Written by: Mara Williams

Andrew MacNeil (BComm’94), Senior Business Consultant at Kinaxis, works with large companies in several different industries, delivering innovative supply chain planning solutions. His 25 years of experience working with software helps him effectively understand what a business needs to create an effective technological solution. The origins of this impressive career can be traced back to his time at Dalhousie University in the first ever Commerce cohort to complete three co-ops, where he had the opportunity to explore career options and ignite an interest in technology.

Skills Gained Through Work-Integrated Learning

Looking back on his three co-ops, Andrew acknowledges the lessons he learned that helped him achieve success in his career today. During his first co-op at Pictou District School Board, he worked on a complex data analysis project that ended in a formal presentation to the Board of Directors of the school board. “I began to learn the process of taking on a large project and breaking it down into smaller tasks that I could work on each day.” This approach to large tasks remains beneficial to this day during Andrew’s work with Kinaxis. This experience also allowed Andrew to develop strong public speaking skills. “I’ve also learned that it’s important to be able to explain complex topics in a manner that’s suitable for different audiences.” These lessons help make him a trusted advisor that his clients can count on.

Combining Business and Technology

With a lifelong interest in studying business, Andrew chose the Dalhousie Commerce Co-op program despite being unsure of his desired major. Initially considering finance, the co-op program allowed Andrew to explore different options and discover an interest in the technology sector. “After my first two work terms at the Pictou District School Board I developed a strong passion for data and technology.” Gaining this personal knowledge allowed him to customize the rest of his degree to include additional math and computer science courses, deepening his knowledge of the field. Post-graduation from Dalhousie, Andrew decided to pursue an additional degree in computer science.

First Commerce Co-op Cohort

As a 1994 graduate, Andrew was a member of the very first cohort of the Commerce Co-op program. Reflecting on the experience of participating in a brand-new version of the program, Andrew recalls the excitement and nervousness that he and his classmates felt. “Everyone wanted the program to be successful which meant opportunity for the students to gain much needed work experience.” His cohort saw the value in work-integrated learning and were eager to make the most of the experience. At the time, work terms were an optional component of the program. Andrew embraced this opportunity to explore different career options and gain a better understanding of his work preferences and passions.

Learning Outside a Classroom

By choosing to participate in work-integrated learning during his undergraduate degree, Andrew was able to learn lessons he would not have learned in a classroom setting. Gaining experience in a professional setting allowed him to adapt to an environment with less frequent and structured performance evaluations than provided in a school setting. He learned “to be your own advocate, choose role models to benchmark yourself against, and ask for feedback often.” This ethos has helped him continue to grow and challenge himself throughout his career. “You should never stop learning no matter where you are in your career or life.”

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.

Written by: Mara Williams

Katie Flanagan (BComm’18), Manager, Campus and Early Talent Recruitment, works on the Enterprise Campus Recruitment Team at BMO. She and her team are responsible for hiring the next generation of BMO’s talent, and work to connect talented students with roles that align with their passions. The roots of her achievements in this role can be found in the co-op work terms she completed during her university undergraduate degree. “There is no doubt that the Dalhousie Commerce Co-op program, and in particular, my practical work term experience, contributed to where I am today.”

Getting Involved on Campus

As a former member of the Dalhousie Commerce Society (DCS), Katie emphasizes the importance of getting involved in campus extracurriculars. She joined the DCS in her first year, working her way up from first-year representative to president in her final year. Working with the DCS allowed her to contribute to the campus community, get involved in charitable organizations, and gain a plethora of soft skills that remain beneficial to this day. Working on the DCS played a pivotal role in Katie’s university education. “This experience heavily impacted both my time in university, my work terms, and who I am today.” Her work on the society pushed her outside of her comfort zone, contributing to her personal and professional growth.

Mentorship Through Work-Integrated Learning

Reflecting back on her co-ops, Katie is particularly grateful for the guidance she received from senior leaders about her career and skill development. Through her work-integrated learning experiences, she benefitted from one-on-one mentorship from several strong women in leadership. The consistent coaching and support received from these leaders allowed Katie to improve her networking and professional skills during a time of significant growth and development in her life. “The exposure to senior leaders, especially women in leadership, was instrumental both in learning to network and interact in this capacity, and also in shaping how I saw my career path developing.” Working first-hand with senior leaders opened her eyes to the possibilities available to her and ignited a lifelong excitement about her career.

