Shafiul Hassan Rafi, a third-year Bachelor of Commerce Co-op student majoring in Accounting, describes himself as a passionate entrepreneur with a keen interest in social business development. Originally from Bangladesh, he chose Dalhousie because of the opportunity to integrate co-ops into his university studies, enhancing his professional development.

For his first co-op, which took place this past winter, Shafiul worked as a Tax Co-op Student at Emera. Currently, he is wrapping up his second co-op as a Supply Management Contracts Specialist Co-op Student at Irving Oil Limited. “These diverse co-op opportunities have been instrumental in building my professional network and acquiring essential skills, both technical and soft, such as time management, interpersonal skills, problem solving, and critical thinking.”

As Irving Oil is located in Saint John, New Brunswick, Shafiul was required to move to a new province for his co-op. “Relocating to Saint John presented challenges, but I embraced the experience by making friends at work and engaging in the numerous events and volunteer opportunities offered by Irving Oil.” Shafiul has also embraced the opportunity to develop his LinkedIn presence by sharing what he has been learning on his co-op, recognizing the substantial value the platform adds to his professional development. “While not a job requirement, this proactive approach enables me to build my professional network, showcase my skills and achievements, stay informed about industry trends, discover potential job opportunities, and continually learn from others in my field.” By maintaining an active LinkedIn presence, Shafiul has not only reinforced his professional identity but has also positioned himself for future career growth opportunities beyond the scope of his current co-op. It’s all part of continuous learning, which he emphasizes is crucial, especially in rapidly evolving industries. “Staying up to date on industry trends and acquiring new skills has been crucial for my professional growth. Additionally, cultivating a proactive and adaptable mindset has proven beneficial in navigating challenges and seizing opportunities throughout my academic and professional journey.”

Shafiul emphasizes that a strategic approach to job searching has been beneficial to him so far. Here is his job search advice for you:

• Shortlist 10 jobs of interest.
• Tailor your application for each role to match the job requirements.
• Proactively reach out to potential employers.

Shafiul adds, “Networking plays a crucial role, and I encourage fellow students not to shy away from this essential aspect of job searching. Management Career Services has also been a tremendous resource during my job search, offering support with practice interviews, resume writing, and cover letters. I highly recommend students utilize the resources provided by MCS to enhance their job search.”

Meet Shannon Neil, a third-year Bachelor of Commerce Co-op student majoring in Managing People and Organizations. Originally from the Maritimes, Shannon spent more than 10 years living in Edmonton, Alberta before choosing to study at Dal because of the co-op opportunities that the Commerce program provides. “My co-ops have given me the opportunity to develop vital workplace skills for my chosen career path and gain experience in multiple different fields of business.”

Shannon is currently on her second co-op at Skills Canada Nova Scotia (SCNS) Association as the Marketing and Events Assistant, where she also completed her first co-op this past winter. During her first co-op, Shannon’s role was predominantly focused on marketing and event management with some aspects centered around partnerships. “I learned the many intricacies and moving elements of running an event, managed high volumes of data and organized them into an easily accessible manner, and developed and promoted brand content for SCNS through social media platforms, e-newsletters, and media advisories.”

Between her first and second co-op, Shannon was offered a part-time position with SCNS, which allowed her to explore different aspects of the organization. “Throughout the summer I worked in marketing communication, social media coordination, and the partnership departments. These experiences opened my eyes to the exciting world of Managing People and Organizations.”

By the end of her first year, Shannon had declared another major, but over the course of her time at SCNS, she realized that her interests and ambitions aligned best with a major in Managing People and Organizations. “Thanks to this role, I discovered a sector of business and partnerships that I thrive in and am excited to pursue moving forward.” Shannon credits the variety of opportunities that Dal’s Commerce Co-op program offers to helping her discover her new career path. “I am able to explore the many aspects of the business world before graduation. My co-ops have provided invaluable insights into potential career paths that better suit my professional ambitions and align more closely with my natural strengths.”

During her second co-op, Shannon shares that she has gained invaluable experience writing grant applications, community support requests, proposals, and agreements, and leading the SCNS annual recognition event. She has more responsibility and autonomy in the work she does for the organization and has learned valuable lessons that she applies in both her personal and professional life. “I have developed strong interpersonal relationships, communication skills, and a newfound appreciation for the work ethic employees in non-profit organizations have.”

If you’re interested in returning to your co-op employer for another work term, here is Shannon’s advice for you:

• Show your ambition and eagerness to learn.
• Have open and honest communication with your supervisor.
• Express your interest in returning to the organization sooner rather than later.
• Demonstrate your work ethic and how you are an asset to the team.

Originally from Toronto, Molly Kohn is a fourth-year Bachelor of Commerce Co-op student majoring in Entrepreneurship. Molly chose to study at Dalhousie because of the opportunities she felt the program would provide, particularly through her co-op experiences. “I’m delighted to say that Dalhousie has exceeded my expectations, and I now feel well-prepared to nurture and expand my business after graduation.”

Molly shares that pursuing a major in Entrepreneurship has so far been a fantastic adventure. Before arriving at Dalhousie, she started a small hair elastics business, Elastics by Us. Knowing she wanted to take her business to the next level, she felt Dalhousie would be the perfect choice to acquire essential skills and learn the intricacies of running a successful business.

