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Student Spotlight: Shrina Shah

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Originally from Gujarat, India, Shrina Shah is a fourth-year student in the Bachelor of Commerce Co-op program, majoring in Marketing. “I chose Dal because I wanted to learn through real-world experiences, not just textbooks. The co-op program was exactly what I needed—it’s where learning really comes to life.” Halifax’s mix of small-town warmth and big-city ambition has been the perfect backdrop for her academic and professional development.

Shrina’s co-op journey provided her with hands-on experience in three different roles. Her first role was at Traffic Tech Inc., where she worked in customer service support. Though not marketing-focused, this role gave her valuable insight into how client communication impacts brand perception. “I learned how important customer relationships are to a brand’s image,” Shrina shares. This experience helped develop her communication and problem-solving skills, which would prove useful in her future roles.

For her next co-op, Shrina worked as a Digital Marketing Assistant for Dalhousie’s Management Career Services, managing social media content and contributing to marketing campaigns. “This role taught me how to craft messages for different audiences,” she says. “Data doesn’t lie—it’s essential for measuring success and making adjustments.” Shrina refined social media strategies, created compelling content, and analyzed digital engagement. This role solidified her passion for digital marketing, showing her how creativity and analytics come together to drive business results.

However, it was her role at Myra Media for her third and final co-op that truly solidified her desired career path. As a Digital Marketing & Analytics Specialist, Shrina had the opportunity to build marketing strategies from the ground up. “Myra Media was where everything clicked for me,” she explains. “I wasn’t just following instructions; I was creating solutions.” In this position, she took ownership of projects like market research, content creation, and campaign optimization. One of her key accomplishments was building a LinkedIn sales pipeline from scratch, which significantly improved lead generation. “Being the first co-op student at Myra meant I had to prove my value, and I embraced that challenge,” Shrina says. Her initiative and work ethic earned her a nomination for the Faculty of Management’s 2024 Co-op Student of the Year. “From day one, I acted like a full-time team member,” she reflects. “My manager gave me the confidence to share my ideas, which made a huge impact on the projects I worked on.”

Looking ahead, Shrina is eager to pursue a full-time role in digital marketing, ideally as an Account Coordinator or Digital Marketing Specialist. “I want to analyze data, understand why campaigns succeed or fail, and adjust strategies to drive results,” she says. With her co-op experiences shaping her professional growth, Shrina is excited to continue her career in digital marketing.

Celebrating 20,000 Business Work Terms: Adam Harris’ Journey from Dalhousie Student to C-Therm Technologies Ltd. Leadership

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Written by: Mara Williams

Adam Harris (BComm ’01) is the CEO of C-Therm Technologies Ltd., a leading technology company in the field of thermal conductivity measurement. He and his team work with numerous companies to assist in the development and testing of materials for new products. Adam’s success as a business leader in this industry can be traced back to his experience at Dalhousie as a Commerce Co-op student. Completing three co-ops helped Adam stand out when entering the job market post-graduation. “This was a significant advantage when coupled with the strong fundamentals covered throughout the degree.  Practical business experience is so important – now more than ever!”

Advice for Current Students

Having been out of school and participating in the workforce for over twenty years now, Adam is well positioned to offer advice to current students who are starting to think about their post-grad careers. Reflecting on his time at Dalhousie, he recommends students focus on building their professional network, as these connections can have an impact on your life and career for years to come. Recently, he reconnected with a professor who now sits on the advisory board for Adam’s company. “If you are currently enrolled at Dal, take advantage of this opportunity to build your network with both the colleagues from your work terms and world-leading faculty at Dal.” Additionally, Adam implores students to branch out during their work terms and explore different fields. He found his passion in the intersect of business, technology, and science – so he’s a strong supporter of experiencing different industries to find your area of interest!

Impact of Work-Integrated Learning Today

The early days of C-Therm Technologies were not easy, with limited funds and skepticism from other market players. Adam’s work term experience in marketing allowed him to hit the ground running and get involved with the company. “Dal’s co-op program started me off on that long winding road. It provided me early experience in marketing and sales which is where I started in the business.” This experience provided a strong foundation that allowed Adam to help build the company up from the ground and continue the legacy of the original founder. Today, C-Therm Technologies is widely recognized as the global leader in the industry, producing top notch thermal conductivity test equipment. Adam’s co-op experiences paved the way for his success with C-Therm Technologies.

