Student Spotlight – Douglas Bowerman

December 11, 2018 Management Career Services Leave a Comment

Douglas Bowerman is a 4^th-year Bachelor of Management student who is completing his 8-month internship with Scotiabank as a Marketing and Customer Engagement Analyst. Through hard work and networking, Douglas was the 1st BMgmt Internship student to self-develop an internship opportunity (with a large bank that has not hired many Management students). If you’re interested to learn what it can be like to develop your own job opportunity, take inspiration from Douglas who seized an opportunity to make a meaningful connection and saw it pay off in big ways.

Douglas says that he was interested in the Internship Program from the beginning of his first year at Dalhousie; recognizing the importance of obtaining work experience while completing his undergraduate degree.

“The Internship Program gave me the freedom to graduate in four years and work for 8 straight months. Additionally, I was excited for a work term more towards the end of my degree. I believe a work term later in an undergraduate degree allows for more practical application of course material and increases the potential of post-graduate employment.”

Dedicating an appropriate amount of time to his job search, while keeping up with the demands of a rigorous course load proved to be one of the biggest challenges he faced while searching for an internship. He was also set on staying in Halifax and wanted to do his internship with a large organization.

“The most difficult part of my job search was finding something local, that aligned with my job preferences. At the time, the majority of marketing related job postings were located out of province. I was pretty firm on staying in Halifax, so that came with some limitations.”

It was through the 2017 Ethics in Action Case Competition in his third year that Douglas found the opportunity he had been looking for. His team placed 3^rd overall and during the gala dinner, he had the unique opportunity to network work with Scotiabank executives. Through those conversations, he was encouraged to follow up about a job opportunity at the Atlantic Regional Office.

“Following the meeting, I kept in touch on a monthly basis via email. I was assured there was still interest in hiring an internship student, and that the process was underway. This process took a number of months, but in the end, a job posting was made for a marketing position at one of their regional offices. I applied online and received an offer shortly after.”

Through his internship with Scotiabank Douglas has had the opportunity to be involved with various marketing initiatives. He played an important role in coordinating the Maritime NHL’ers for Kids event in Digby, NS this past summer. Maritime NHL’ers for Kids is a celebrity golf tournament that raises money for families involved in youth hockey programs across the Maritimes. He was tasked with designing Scotiabank-branded socks to provide as part of the participants’ gifts. Douglas says that his team “received great feedback, and the socks were a huge success”.

He was also presented with the opportunity to partake in the United Way Campaign Associate program as a Scotiabank representative. The leadership of his supervisor and the executive team has made his internship a great learning experience because of the focus they put on their employees and on creating an environment that allows them to experience different roles and ultimately thrive personally and professionally.

“The leadership team at Scotiabank makes a conscious effort to create opportunities for deserving employees.”

Douglas says that his advice for students looking to create a self-developed job opportunity is to never underestimate the power of networking.

“A job search can be hard but can pay off if you put in the work. Learn how to market yourself, speak to your skills with conviction and proof and reach out to people in a respectful and professional matter.”

“You can’t get a job you don’t apply for, and you won’t create a job you don’t ask about. This raises the importance of networking and treating every person you meet as a potential employer and an important professional contact. Usually, the best opportunities come about when you least expect it, but they won’t arise without effort and involvement in extracurricular activities or networking opportunities.”

“Ultimately the more effort you put into your job search, the more opportunities you will have to choose from.”

If you want to learn more about the Bachelor of Management Internship program and how you can apply, register to attend our Information Session on Tuesday, January 15^th via myCareer.

UPass, Dalplex & Residence Info for Students on a Co-op/Internship Work Term for Winter 2019

December 5, 2018 Allison Auld Leave a Comment

This information specifically pertains to Bachelor of Commerce Co-op students and CR-MBA students beginning their work term this upcoming winter term.

UPass Opt-out Process:
If your approved work term is outside of the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), you can opt out of the UPass.

The deadline to opt-out of the UPass for the Winter 2019 semester is January 18, 2019.

