Sydney Booker is a fourth-year Bachelor of Management student majoring in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. She chose Dalhousie for its strong reputation as one of Canada’s top schools, and for the quality of its accredited business school. Originally from Calgary, Sydney says that she has always dreamed of living near the ocean. With a strong interest in business and being a creative thinker, pursuing Management was a clear choice for her.

Sydney applied for the optional internship program because she saw it as a valuable opportunity to gain work experience and build connections in the marketing industry. “I believe that this program provides students with a significant advantage after graduation because they have gained work experience, developed skills related to their desired field of work, and created professional relationships,” she explains.

From May to December 2024, Sydney completed an 8-month internship at Killiam Apartment REIT as a Marketing and Leasing Student. She was responsible for creating content for Killiam’s social media channels, developing social media campaigns, and responding to questions from tenants and prospects. “Creating social media campaigns has been the highlight of my internship because my supervisor has given me the autonomy and creative freedom to develop a plan for the campaigns and design the content,” she shares. Another project she particularly enjoyed working on was designing promotional materials for the Women in Industry event for the Rental Housing Providers of Nova Scotia. She created an interactive digital booklet, banners, name tags, and table cards consistent with the organization’s branding.

Reflecting on her experience, Sydney notes that she developed both soft and hard skills that will benefit her in her future career. Specifically, having gained hands-on experience and knowledge with marketing tools such as WordPress, Drupal, Meta Business Manager, and Hootsuite, she knows these skills will be of value in any future role.

Throughout her internship, Sydney developed many positive relationships with coworkers, supervisors, executives, as well as professionals from other organizations collaborating with Killiam. “These relationships support my career development by providing me access to potential job opportunities, offering valuable wisdom and advice, and developing connections in the marketing and real estate industry.”

Sydney credits Dalhousie with offering many exceptional courses that have provided her with opportunities to learn important skills that have prepared and guided her throughout her internship. To balance her academic responsibilities with her job search, she organized both on Excel spreadsheets and set SMART goals. Her goal was to apply to 2-3 jobs every day while keeping up with her academic deadlines. To accomplish this goal, she dedicated two hours every day to job applications, regardless of her other commitments. “I would highly recommend this method because it helped me manage and monitor my academic responsibilities while staying on track with my goals for my job search,” she adds.

Several resources were key in supporting her job search. Meeting with the Program Specialist for Work Integrated Learning at MCS, attending the Prep Seminar for resume, cover letter, and interview preparation, and using Excel to manage deadline were among the most helpful tools to her.

Tyler Rothstein is a fourth-year student in the Bachelor of Commerce Co-op program, majoring in Entrepreneurship. Born and raised in Montreal, Quebec, he chose Dalhousie to fulfill his dream of moving for school and challenging himself by living away from home. He was also drawn to the structure of the program, which offers relevant job experience while graduating in four years. “Coming to Dalhousie was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

During his first co-op search, Tyler admits that he learned the hard way that he had left his job search too late. Fortunately, he secured a position in door-to-door telecom sales in winter 2023. His role was to convince customers that his employer’s services were better than their competitors. “Every day was a learning experience for me,” he explains, adding that he stayed motivated knowing that this experience would help shape his future in the business world.

For his second co-op in fall 2023, Tyler joined John Ross and Sons Ltd., the largest scrap metal facility in Atlantic Canada, as an E-Scrap Trader. The scrap metal recycling industry was always of interest to him, but he was unsure how to get into it, and so his co-op provided the perfect opportunity to do so. He says that the Ross family gave him a unique opportunity to help build a division focused on recycling old and used electronics. Before starting, Tyler spent a month of his summer in the company’s main warehouse, learning about scrap electronics and researching how to upgrade pricing on materials. His role was then to safely shred, recycle, and dispose of all electronic waste and extract their metals. Reflecting on his experience, Tyler says, “I got to finally realize that I built something big.”

Tyler continued his work in electronics recycling at John Ross and Sons throughout his third year and final co-op term last summer, helping companies all around Atlantic Canada safely recycle their electronics. He has found the work very rewarding. “I have been given every opportunity and resource I’ve needed to succeed.” Looking back, he says he would have never guessed where he would be today. “I am so happy that I have pushed through all of my struggles to get to where I am today, and I could have never done it without the entire John Ross and Sons family.”