Why Work-Integrated Learning

The benefits of work-integrated learning were made clear to Adam shortly after graduation. “Dal’s work terms provided me with significant differentiation from business grads coming out on the market from other schools.” Being able to stand apart from other new graduates when entering a competitive workforce for the first time is a significant advantage. Additionally, pursuing a degree with work-integrated learning gave Adam access to incredible mentors and engaging marketing work through his co-ops at Travel CUTS. The company gave him the opportunity to tour the region and become skilled at giving marketing presentations. These experiences enriched his degree and made him a more competitive candidate when searching for a position post-graduation.

Skills Gained on Work Term

Adam acknowledges that the trickiest problems in business are typically ‘people problems’. These are the skills that are difficult to learn from a textbook or classroom setting. “Building soft skills – leadership, effective communication, assembling high-performance teams, motivating and aligning teams – these are skills that are forged with experience.” Without practical work experience, learning how to successfully navigate these challenges would be much harder. Adam’s co-ops provided the perfect opportunity to begin building these skills that remain relevant in his work today.

In fall 2024, Management Career Services reached an incredible milestone of 20,000 business work terms for students in the Bachelor of Commerce Co-op, Bachelor of Management, and Corporate Residency MBA programs. These programs have produced a diverse group of alumni who have made significant contributions across industries. To learn more about their stories and the impact of these work-integrated learning programs, visit our website.

Celebrating 20,000 Business Work Terms: Emma Brooks’ Journey from Dalhousie Student to Skillshare Leadership

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Written by: Mara Williams

Emma Brooks (B’Comm ’07) is Vice President of Marketing at Skillshare, an online learning community for creatives. She and her team help promote a wide variety of learning opportunities for those interested in improving their creative skills. Her interest and success in this career can be traced back to her time at Dalhousie University, where completing three co-ops helped her understand her career passions and develop key skills. “It allowed me to explore different types of companies and industries, and gave me a better sense of what I was most interested in pursuing once I graduated.”

Knowledge Gained on Work Terms

While on her co-ops, Emma was able to develop key skills that remain relevant in her work today, and a strong understanding of how companies work internally. By working for a company for four months at a time, Emma was able to recognize the context in which companies operate in and better understand the nuances of a workplace. “You’re able to orient yourself in the work world: exposure to how meetings are run, how and why projects happen, business strategy and decision making, influence and authority.” This type of experience must be gained by living through it, and doing so allowed Emma to hit the ground running when entering the workforce post-graduation.

Advice for Future Marketers

Now working full-time as Vice President of Marketing for a large, international company, Emma provides advice for current students who aspire to a similar career. Reflecting on her career path, she emphasized that curiosity and critical thinking are some of the most crucial skills for marketers to excel at. Being able to remain curious about market trends and stay informed about external environmental factors that will impact your company and/or product will help you go far. “Reading and learning about trends, popular ad campaigns, or new platforms emerging, and forming opinions on how they can impact a category or a company is a great skill to practice.” It’s never too early for students to practice the skills they will use in their future career.

Real-World Experience

Being immersed in the day-to-day experiences of several different companies throughout her co-ops allowed Emma to understand the competitive landscape in a much more practical way than classroom learning allowed. Her co-op at Bell Aliant helped her gain experience doing competitive analysis in the real world and developing strategies to remain competitive in a tough market. In addition, Emma’s co-op at the Credit Union Central of Nova Scotia helped her improve her written communication skills and learn how to convey information in a workplace. “It was there I learned about the importance of copywriting and persuasive communication; that the direct mail pieces needed to be written in a way to compel a specific action from their clients.” This skill helps her succeed in her career to this day.

Post-Grad Job Search

In addition to developing workplace and professional skills, completing three co-ops was invaluable when it came time for Emma’s post-grad job search. “I felt a lot more confident walking into job interviews, having had more interview practice and work experience than I would have otherwise.” In addition, her time at Dalhousie gave her the opportunity to cultivate relationships with fellow students and professors, who became a valuable professional network after graduating. Connecting with professors allowed her network to expand and proved beneficial when she sought work in Toronto after finishing school. Without her co-op experiences, entering the workforce after graduating would have been a much more challenging endeavour.