To opt out, you must do three steps:

Complete a waiver online, available at: https://www.dal.ca/campus_life/UPass/opting-out.html
Prove your work term is outside of HRM. To prove your work term details, you can either:

login to myCareer and show your approved work term on your phone at the DalCard Office, OR
print a copy of your approved work term record to take with you to the DalCard Office as proof. To print your work term record:
- Login to myCareer, click on Management Career Services.
- Scroll down to locate your co-op sequence on the right-hand side of the screen.
- Click the link for the appropriate work term to access your work term record.
- Click the blue Print Work Term Detail button that appears to generate a copy of your work term record and then print it.

3. Return your UPass sticker to the DalCard Office, located at 6230 Coburg Road (Howe Hall).

Please note: for the DalCard Office to waive your U-Pass fee, your work term record must have been approved by Management Career Services, the approved work term details completed and your work term must be outside of HRM. Please contact your assigned Career and Recruitment Specialist if your submitted work term record has yet to be approved.

Dalplex Access:
Dalhousie students do not pay any student services fees while on co-op work terms, which means that they do not have access to the Dalplex or Sexton Memorial Gym until they return to classes on a full-time basis. Visit Dalplex directly to purchase a term membership or for rate information, call 902-494-3372.

Residence:
If your work term is located outside of the HRM and you are living in a Dalhousie Residence, you must contact the Residence Office at residence@dal.ca and provide proof that you have an approved work term outside of HRM.

To prove your work term details:

Login to myCareer, click on Management Career Services.
Scroll down to locate your co-op sequence on the right-hand side of the screen.
Click the link for the appropriate work term to access your work term record.
Click the blue Print Work Term Detail button that appears to generate a copy of your work term record.
Save it as a PDF file, which you can then email to the Residence Office.

Student Spotlight – Madison Longmire & Madeleine Fraser Burke

December 4, 2018 Management Career Services Leave a Comment

Madeleine Fraser Burke and Madison Longmire are 4^th-year Bachelor of Commerce students who were chosen to represent Dalhousie University at the International Society of Certified Employee Benefit Specialists (ISCEBS) Symposium in Boston. The ISCEBS Symposium was an opportunity to learn about the corporate benefits industry and attend workshops and network with professionals within the insurance industry. If you are thinking about working in a particular business sector, gain insight into why Madison and Madeleine believe attending an industry conference is a great learning experience.

Both Madison and Madeleine are accounting majors who have developed a passion for the insurance industry through their work term experiences. Madison says that during her time in the Commerce program her interest in the industry has grown. Her family has worked in the employee benefits and insurance industry for years and she has always been curious to learn more.

“I wanted to gain exposure to the employee benefits field, especially internationally, which would have been challenging as a co-op student. I knew this was an area that was not highlighted much in the Commerce program, so I was excited about the opportunity to learn more and attend the sessions offered during this conference.”

“I have attended many networking sessions where there were mainly students present and the goal was recruiting, so it was interesting to attend a conference where there were only a few students and an opportunity to learn how to network and make connections in an environment that was geared towards professional development.”

For Madeleine, her interest in the industry began with her passion for mathematics and actuarial sciences. A switch into the Commerce program only increased her curiosity to learn more about the insurance industry and how it is influenced by tax reforms. Aside from expanding her knowledge and the experiences she gained while working for EY that increased her interest in the industry, she says that the conference’s networking opportunities were the most beneficial to her professional and personal development.

“I believe the most important factor in personal and professional development is achieved through networking, and getting involved in new opportunities that allow for doors to open to roles you never even imagined yourself working in. The conference was a great opportunity to hear stories from industry professionals and understand the steps they took to reach the position they are in today.”

Although it can be intimidating to get involved in conferences and other extra-curricular activities, both Madison and Madeleine agree that engaging with professionals is important for future career success.

“Academics are not the only answer to discover what your passion is. Keeping an open mind in new jobs, volunteer positions and various student activities provides an opportunity to expand your knowledge and gain insight into new interests that you were not aware of.”

If you are interested in getting involved and looking for ways to enhance your career development outside of the classroom, make sure you are regularly checking your Dal email for notifications regarding opportunities for professional growth from Management Career Services.

Student Spotlight – Kate Bertagnolli

November 27, 2018 Management Career Services Leave a Comment

Kate Bertagnolli is a 3^rd-year Bachelor of Commerce student majoring in International Business. Her love and passion for travelling influenced her to pursue an international work term experience. Kate is currently working in Australia for Bishop Collins, a chartered professional accounting firm, while her previous co-op experience was working in London with Needhams 1834, a business continuity crisis-management consulting firm. If travelling and working abroad piques your interest, take inspiration from Kate who was able to leverage her connections and secure two work terms overseas.

