounting experience, I have always been drawn to smaller, more tightly knit workplaces. I find there is more opportunity to build professional relationships and work closely as a united team, while working in a smaller environment.”

To other students considering smaller firms or industries for their work terms, she says that “all experience is valuable and relevant. No matter where you work, you will gain so much experience.”

For Jade, balancing her job search with schoolwork and outside activities required structure and discipline. When asked what advice she would offer other students, Jade emphasizes three key points. “Start the job hunt early, network and meet as many people as you can, and also get to know a lot about the company you are applying for.” She also encourages students to connect with recent grads. “They have gone through the job search process before and may have their own insight into effective recruiting.”

Looking forward, Jade plans on completing her CPA designation while becoming established within a company or a firm. She looks forward to gaining hands-on experience and continuing to grow in her career, approaching each new opportunity with appreciation and an open mind.