In fall 2024, Management Career Services reached an incredible milestone of 20,000 business work terms for students in the Bachelor of Commerce Co-op, Bachelor of Management, and Corporate Residency MBA programs. These programs have produced a diverse group of alumni who have made significant contributions across industries. To learn more about their stories and the impact of these work-integrated learning programs, visit our website.

Student Spotlight: Kaila Hamawi

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Kaila Hamawi, a fourth-year Bachelor of Commerce Co-op student from Ontario, is pursuing a major in Marketing with a certificate in Entrepreneurship & Innovation. She chose Dalhousie to experience life on the east coast and take advantage of the co-op program. “I wanted to start fresh in a new environment, and the program sounded great, especially because it included co-op,” Kaila explains. Her decision was also influenced by her cousin, a Dal alum, who spoke highly of the university’s supportive atmosphere and opportunities for personal growth.

Kaila’s co-op journey began at ProudMouth, a company that helps businesses market their services through podcasts. “Finding a co-op was difficult in my first year,” she recalls, “but a connection referred me to ProudMouth, and I liked the idea of working at a small company where I could make a big impact.” The company’s focus on podcasting as a marketing tool also resonated with her.

Kaila went on to complete all three of her co-ops at ProudMouth. During her time there, she appreciated the flexibility of the remote work environment, which allowed her to balance her job with her mental health and school responsibilities. Kaila’s co-op roles varied, but her favourite was working as a content creator and project manager. “I enjoyed producing content for clients, editing their podcasts, and managing the PodBlast website.” This hands-on experience gave her valuable insights into the importance of content creation in building a business and fostering audience engagement.

Kaila’s time at ProudMouth also taught her the significance of authenticity in content. “I learned how crucial it is to create content that resonates with audiences,” she reflects. “It’s not just about pushing a message, but about connecting with people and giving them a reason to follow along.” These lessons have fueled her passion for content creation, leading her to start vlogging and producing her own social media content. “It was something I had always wanted to try but never did because I was worried about what others would think,” Kaila admits. “But with the encouragement of my stepsister, I finally took the leap.”

Looking ahead, Kaila envisions herself growing her content creation platform and building a community of like-minded individuals. “I want to document my journey, give advice to others, and create a space for people who share similar passions,” she says. Her advice to aspiring content creators is to focus on doing it for themselves. “It’s important to remember that this journey is for you, not for anyone else. Don’t worry about the end goal—just enjoy the process and adapt along the way.”

With a growing portfolio, Kaila is excited about her future in marketing, content creation, and entrepreneurship, confident that her experiences will continue to shape her professional path.

Student Spotlight: Kinan Almallah

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Kinan Almallah is a third-year Bachelor of Commerce Co-op student at Dalhousie, majoring in Finance. Originally from Syria, he moved to Halifax in 2019 to complete high school and has since made it his home. He chose Dalhousie for its strong co-op program, which provides hands-on experience and valuable industry connections. His passion for finance, especially capital markets and investment management, comes from his interest in analyzing markets and making data-driven decisions.

During his co-op journey so far, Kinan has gained experience at two financial institutions. At Nova Scotia Pension Services Corporation, he worked as an Investment Associate, rotating through different teams. “I got to see how investment decisions are made and learned a lot about portfolio management.” One key skill he developed was using Power BI for data analysis, which helped him improve his technical and decision-making abilities.

At MUFG Investor Services, he worked as a Junior Associate in Client Operations, tracking fund trades and reconciling financial statements. “I didn’t know much about fund administration before, but this experience showed me how important it is in finance.” This role helped him develop attention to detail and accuracy in financial reporting, which he sees as essential for a future in investment management.

Kinan has recently received recognition for his hard work by being named one of the 2025 Mackay Rising Finance Scholars. Named for Commerce alum Doug Mackay, this award was created by Dr. Greg Hebb to recognize students who achieve the highest combined grade in COMM 2202 Finance I and COMM 2203 Finance II. “It was great to see my efforts pay off and it motivated me to keep pushing forward.” He was also nominated for the 2024 Co-op Student of the Year for the Faculty of Management, which he sees as a reflection of the great mentors and colleagues who have supported him. “It felt rewarding to know that my contributions were appreciated.”