Kate’s love of travelling, experiencing new things and being able to combine earning a co-op course credit were motivating factors behind her decision to move and work overseas. The decision to go overseas was an easy one for Kate. She completed her first work term in London and quickly decided she wanted to do her second work term abroad as well.

“My interest in International Business also influenced my decision to try and gain co-op work terms abroad. I also really enjoy seeing how other countries run their businesses, learning about cultural differences, experiencing foreign job markets and the independence involved with international work terms. “

When searching for co-op work terms abroad, there are many unique challenges that may arise. According to Kate, it can be difficult to get your foot in the door when you have no existing network in the country you want to work in. When your connections are limited, Kate says it is important to not give up.

“If you send enough emails and fight for yourself eventually someone will say yes or pass along your details to someone who will hire you.”

Working overseas in an unfamiliar culture can be overwhelming but according to Kate, the benefits outweigh the challenges. Kate says that working overseas has strengthened her ability to adapt. The unfamiliar nature of working overseas requires a degree of openness and preparedness, two things that she believes are important traits to have when working abroad.

“One thing I have learned from my international co-ops is the need to think on your feet; to have quick, confident and knowledgeable answers. My international co-ops have required me to adapt quickly, adjust my mindset and always be sensitive to other cultures.”

Kate believes that both of her international work terms have benefitted her both professionally and personally. Professionally they have broadened and increased her network and connections. While personally, it has allowed her the opportunity to pursue her passion for travelling.

“Everybody is very supportive of my international experiences and as a result, I am invited to many events which allow me to expand my global network. It also has provided me with insight into how other people do things and what different countries value as most important in a business.

“An international work term provides greater insight into the wider business world and can be really rewarding for an International Business major. Apart from the business side, it is so enriching to visit other countries and learn their history and explore different places.”

When it comes to her future plans, Kate says she is looking forward to completing her last international work term. Her experiences so far have only increased her desire to work abroad, continue her education and travel. Curious about whether an international work term is right for you? Click here to learn more.

Roadmap to Recruitment Events in 2019

November 26, 2018 Andrea Young Leave a Comment

With the New Year fast approaching, many organizations are busy mapping out their strategy for 2019. As always, MCS is here to provide you with the specialized intelligence and hands-on support that will help you hit your hiring targets. So to make it easier for you to plan your activities well in advance, we have set the dates for all of our major career and recruitment events through to October 2019.

Access the 2019 Key Event Timeline

We have also analyzed the results of our 2018 post-event surveys to identify the recruitment trends and best practices that can optimize your student engagement efforts in 2019.

Here’s what we found:

Campus Recruitment Events are Alive and Well

Trying to justify those campus recruitment event budgets? Wondering if your time is well-spent attending them? Based on the student participation and engagement we saw this past year, it’s safe to say that it continues to be an effective tool for attracting and evaluating talent. Need further proof? According to 2017 research conducted by the Scott Resource Group with students from 19 universities, 55% of students disagree or strongly disagree that “employers that use virtual tools to recruit are just as interested in students from my school as those who maintain a physical presence.”

In 2018, we broke student and employer attendance records for our marquee fall networking event, now known as Rowe Networking Night. Over 200 students,and over 110 employers joined us for a lively evening of networking. Save the date for Sept. 11, 2019 when we’ll host the next one!

Rowe Networking Night 2018

2018 also saw student registration for our Halifax and Toronto Corporate Tours fill up much faster than in years past, indicating student demand to interact with employers and explore different work environments and corporate cultures on site is stronger than ever.

Students who attended our 2018 fall recruitment events were recently survey and respondents reported that…

85% were satisfied with their experience.
95% were more likely to apply for a job with an organization after connecting with them at an event on campus

Employers who opted to attend our Corporate Residency MBA Pitch & Mingle event in August

Saw a 30% average increase in applications to their job postings
100% decided to offer one or more positions to our CRMBA candidates, compared to 80% of the employers who posted jobs but chose not to attend

Timing is Everything

The leading cause (76%) of students canceling their registration for a career event this fall was due to a conflict with their class schedule or midterm exam. In addition, “convenient date and time for my schedule” was the top-ranking factor (55%) influencing which events they chose to attend.