For other co-op students, Tyler advises to never give up. “Finding what you want to do can be extremely difficult, but it is so important to keep pushing through the tough times,” he says. He emphasizes the importance of networking, staying on top of tasks, and being organized. “Be open minded and reach out. If you’re in the Dalhousie Commerce Co-op program, you have what it takes to succeed, just remember to believe in yourself.”

Ellie Judson, a fourth-year student from Calgary, Alberta, is pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce Co-op degree with a major in Marketing Management. She was drawn to Dalhousie for its unique co-op program, which allows students to gain real-world experience while completing their degree in just four years. Having taken a gap year and working in an office for nine months prior to her time at Dal, she was eager and confident to join this program.

Ellie’s first two work terms were in Halifax, where she worked for entrepreneurial companies. The first company being Business Network International (BNI), where she learned about the importance of networking and leveraging connections. “This was possibly the most beneficial first co-op I could have had,” she shares. The skills she gained in her time there led her to her second self developed co-op with Capture It Photography. During her work term, Ellie continued to leverage her networking skills, gaining connections at the various events she took part in while also further developing he creative abilities. “In both these positions, there was an emphasis on my individual skills which bolstered my confidence and pushed me to grow beyond my initial expectations,” she adds.

Through this gained confidence, Ellie was able to secure her third co-op which was also self-developed, at an athletic development NFP organization called WinSport, where she was the Marketing Coordinator. Here, she received the experience of working on a larger team, collaborating with other members of the department on various projects throughout the summer.

Reflecting on her co-ops, Ellie shares that one of the biggest lessons she learned throughout her work terms was the importance of networking and leveraging your connections. “The world operates through referrals and connections so if you can navigate that area with confidence, you can excel in the professional world,” she states. Another valuable lesson she learned, is the importance of keeping an open mind and maintaining the willingness to try new things. Working for an organization centered around athletic development was not something she had imagined for herself; however, it ended up being a deeply gratifying experience and one that she will always value. “The things you could benefit the most from, you might not even be aware of.”

Ellie believes the most valuable aspect of networking is gaining exposure to new industries, ideas, and perspectives. A simple conversation can open new paths and offer insights you never considered before. Her favourite way to network is by engaging in casual, low-pressure chats as she has found they lead to more impactful and meaningful conversations. Ellie emphasizes the importance of honesty and transparency in maintaining connections, as well as staying in touch regularly to strengthen relationships over time. Her advice to those new to networking is to start small and work your way up.

Looking ahead, Ellie is excited to start her professional career after a well-deserved break. Reflecting on her university experience, she values the connections she has made with fellow students, professors, and past employers. “I’ve found that the personal aspects of university can be just as educational as the academic parts if you engage yourself,” she shares. Although she is content with her journey, Ellie wishes she had explored more potential interests through electives. In the future, she plans to leverage the Dal alumni network and truly believes that the connections she has made during her time here, are some of her most valuable gains. “I’ve made some of my best friends through this program and met some incredible leaders, all of whom I plan to keep in touch with.”

Connor Scida, a third-year Commerce Co-op student from Waterloo, Ontario, is majoring in International Business. He chose Dalhousie for its accredited program, strong co-op support, and overall student experience. Currently, he is completing his co-op with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), where he manages three key responsibilities: creating a monthly newsletter for over 300 internal clients, creating reports on Canadian Agriculture companies, commodities, and industries, and facilitating communication between international trade officers with the goal of fostering export opportunities for Canadian businesses.

Connor hopes to deepen his knowledge of the Canadian agriculture sector, its challenges, potential for the future, and what needs to be done to better support it. He also aims to have a strong grasp on the government policies, processes, and programs used to help support Canada. “I hope to gain a better understanding of what I’m looking for, and what I want to avoid when it comes to future roles and career opportunities,” he adds.

Looking ahead, Connor sees potential for a full-time career with AAFC. “One of my favorite aspects of working at AAFC is seeing the positive changes we create through our funding, research, outreach, and many other programs and initiatives. From climate change to food security, I strongly value the issues AAFC sets out to fix.” However, he remains open to opportunities across both public and private sectors, not wanting to limit his options.