Recently, Kinan was part of Dalhousie’s winning team in the CFA Research Challenge for the Atlantic Canada Region, where they presented an equity research report. “It was a great learning experience, and I highly recommend it to finance students.”

Balancing job searching with academics can be challenging, but Kinan stays organized by setting aside specific time for applications and networking. “It’s all about staying proactive and managing your time well.” For students struggling to secure co-ops, he encourages persistence. “Many of my interviews happened closer to the start date, so don’t get discouraged.” He also stresses the importance of networking and continuously improving skills through online courses and extracurricular activities.

For his final co-op, Kinan hopes to work in investment management, private equity, or capital markets. “I’m looking for a place where I can keep learning and contribute in a meaningful way.”

Celebrating 20,000 Business Work Terms: Jason Wong’s Journey from Dalhousie Student to Elutris Founder & Owner

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Written by: Mara Williams

Jason Wong (BComm’12) is the founder and owner of Elutris, a freelance marketing consultancy that builds strategic plans and processes to help clients reach their full potential. His entrepreneurial success can be traced back to the co-op work terms he completed during his time at Dalhousie University. “The things that I remember most about my work terms is just the sheer amount of experience and learning that I got from them.” These lessons learned remain invaluable to him today as a business owner.

Learning on the Job

Completing three co-ops allowed Jason to develop key skills that he would not have been able to perfect solely in a classroom setting. He completed two of his work terms at Make-A-Wish Foundation with a small team of employees, requiring him to wear many hats while on the job. This experience taught Jason how to prioritize different tasks and ensure that the most critical jobs were completed in a timely manner. In addition, the non-profit environment taught him valuable lessons about negotiating with others and motivating donors or other vendors to get involved. When interacting with external business partners, he learned “I need to be able to listen to who they are, what they need, and be able to tailor my pitch to them.” This skill remains applicable today in the operation of his own business.

Co-op Student to Entrepreneur

After his work terms at Make-A-Wish Foundation, Jason completed his third co-op at Scotiabank, providing a diverse array of experiences that remain beneficial in his work as an entrepreneur. In contrast to the grassroots operations of Make-A-Wish, Scotiabank, as a much larger, more formalized company, gave him experience with following processes and protocols that became helpful when setting up his own business’s structure. Getting to experience two vastly different organizations helped him learn the “startup mentality of what it takes to actually run to start a business and the things that need to be done in order to succeed long-term.” He learned how to adapt to the different skills needed on the job and utilise corporate structure and processes to demonstrate his credibility to clients today.

Why Entrepreneurship

After graduation, Jason worked for a few different marketing agencies before deciding to open his own business. Embarking on an entrepreneurial journey is always a risk, but his work term and career experiences helped him feel as prepared as possible before taking the leap. During his degree, Jason learned a lot about collaboration with different groups of people, and how to be the most effective teammate. A huge draw to entrepreneurship for Jason was the diversity of the work available to him. “As an entrepreneur, I don’t do one thing; I do everything. I wear many hats.” He can explore different aspects of the business, playing a key role in marketing, accounting, strategic planning, technology, and other key components of the business.

Job Searching Post-Graduation

In addition to the skills gained while on his work terms, participating in the co-op program allowed Jason to be much better prepared for the post-graduation job search. By searching for three different co-ops, he developed his networking and job search skills to the point where he was confident pursuing connections with industry professionals to secure a post-grad position. “I was comfortable with interviewing, comfortable with networking, comfortable with asking questions and getting to know people.” Networking with working professionals also allowed him to gain a deeper understanding of the types of roles available, developing a better knowledge of various jobs than he would have gained solely in the classroom. Completing the Commerce Co-op program allowed him to practice these networking skills and feel equipped to handle a competitive job search after graduation.

In fall 2024, Management Career Services reached an incredible milestone of 20,000 business work terms for students in the Bachelor of Commerce Co-op, Bachelor of Management, and Corporate Residency MBA programs. These programs have produced a diverse group of alumni who have made significant contributions across industries. To learn more about their stories and the impact of these work-integrated learning programs, visit our website.

Student Spotlight: Elise Malicki

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Elise Malicki, a fourth-year Bachelor of Commerce Co-op student majoring in International Business with a minor in Law, Justice & Society, has developed a strong professional foundation through diverse co-op experiences. Originally from Rockwood, Ontario, she chose Dalhousie for its co-op program and the opportunity to explore Canada’s east coast. “I wanted to challenge myself and experience something new, and Dalhousie provided the perfect combination of academics and real-world learning,” Elise shares. “The co-op program has been invaluable in shaping my career aspirations.”