So how can employers ensure that their campus information session is being held at an optimal time to attract students? The key to scheduling your campus information session is to consult with the MCS team well in advance, indicating the type of students that you are targeting with respect to program, year of study, degree major, or any criteria that may be relevant to you. Course schedules vary program to program, and year to year. The MCS team can help you determine the best time to host your event by aligning your targets recruits with the day/time that conflicts with the fewest classes.

How far in advance should you start planning your campus information session? For the busy September 2019 recruitment season, we recommend reaching out to our team as early as May 2019. For all other times of year, 4-6 weeks advance notice is ideal for room booking and event promotion purposes.

Students Crave Face-Time with Employers & Alumni

Whether we were asking students for their feedback on our Corporate Tours or our fall career events, there was a recurring theme: the more opportunities to network with employers and alumni, the better. This is feedback that employers can easily apply to their student engagement activities by:

Building dedicated networking time into your information session/tour visit

Invite multiple recruiters or company representatives to the session/visit to increase the number of students you’re able to talk to within the time available

Tapping into Dal alumni you have on your team in the presentation and/or networking component and encourage them to talk about their career path and their experience with the organization

Working with MCS to do an alumni spotlight which can be shared through the MCS student e-newsletter, social media channels, and the video wall overlooking the Rowe Atrium in the lead up to your event

Alumni Spotlights on the MCS Blog

Mixing It Up with Mixers Pays Off

2018 saw the evolution of two of our annual recurring events, to positive reviews. Both the Co-op Summer Social and the CRMBA Pitch & Mingle events allow employers to interact with a single cohort from the respective program, and offer a format that combines structured and open networking opportunities.

The PepsiCo booth at the 2018 Co-op Summer Social

The Co-op Summer Social (an event designed to celebrate the 2nd-year Bachelor of Commerce students returning to campus from their first-ever co-op work term) marked its 5^th year in 2018. This year, at the suggestion of MCS’ own co-op student employees, was the first time that employers were offered the opportunity to host booths and network in the Rowe Atrium. Open to only 200 BComm students and 8 sponsor organizations representing a range of industry sectors, the atmosphere was kept light and cheery, which allowed these lower-year undergrads to feel more at ease, whether they were approaching an employer at a booth, or being introduced to them by a student ambassador for a more casual networking interaction. Following the event, employer sponsors and student ambassadors were invited to rank their experience and provide feedback:

On average, employers rated of the quality of student interaction at a 4.3 out of 5, and the alignment with their recruitment goals at a 4 out of 5 (5 being “High”, 1 being “Low”).

The majority of employers commented on the value of having student ambassadors on hand to help make introductions

This year, the CRMBA kicked off its fall recruitment with a speed-pitching event followed by a networking reception. The speed-pitching session enabled more intimate and engaging discussion to take place between pairs of students and employers pitching each other at high-table stations set up around the room. The structure of the speed-pitching portion helped to break the ice between the two groups leading into the reception. As a result, 85% of the employers shared that they were supportive of this new approach.

Speed-pitching session followed by networking reception

Employers who participate in our upcoming Toronto Corporate Tour as practice interviewers can also benefit from this combination of a more structured student engagement activity, followed by the option to attend the Corporate Tour networking reception that evening.

The Bottom-line

MCS is here to help you achieve your New Year’s “recruitment resolutions”. Whether you are looking for quality student engagement opportunities, hands-on recruitment activities, or the chance to heighten your organization’s brand exposure, we have the unique solutions and support services to make it happen. Connect with us today to map out the plan that’s right for you.

Student Spotlight – Qi (Vicky) Chen

November 20, 2018 Management Career Services Leave a Comment

Vicky (Qi) Chen is a 3^rd year international Bachelor of Commerce student majoring in Marketing. Vicky is originally from China and came to Canada to study and experience the Canadian workplace culture. She is currently on her second work term with Atlantic Business Interiors and completed her first co-op work term with the Undergraduate Advising Office. Throughout her time in the program, Vicky has gained Canadian workplace experience through her co-op work terms as well as immersed herself in various extracurricular activities. As an international student immersed in an unfamiliar culture, Vicky was able to leverage the transferable skills she gained through her extracurricular activities to boost her professional development.