Through creating research reports during his co-ops, Connor has significantly improved his proficiency with Microsoft Excel, frequently using shortcuts to improve his speed and efficiency. This has been particularly beneficial in his Quants 3 course, allowing him to complete tasks more quickly and focus more on what matters rather than the formatting.

For his next co-op, Connor is interested in roles that involve operations, business development, or project management, where he can collaborate with a variety of departments and take a big picture approach. He values communication and variety in his daily tasks.

From his past co-op job searches, Connor has learned the importance of reaching out to people in fields of interest, regardless of their role, to learn more about potential career paths. He advises that there is no harm in reaching out, you never know where a quick 20-minute conversation can take you. “Even if the organization isn’t hiring at the moment, I have found so much value in learning about others’ experiences within different roles and organizations and what their typical duties might look like.”

Originally from Ottawa, Ontario, Ronan Sahajpal is a third-year Commerce Co-op student, majoring in Finance. He was drawn to Dalhousie by its mandatory co-op program, and by having family connections in the Maritimes.

Ronan initially pursued his interest in accounting as an Audit Intern at EY in Ottawa for his first co-op and is currently working as an Investment Banking Fall Analyst at Newpoint Capital Partners in Toronto. Attending events at KPMG sparked his interest in Big 4 Audit, and the 2023 Dal Toronto Corporate Tour, which he attended during his first year, broadened his exposure to finance by providing him with the opportunity to meet professionals in the industry. “This was my first exposure to finance outside of the Dal Investment Society, and hearing more about the field made me interested in setting my sights on Investment Banking,” he shares. Knowing that Newpoint has hired many Dal students in the past, he decided to use this as an opportunity to network with some of their employees which secured him an interview.

During his time at EY, Ronan contributed to the audit of a local hospital foundation and assisted in closing a class action lawsuit against a large insurance firm which was a unique project he was thrilled to be a part of. Reflecting on his co-op experiences, he shares that the most exciting project he worked on was with Newpoint, where he built a financial model from scratch for a potential capital raise, using historical financial statements. “This was my first time building a model outside of online courses and YouTube videos, and it was a great learning experience,” he says.

One of his proudest achievements so far was helping a health tech startup expand into the United States. The summer before his second year, he interned at Vitala, a platform providing young women with access to reproductive healthcare in Latin American countries. “What I didn’t know was that all the research I did over the summer had helped this organization expand into the US where sexual and reproductive healthcare can be hard to access in some parts due to Roe v. Wade being overturned,” he reflects. This was a meaningful accomplishment for Ronan, as he indirectly helped thousands of women in marginalized communities get access to critical healthcare.

During his time at EY, Ronan appreciated the culture of the office. “The team would eat lunch together in the kitchen and there were frequent socials to get to know each other better.” At Newpoint, he found the work engaging and the team supportive, noting that everyone was approachable and willing to help. “I love working on models and pitch decks and enjoy sitting in on meetings with the client or private equity firms,” he shares.

Balancing student life with co-op applications, Ronan prioritized networking by setting up informational interviews with professionals from companies of interest, and dedicating post-work hours to emailing, practicing interviews, and job searching. He narrowed down his job choice by applying to every Investment Banking or Capital Markets role. His advice to other students looking for a co-op is to start networking as early as you can, join student societies, and build your resume early. More specifically, after first year, practice technical questions, and in second year, target specific firms and connect with professionals while regularly updating the contacts you make to stay on their radar.

Ronan leveraged networking as a key strategy, but he acknowledges that making connections at events is just one part of the process. Building and nurturing a network mainly comes after the event is over. “I find that going to networking events is not always ideal for building personal connections, for that you want to set up follow-up one-on-one calls.” During recruiting season, Ronan spent a lot of time on LinkedIn. “It’s such a powerful tool you can use to find Dal alumni, or anyone who has an interesting position. Once I found a person of interest, I would reach out.”