Elise’s first co-op in winter 2023 with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency as a Communications Assistant was fully remote, reinforcing the importance of self-discipline and time management. It also provided clarity on her work preferences. “I learned that I thrive in an interactive, in-person environment where collaboration is key.”

For her second co-op at BoyneClarke LLP, Elise combined her interests in business and law as a Marketing Assistant. She managed their social media channels, attended industry events, and created a video that was showcased at an international law conference. “My supervisor, Cailin Winters, encouraged me to take ownership of projects, which deepened my interest in Intellectual Property and Music Copyright Law,” she says.

For her final co-op, Elise was a Strategic Planning and Marketing Analyst at Waterford Energy Services Inc. She played a pivotal role in FloatMed, a floating wind and solar conference in Italy, by securing speakers, sponsors, and media partnerships. “When my employer first approached me with the idea, the scope was broad, and the expectations were high. Seeing months of planning come to life in Italy was an unforgettable experience,” she says. “It reinforced my ability to adapt, problem solve, and manage large-scale initiatives with confidence.”

Beyond her co-ops, Elise is actively involved in student societies, serving as Strategic Growth Coordinator for the Women in Business Association, Graduate Chair for the Dalhousie Commerce Society, VP of Engagement for the Happy Human Project, and VP External for the Dalhousie Marketing Association. These roles have strengthened her leadership, networking, and event planning skills. “Being part of these organizations has helped me build confidence and take initiative in ways I hadn’t imagined.”

Looking ahead, Elise plans to take a year to travel, work, and prepare for law school, with interests in focusing on Intellectual Property, Music Copyright, and Renewable Energy Law. “I’m keeping an open mind about my career path. The best opportunities often come when you least expect them. The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is to embrace new challenges,” she says. “The biggest growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. Whether through co-op, societies, or networking, taking initiative has been key. I plan to continue building meaningful connections and seeking out opportunities that push me forward.”

Celebrating 20,000 Business Work Terms: Jessie Rankin’s Journey from Dalhousie Student to NewPoint Banking Associate

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Written by: Mara Williams

Jessie Rankin (BComm ’20), is an Investment Banking Associate at NewPoint Capital Partners, who leverages her technical and communication skills to provide solutions for clients. The roots of her passion and expertise in this career can be found in the co-ops she completed during her degree at Dalhousie. “My work terms leading up to my final co-op well positioned me for a career in investment banking, with my last co-op directly leading to a full-time position with NewPoint.” Work-integrated learning set her up for success immediately following graduation, and the skills she developed help her continue to thrive today.

Awakening a Passion for Investment Banking

Completing three co-ops over the course of her degree allowed Jessie to discover and deepen her interest in investment banking. She completed her second co-op at Scotiabank, where she worked as a Global Portfolio Advisory Group Intern. During this experience, she had the opportunity to connect with employees who had worked in the investment banking field. “Without the co-op program, I wouldn’t have even known I was interested in investment banking.” Learning more about the industry allowed her to pursue an investment banking role for her final co-op, NewPoint Capital Partners. This co-op helped her launch a full-time career at the company, allowing her to continue working in the field she is passionate about.

Real-World Experience

The co-op program allowed Jessie to gain practical, real-world experience and acquire insights into the financial industry that she would not have gained in a purely academic environment. “No classroom teaches you how to navigate shifting priorities, read between the lines in emails, or anticipate what senior bankers need before they ask.” Learning how to handle the world of investment banking before beginning her post-grad career allowed her to strengthen the essential skills of communication, professionalism, and the ability to build trust between colleagues and clients. Getting real-world experience allowed her to combine the technical skills perfected in the classroom with the essential soft skills needed to succeed in this relationship-driven field.

Leadership in Student Societies

As a student, Jessie was involved in several student societies in a variety of roles, contributing to an enriching university experience. She held the position of Fourth-Year Director for the Dalhousie Commerce Society and Vice President Finance for Alpha Gamma Delta. In addition, she was Vice President Projects for Enactus Dalhousie. Combining these leadership roles with her participation in case competitions allowed her to make valuable connections and gain practical experience. “These experiences allowed me to develop skills in financial management and analysis, project coordination, critical thinking, presentations, and time management that really made a difference in my performance during my co-ops.”