Although she is kept busy with both academic studies and co-op work terms, Vicky has made time to participate in various student societies. She is currently the International Student Representative for the Dalhousie Commerce Society (DCS). Her position with the DCS has allowed her to work closely with the International Student Success Program (ISSP) to increase international student engagement. One of Vicky’s more recent projects, one which she is quite proud of, was to create a WeChat account for international students to keep them informed of DCS events. Since launching the account, it has attracted more than 170 international student users.

“I work closely with the VP Internal and VP Marketing of the DCS to organize events, create content, and help with language translation. I have hired volunteers, allocated tasks and encouraged volunteers to perform well; I have contacted different organizations about events such as ISSP, the International Centre, and Pier 21; and created marketing posters and flyers in different languages to help international students feel involved. I am very happy that I can help international students get involved on campus.”

Within the past year, Vicky has also participated in two case competitions: the Atlantic Throwdown Case Competition and the International Student Case Competition. During both of those competitions, Vicky chose to take on leadership roles which helped to lead her teams to victory.

“I encouraged the team to discuss the case from different perspectives and fields: marketing, finance, human capital, operations, and international market expansion. We discussed the topics and main issues of the company, practiced the presentation, and improved our ability to think quickly and effectively.”

When asked about how her experiences volunteering with the DCS and participating in case competitions has influenced her professional development, Vicky is quick to note that her academic performance and confidence have increased as a result. She believes that the transferable skills she was able to gain through her participation in these activities ultimately helped her secure two work terms in Canada.

“These experiences enhanced my professional skills such as the written communication skills I use to write emails and posters, the verbal communication skills that I have used to discuss projects in different languages, as well as event planning and organizational skills. The interpersonal skills that I have gained have taught me how to work more efficiently with team members and have given me the confidence to speak out and be more involved.”

Expanding and building her professional skills have ultimately contributed to Vicky’s work term success. The advice Vicky has to share with other international students is to be confident and well prepared.

“Don’t be shy, get out of your comfort zone and get involved in the local community. Getting involved and exposing yourself to different situations increases your comfort and confidence in the workplace.”

Want to learn more about how you can enhance your resume by adding your volunteer experiences and extra-curricular activities? Access the e-learning webinar on ‘How to write a winning resume’ under the Resources section of myCareer.

Student Spotlight – Ye (Ian) Fu

November 6, 2018 Management Career Services Leave a Comment

Ye (Ian) Fu is a second-year MBA student in the Corporate Residency program. He is originally from China and chose to come to Canada for the first time to pursue his MBA. Ian was able to apply what he had learned from the MBA program, and make lasting connections that have served him well in his professional development with the Bank of Montreal (BMO) during his recent work term. Gain insight into why Ian believes that leveraging connections is one of the most important skills to master.

When asked about his decision to pursue his MBA in Canada, Ian says the Dalhousie Corporate Residency MBA program was especially attractive. Combining traditional academic coursework with an 8-month paid residency, the CRMBA is a unique opportunity for students to fast-track their professional success.

“The reason why I chose to come to Canada is to experience Canadian culture and gain North American work experience. Considering this, the Corporate Residency MBA program stood out to me immediately. The 22-month program includes an 8-month paid work term, which provides me with the opportunity to experience the corporate culture in Canada and to network with professionals in the industry to pave the way for my post-graduate job search next year.”

Ian completed his 8-month residency with BMO in Toronto this past August where he worked as a Data Analyst. He notes that transitioning between two projects challenged him to be organized and rely on skills he had developed through the CRMBA program.

“I had to quickly learn how to manage the relationship with both teams and carry on two projects at the same time. The effective communication and time management skills I learned from my MBA PPE (Personal Professional Effectiveness) class really helped me succeed during this transition.”

Ian says that a big part of his residency success can be attributed to the supportive nature of his supervisor and team members. Having that degree of support enabled Ian to gain confidence in his abilities and seek out tasks and learning opportunities outside of his comfort zone.

“Both of the teams that I was a part of were super supportive and helpful in answering my questions and guiding me through projects. I had weekly meetings with my supervisor where I was able to talk to him about the things I learned and ask for his feedback. I’ve benefitted tremendously from the cohesive team environment and the ease of access to upper management at BMO.”