Choosing a Career in Finance

As a Marketing Management major, Katie hadn’t envisioned herself working in the financial services industry until her second work term, which she completed at Scotiabank. “This experience showed me that there is such a breadth of opportunities outside of ‘finance’ available at the Bank.” By completing her co-ops at three different organizations, Katie was able to identify her professional likes and dislikes early on, which helped her determine that pursuing a career in financial services was right for her. “As I have continued to progress in my career at the Bank, I continue to be introduced to unique roles and teams that cater themselves to a variety of skillsets and areas of interest.” Without her work-integrated learning experiences, Katie’s eyes might never have been opened to the world she now thrives in.

Recruitment as a Former Co-op Student

Working now in campus recruitment at BMO, Katie has the unique perspective of a former co-op student as she works with current students interested in the company. “My time in the Dalhousie Commerce Co-op program was very influential in the approach I take when I connect with students. I am able to anticipate questions and tailor the experience to ensure it is as valuable as possible.” She is able to draw from her own experience as a student searching for a co-op and use it to connect with the next generation of student talent.

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.

Written by: Ainsley Wallace

Tarah Johnston (BComm’98), General Manager for Global Advisory and System Integration Partners at Microsoft Canada, empowers partners to support customers in embracing productivity, cloud, and AI solutions. But the roots of her remarkable career can be traced back to her formative years at Dalhousie University. “There is no doubt my time at Dalhousie in the Commerce Co-op program changed the trajectory of my career and my life. Though it was decades ago, the experiences and lessons I learned still apply today and will continue.”

Self-Discovery Through Work-Integrated Learning

Reflecting on her work terms, Tarah acknowledges their impact in shaping her career. “My work terms provided clarity in my natural strengths and what I enjoy doing, and what I did not enjoy doing, which was just as important.” Her first work term at Diversey-Lever is a prime example of this. Hired as a Marketing Information Assistant, Tarah’s initial responsibilities involved working in isolation, consolidating and calculating marketing data—a task she found less than fulfilling. However, when a critical error in program instructions threatened the accuracy of marketing plans from over 50 countries, she seized the opportunity to pivot into a tech support role. Drawing on her skills from an ‘Intro to Computers to Business’ course, she resolved the issue, working directly with each country. This experience helped her discover her passion for translating technology into business solutions and her preference for being in an environment where there is consistent human interaction.

Introducing New Technology to Institutions

Tarah completed two work terms at IBM in the 1990s, when the internet and laptops were not yet used in classrooms. At IBM, she played a pivotal role in the integration of laptops into curriculums at colleges and universities. “In my second work term at IBM, I was part of a pilot program for co-ops to work with resellers in Canada to introduce them to the business opportunity of a new technology called the Internet.” This experience was a turning point for Tarah, as it challenged her to adapt quickly and think strategically. “In four months, I had to quickly get comfortable with the technology, its practical applications, and the value proposition for the resellers. That experience taught me how to seek out experts in the company, build a point of view, and learn quickly from what works.”

Getting Involved on Campus

During her time at Dalhousie, Tarah immersed herself in student life, where her leadership qualities began to shine. In her second year, she took on the role of VP for Bronson House in Residence Council. Her dedication to making an impact continued as she became President of the Commerce Society and later, valedictorian of the Faculty of Management upon graduation. Reflecting on her journey, Tarah offers this advice to current students: embrace variety.

 

“Being open to different societies and activities gives you diverse opportunity to understand what your natural talents are, who you enjoy spending time with, and what contributions you can make in your life.”

Working with Students at Microsoft

Today, as a senior leader at Microsoft, Tarah values the fresh perspectives that students bring to her team. She sees their potential to challenge the status quo and infuse energy into the organization. “Students in our organization can lift spirits and even remind people how exciting it is to be part of an organization and career with endless possibilities.”

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.