Advice for Her First-Year Self

Now five years out of university and working in a career she loves, Jessie reflects back on her early days as a Dalhousie student. She encourages students to get involved in extracurricular activities early and not let fear or anxiety hold you back from putting yourself out there. She had the opportunity to participate in a trip to Asia with an International Trade class, a coding course, and various case studies and competitions across Canada. In addition to these finance opportunities, she gained extensive beneficial knowledge by engaging with different communities and exploring a world outside of finance as well. “Cognitive diversity is incredibly important; exposing yourself to different ideas, people, and problem-solving approaches will make you a more adaptable, creative, and insightful professional.”

Hiring Students Today

Today, Jessie is involved in hiring co-op students in the role she once held as a student. She utilises her experience as a co-op student at NewPoint to understand the challenges students face and what makes an exceptional candidate. “I’m uniquely positioned to identify the traits that lead to success in the role. It’s incredibly rewarding to be in a position where I can recognize potential and provide opportunities that help students grow in their careers.”


In fall 2024, Management Career Services reached an incredible milestone of 20,000 business work terms for students in the Bachelor of Commerce Co-op, Bachelor of Management, and Corporate Residency MBA programs. These programs have produced a diverse group of alumni who have made significant contributions across industries. To learn more about their stories and the impact of these work-integrated learning programs, visit our website.

Student Spotlight: Noah Stevens

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Noah Stevens, a Bachelor of Commerce Co-op student majoring in Finance, is an aspiring financial professional who has already acquired a strong background in sales and business development. He chose Dalhousie for its co-op program, which provides hands-on experience and the opportunity to play football at the university level. “Dalhousie gave me the perfect combination of academic and athletic opportunities. The co-op program has been a game-changer for my professional growth.”

Noah’s first co-op was with Causeway Seafood Market, where he worked in sales and business development. This role exposed him to logistics, client outreach, and cold calling. “I spent a lot of time generating leads, which helped me build resilience and confidence,” he explains. The experience taught him persistence and adaptability—key skills for any finance professional.

For his second co-op, Noah joined PepsiCo Foods Canada as a Sales Intern based in Bedford. He started by working with regional sales representatives and later assisted in communicating execution strategies across Atlantic Canada. “One of my most impactful projects was auditing Dollarama stores in Nova Scotia,” he says. “It refined my data analytics skills and gave me the chance to present my findings to executives.” His work identified an opportunity for growth within the Atlantic business, set to make an impact in 2025.

Beyond his co-op experiences, Noah is one of the founders of 1 RUN, an initiative created in response to a teammate’s cancer diagnosis. “Our first 5K run/walk raised $15,000 for the QEII hospital’s Patient Assistance Program,” he shares. He credits the co-op program for equipping him with the communication and networking skills needed to secure sponsorship. “1 RUN wouldn’t be what it is without our team—we all bring different strengths, and that’s what makes it work,” he adds.

Looking ahead, Noah has three main goals: expanding 1 RUN, securing a position at a Big Five bank after graduation, and earning his CFA certification. “I want to start in lending,” he says. “It’s a great way to build a strong foundation and develop a network that will open doors for me.” When it comes to networking, Noah is intentional. “A well-crafted introduction or mutual connection makes all the difference,” he explains. “Networking is one of the most valuable skills you can develop.”

For students considering entrepreneurship or launching an initiative, Noah’s advice is simple: build a strong team. “Surround yourself with people who share your vision and complement your strengths,” he says. “A great team is the foundation of any successful venture.” As he moves forward, Noah remains committed to leveraging his experiences and connections to make an impact in his career and community.

Meet Three Society Presidents in the Faculty of Management: Jackson Miller, Mohammed Hamedelniel, and Ismet Puhovac

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This year, three exceptional students are leading major societies in the Faculty of Management: Jackson Miller is President of the Dalhousie Commerce (DCS), Mohammed Hamedelniel is President of the Dalhousie Management Society (DMS), and Ismet Puhovac is President of the Dalhousie MBA Society.

Society involvement, whether that’s as an executive or general member, not only provides personal and social benefits to students, but provides opportunities for career development as well. From gained and growing leadership skills, public speaking, and technical skills, to meeting business professionals at events and case competitions, society involvement is a great way to build your resume, skills, and network.