For Ian, one of the most beneficial aspects of his residency was the increased opportunity to make professional connections, which he says directly influenced his future career development.

“Your work term is the best time for you to demonstrate your personality and work ethic. Making a good impression with your colleagues and managers can really help you stand out. Earning a reference letter from your manager is one of the best ways to differentiate yourself from the rest of the competition.”

“It’s never too early to start networking. Everyone in the company should be your target audience, even from different teams, as you never know if someone from the finance team might offer you a position even when you are working in marketing. Be proactive; introduce yourself and ask people questions, this is the best way to start the conversation. Don’t get frustrated by a few failures. If you’re doing what you believe is the best for you, success will come!”

Want to learn more about how to improve and leverage your networking skills? Check out our blog post ‘Build Your Confidence and Practice the Art of Networking’ to learn tips and tricks on that you can apply to your job search and career growth.

Student Spotlight: Natcha Wannaklang

October 30, 2018 Management Career Services Leave a Comment

Natcha Wannaklang is a 4th-year BComm student majoring in accounting. She is originally from Thailand and came to Canada to pursue her undergraduate degree in Commerce at Dalhousie. Despite being an international student immersed in an unfamiliar country and speaking another language, Natcha was able to secure three work terms in Canada and fast-track her professional development. Keep reading to get inspired by Natcha’s work term success!

When asked about the biggest job search challenge she has had to face being an international student, Natcha says that it was difficult to make connections when all of your past work experience is in another country.

“It is hard to get your foot in the door for an interview with companies when your past work experience isn’t in Canada. Since I am from Thailand, all my work experience was in another language and culture, and I was trying to find work in a country I didn’t have any personal connections in. Even though I grew up speaking another language, I am fully capable of working in English, as are many other international students.”

Working in the small, rural community of Inverness during her second co-op work term at Cabot Links presented Natcha with a greater feeling of culture shock than she had experienced before. But it helped that her employers and co-workers were very welcoming, and all the workers were very close.

“When I first moved to Inverness, I lived in staff accommodations where I got to meet many of my coworkers who I now consider my friends. Since many of the workers at Cabot Links are from all over the country, having workplace events really helped bring everyone together and feel more a part of the team”.

One of the greatest strengths Natcha believes she brings to her employers as an international student is her diverse background and culture. Growing up in a different culture than most of her classmates and peers gives her the competitive edge of having a unique perspective. According to Natcha, sometimes a different perspective leads to a new way to solve a problem. This proved especially useful when tasked with finding solutions to problems during her work terms.

“Having multiple perspectives and approaches for solving problems is always beneficial because it allows a company to listen to new ideas and find a better way to achieve the goal at hand”.

Although Natcha has experienced challenges finding a co-op work term, she says her experience has been nothing but positive when it comes to personal and professional development. One of the most difficult aspects of being an international student is not knowing the culture of your host country. Natcha says that all three of her co-op work term employers went above and beyond and were welcoming and supportive throughout her employment. From helping to update her resume and cover letter, to engaging her in team building activities, Natcha says she has felt comfortable from the beginning.

When asked about what type of advice Natcha would give to fellow international students who are looking to make the most out of their co-op work terms, she says to work hard and make sure to get out of your comfort zone.

“Finding a co-op placement is never easy, so by working hard and applying to a lot of job openings, it increases the chances that you will find a co-op that you will like and will help you to further your future career. My work terms have resulted in going out of comfort zone by working in a communications role, moving to a small town in Cape Breton for work, and working in an industry I wasn’t very familiar with. The great thing about my work terms was that each one gave me the experience I needed to find work after I graduate”.

Pro Tip:Optimize your job application by tailoring your resume and cover letter to align your skills and experience with the specific job description and qualifications.

Want to learn more about finding work in Canada? Check out our e-learning webinar “Beginners guide – the job search in Canada” under the Resources section of myCareer.

Alumni Spotlight – Kaitlyn Veitch

October 23, 2018 Management Career Services Leave a Comment

If you’re interested in knowing what it’s like to work in a Supply Chain and Logistics role, keep reading to learn about Kaitlyn Veitch’s unique experience through the BComm program that led her to decide to pursue a career in Supply Chain and Procurement.