Matthew Kratz is a second-year Corporate Residency MBA student from Calgary, Alberta. He chose Dalhousie for its blend of academics and practical experience, particularly for its focus on work-integrated learning and networking opportunities. Having lived in Halifax for three years, he was also attracted to the location.

Currently, Matthew is a Procure to Pay Analyst in Dalhousie’s Financial Services department, where he communicates initiatives to faculty, staff, and researchers while connecting with suppliers. As a visual artist with a background in technical theatre, he leverages his storytelling and creative thinking skills to address procurement challenges. “My arts background has equipped me with a versatile toolkit that has enhanced my contributions to team meetings and collaborations,” he explains.

Matthew’s critical artistic approach has led to broader process improvements. One of his significant contributions is to DalBuy, a web-based purchase requisitioning tool. He has implemented and defined terms, created newsletters, and produced an introductory video for the platform which was well received by Dalhousie’s executive team and other important partners.

And, on top of accomplishing all of this during his work term, Matthew is proud of his personal accomplishment of becoming Vice Chair of Nocturne Art at Night Festival during his corporate residency.

Before moving to Halifax in 2020, Matthew majored in Painting at the Alberta University of the Arts and took additional calculus courses in preparation for the off chance that he would not move on to a Master of Fine Arts. He graduated from NSCAD University in 2022 after having developed a novel photographic print-making process, defending his thesis on nostalgic consumption in visual media culture, and creating a short film selected for the Halifax Independent Filmmakers Festival.

In between his master’s programs, Matthew worked for the Prismatic Arts Festival and Neptune Theatre and apprenticed as a theatrical video and projection designer. His experiences sparked an interest in supporting artists as well as the business side of arts, prompting him to pursue his CRMBA.

Matthew reflects on how his artistic background shaped his business approach, emphasizing the tenacity and focus required in arts. “You have to find your own definition of success and define for yourself what it is you’re trying to accomplish,” he notes. He appreciates the vibrant arts community here in Halifax, stating, “There’s so much community out there in the arts, and there are so many people willing to help you succeed.”

For students with non-traditional backgrounds entering the business world, he advises identifying transferable skills and clearly articulating how these experiences make you a valuable asset. “Don’t worry if you sometimes face skepticism, because your value is self-evident to the experiences that are worth your time,” he adds.

Lastly, Matthew highlights the importance of creativity in a corporate setting. He views it as essential to identifying challenges and adapting to change, setting you apart with plenty of practice. “Creativity is a skill you can improve, that’s important to remember.”

Sofia Devine is a fourth-year Commerce Co-op student, majoring in Finance with a minor in Law. Originally from Vancouver, she chose Dalhousie for its co-op program and the vibrant student life. “I loved the opportunity provided by the Commerce Co-op program, though the city was one of the most beautiful places to study and I heard that the student life was awesome!”

During her first year in the program, Sofia began what would become a long-term career journey with the organization HARVEST Clean Eats. Initially hired in a serving position, she developed relationships with the organization’s founder and CEO as well as the Head of Operations and decided to she take the initiative to ask if they would be interested in hiring her as a co-op student on their corporate team. “I knew they were wanting to grow the company, and I had a feeling there was a great opportunity within the brand,” she shares.

This led to her first co-op in winter 2023 as a Finance Intern, which grew into a promotion of a Finance Manager by the end of her second co-op. Sofia has stayed with the company ever since, working part-time while taking classes in between her co-ops, including her third and final co-op this past summer, and will continue in her role after graduation. “I truly do feel my experience and knowledge has grown alongside the company. When I started, there were only two HARVEST locations, and now with nine across Atlantic Canada we are moving to Toronto in 2025!”

As the company expands, she explains that the sophistication of their financial modeling and reporting, with the help of the new VP of Finance, also expands. “From what started as handwritten performance reports on a Google Doc has transformed into sophisticated accounting software, high level reporting, and consistent analysis of financial reports.”

Looking back, Sofia shares that she is grateful for how HARVEST helped her find her voice in the corporate world and develop critical analysis and problem-solving skills. One piece of advice she would give her first-year self is to not be afraid of getting creative and sharing ideas with colleagues. “In growing alongside HARVEST Clean Eats, it’s like I got to develop experience with a different sized corporation each term.”