Mohammed, Jackson, and Ismet have all benefitted from the professional development societies have to offer, and are now stewarding that for the members of each of the societies they are running this year. We spoke to each of them to learn more about their background and what they are looking forward to bringing to their societies during the remainder of the academic year.

Jackson Miller: President of the Dalhousie Commerce Society (DCS)

For Jackson, joining DCS in his first year was an opportunity to get involved in the Dalhousie community. After three years of active participation, Jackson ran for President in hopes of leading and continuing the support, community, and growth DCS offered him to others. “Running for president was an honor, and receiving it was one of the highlights of my Dalhousie career.”

Jackson’s goal is to ensure the council is a safe, inclusive space where members can take pride in being part of DCS. His key objectives include breaking records for event attendance, money raised, and community impact. With the support of his executive team, they are on track to achieve these goals through initiatives like the Phoenix Youth Group Volunteer Program, the Movember campaign, and FOUNDERS Night.

As a Finance major, Jackson completed his three co-ops are three very different organizations: Denova (biotech), Atlantica Mechanical Contractors (construction), and Arctiq (IT), where he focused on financial analysis, accounting, and business development. He shares that his time at Arctiq was especially influential, fueling his passion for business development and showing him that he can apply his financial acumen to solve everyday business problems.

After graduation, Jackson plans to travel Europe and Asia and then pursue a career in finance, business development, or at a startup that combines all three.

Mohammed Hamedelniel: President of the Dalhousie Management Society (DMS)

Mohammed’s journey with DMS began as a student eager to connect with like-minded peers, make friends, and grow as a person. His involvement turned into a passion for building relationships, both personal and professional and creating opportunities and support for his fellow Management students. “Becoming President felt like the next step to take on more responsibility, lead initiatives, and continue fostering that sense of connection while driving positive change within our faculty,” he shares.

Outside of DMS, Mohammed opted to complete the optional Management Internship program. From May to December 2024, Mohammed pursued an entrepreneurial work term (EWT), running his own property management business, ELFATIH. During his EWT, he managed properties, worked with clients, and navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship. After graduation, he plans on expanding his business and exploring opportunities in real estate development.

Mohammed emphasizes the importance of experiential learning opportunities such as the internship program and opportunity to complete an entrepreneurial work term. He believes these programs offer hands-on experience, helping students build skills while making a difference in their communities. “One of the best parts of the program was being paired with a mentor—I was lucky enough to have Professor Shakara Joseph, whose guidance and encouragement made such a huge impact on my journey.”

For the remainder of this year, Mohammed’s focus is on creating impactful events for DMS, including case competitions and community initiatives. He is also working to ensure a strong foundation for the next executive team to build on.

Ismet Puhovac: President of the Dalhousie MBA Society

Ismet initially joined the MBA Society because he valued extracurricular involvement. Enjoying the tight-knit nature of his MBA cohort, he was motivated to take on a leadership role and contribute to shaping the program for current and future students. “I’m honoured that my colleagues elected me as President, and I’m proud of our MBA Society’s accomplishments thus far.”

After completing his Bachelor of Commerce and then working in the corporate world, Ismet realized the value an MBA carried. Initially planning to pursue a part-time MBA while working, he took on the opportunity instead to dive into the CRMBA program full-time, eager to explore his passions and gain hands-on experience in new industries.

During his corporate residency at Narrative Research as a Research and Data Insight Analyst, Ismet combined his passion for data analytics with client-facing responsibilities. “I was incredibly lucky to have worked for such a great company, be introduced to the world of market research, learn about different industries from a unique perspective, and about the challenges organizations face all across Canada, since Narrative Research has an international presence.”

Post-CRMBA, Ismet plans to apply his new skills in a role that aligns with his passions. He is confident that the CRMBA program, Dalhousie University, and the MCS office have equipped him to excel. Ismet shares his gratitude to the Faculty of Management for their invaluable support, and his fellow MBA society members for their dedication in organizing events. “To future students, I strongly encourage involvement in extracurricular activities, clubs, and societies.”


Connect with these societies and learn how you can get involved as a general member, and keep an eye out for information this term about getting involved at the executive level in 2025-26:

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