Kaitlyn Veitch is an alumna of the BComm Class of 2013 with a major in Marketing. She is currently the Acting Procurement Manager for Irving Shipbuilding. During her time in the program, Kaitlyn explored three separate marketing roles through her co-op work terms. It wasn’t until her 4^th year that she became interested in the Supply Chain sector. Kaitlyn says that she stumbled upon the field of procurement through a case competition that she participated in. She says the case competition opened her mind to other career avenues and opportunities that she didn’t know were available.

“Procurement brings in elements of marketing I love; such as creativity and building strong messaging, along with analytical aspects of finance. I love the balance of analytical and interpersonal skills that Supply Chain/Procurement requires”.

When asked about her biggest learning outcome from the program, Kaitlyn says to view every experience as an opportunity for growth. The challenges she faced throughout her work terms turned out to be the most valuable to grow and learn from as a young professional. Kaitlyn also believes that the nature of the BComm program gave her a significant competitive edge when applying for jobs post-graduation.

“I felt so prepared thanks to the structure of the program and the added value of utilizing the Management Career Services team”.

“The integration of practical work and coursework really allowed me to develop a diverse set of skills. It was of great benefit to see how the classroom work applied in an industry setting. I grew and developed professionally and personally in a way that I never could have without the integrated learning structure that the BComm program offered”.

Kaitlyn says the biggest piece of advice she has to offer to current students is to keep an open mind and to stop worrying about making the wrong choice when it comes to your co-op work experiences.

“The co-op program not only allows you to kick-start your career, but it also allows you to learn about what you enjoy and what skill sets you would like to continue developing once you graduate.”

“Looking back now, I don’t think there was such a thing as a wrong choice for my work terms. Each work term gives you the opportunity to learn and develop while exploring different opportunities. Each work experience is what you make of it”.

If you want to gain more industry-specific advice about either a career in Supply Chain and Logistics, or the other industries related to the various BComm program majors, make sure to attend the Industry Student Panel & Fair on October 30^th. Attend this event to learn tips and tricks to make the most out of your co-op work terms. And for more information on the Supply Chain & Logistics sector, check out our Industry Fact Sheet available on through the resources page in the MCS section of myCareer.

Student Spotlight – Rosalyn Huynh

October 17, 2018 Management Career Services Leave a Comment

Rosalyn Huyngh Rosalyn Huynh is a 4^th year Bachelor of Commerce student majoring in Accounting and one of 6 panelists participating in the upcoming Industry Student Panel & Fair hosted by MCS on Oct. 30, 2018. She has recently completed her last work-term placement and is gearing up to enter the workforce full-time. Throughout her time in the BComm program at Dalhousie, Rosalyn has successfully balanced academics, extracurriculars, and work term requirements.

Rosalyn believes participating in the co-op program has given her invaluable experiences that will continue to serve her throughout her working professional life. This past summer, Rosalyn recently completed her last work term with energy utility company Emera. This was her second placement with Emera as an Internal Audit Co-op student. When asked about what she has learned throughout her co-op placements, Rosalyn says she has most notably learned the skill of autonomy.

“Emera empowered me to work independently but also to openly ask questions. The Co-op Program has literally trained me in incremental steps to apply my education to the professional world. My co-op terms allowed me to work in different work environments to gain a multitude of experiences without the long-term commitment of a full-time job.”

When Rosalyn is not busy working full-time during her co-op placements, she is busy juggling both academics as well as student society involvement. She is the current President of the Rowe Women in Business Association (WIBA) and has been with the society from its beginning stages. Rowe WIBA empowers women to have a greater presence in the business world, as well as “to reach for more and instill the confidence needed for women to push forward with their ideas and voice”. The goal of Rowe WIBA is to redefine what is considered the norm in work environments and Rosalyn has played an integral part in working towards that goal through her contributions to the Association.

As for her plans after graduation, Rosalyn will be working at PwC in the Halifax office as a New Associate in their Assurance department. She plans to participate in a Graduate Diploma in Professional Accounting to fast-track her studies for the CPA Program. She credits her experiences in the Co-op program as allowing her to explore various career opportunities.

If you want to get the inside scoop on what it is like to work in different industry sectors, how to succeed in your co-op job search, and make the most of your co-op experience like Rosalyn did, be sure to attend the Industry Student Panel & Fair on October 30^th. Registration is now open via https://mycareer.dal.ca/login/student.htmmyCareer.

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