This past summer, Molly completed her second co-op at the Centre of Entrepreneurship Education and Development (CEED) as the Entrepreneurship and Communications Coordinator. In this position, she managed the organization’s social media and newsletters and organized various events. “This opportunity proved to be incredibly enriching as it entailed my participation in business meetings at prestigious institutions like the Chamber of Commerce, along with a multitude of weekly gatherings that provided me with invaluable external education,” she says. “My work primarily revolved around supporting entrepreneurs, which underscored the critical importance of mentorship and seeking assistance when facing business challenges. The journey of entrepreneurship can sometimes be a solitary one, making the presence of a guiding hand crucial to navigate potential pitfalls.”

In addition to her course work, job search, and co-op experiences, Molly shares that she lives with a chronic illness. “Navigating a chronic illness has presented unique challenges, particularly during my first co-op term, as I had to undergo two major surgeries in a single semester, resulting in the unfortunate loss of my co-op position. However, I was determined to ensure that this setback wouldn’t define my journey at Dalhousie,” she says. “I firmly believe that although I lost my co-op opportunity, it’s not the end of the world. My health has improved, and I’ve persevered. To anyone grappling with a chronic illness, I encourage you not to lose hope and to prevent it from taking control of your life. You’ve got this!”

As any co-op or internship student may know, the process of starting a job search can be a daunting one. Molly has come up with a process that works for her to help kickstart the journey:

• Log into myCareer and identify 10 positions that pique your interest.
• Narrow down that selection by evaluating how well your skills align with each role.
• Once you have picked out your top positions, craft tailored cover letters and resumes for each role.

She adds, “If, by any chance, I don’t secure any of the positions, I don’t let it deter me. Instead, I embrace the opportunity to refine my approach. Persistence is key, and I firmly believe in pursuing a career that aligns with your passion. It’s important to remember that most individuals commence their university journey from a similar starting point, so don’t be afraid to chase what you truly desire.”

Meet Max Barrow, a fourth-year Bachelor of Commerce Co-op student majoring in Finance. Originally from the small town of Lindsay, Ontario, Max decided to attend Dalhousie for the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and cultivate an extensive external network, all while pursuing his degree. “Despite the 1,200-kilometre separation from Lindsay, I experienced an immediate sense of belonging. The community at Dalhousie, both internally and throughout the alumni network, is exceptional.”

As Max embarked on his co-op search, his primary objective was to engage and network with individuals in his field of interest. For his first two co-ops, he worked in Halifax at CIBC Wood Gundy, a private wealth management section of CIBC. There, he was determined to make a lasting positive impact on his team while regularly participating in team meetings, always willing to share suggestions for improvement. “I consistently displayed a genuine interest in the business and strived to be more efficient and effective.” He actively sought out feedback and took initiative to implement changes that would benefit the team. As a result of his hard work and dedication, Max was awarded the Exceptional Student Award, and was nominated for the 2022 Dalhousie Faculty of Management Co-op Student of the Year Award. “Reflecting on my experience and the progress I have made in my professional self, I can say I am proud of my achievements, the network I have developed, and the obstacles I have overcome.”

During his final co-op search, Max wrote an article on trade thesis that made the front cover of Dalhousie Investment Society (DALIS)’s newsletter, The Schooner. This caught the attention of two portfolio managers from Ninepoint Partners Ltd., a firm who typically hires exclusively from Queen’s and Western. In an unexpected turn of events, Max was invited to an interview the very next morning. After advancing to the second round of the process, Max had just days to prepare a stock pitch presentation, complete valuation models and multi-tiered analysis, all while completing his midterms. To ensure his best chances at securing the position, he flew to Toronto immediately following a 3-hour exam in the morning and was presenting to the portfolio managers that afternoon.

In the end, he was hired as an Analyst for the summer 2023 term. “As the first Dalhousie student to join the firm, I felt the weight of expectations. I was driven by a strong desire to uphold and enhance Dalhousie’s reputation and to showcase the exceptional talent that our university fosters.”

Now in his final year of the Commerce Co-op Program, Max has taken on a leadership role as  President of DALIS, which he first joined in his first year of university, hoping to uncover the path he intended to major in. “The relationships I have built and the connections I have made through DALIS have been critical to my success. It’s an honour to lead this exceptional group of individuals and inspire the emerging talents who sit in the same seats I once did,” he says. “My goal for the year is to open the door to anyone and everyone with an interest in financial markets. Regardless of your background, major, or experience level, there is a place for you in both the financial industry and within the DALIS community. I encourage every student to embrace this opportunity for knowledge expansion, even when it takes you out of your comfort zone. Within our society, we come together to learn, grow, and, above all, savour the journey, making every moment a rewarding and enjoyable experience.”

Lauren Houseman is a fourth-year student in the Bachelor of Commerce Co-op program, majoring in Managing People and Organizations. A Nova Scotia native, Lauren chose to study at Dalhousie because of its co-op program and the skills that can be gained through work-integrated learning. “Dalhousie provides a lot of resources to help with the job search process and ensures that you are putting your best foot forward in making connections.”

Lauren has completed all three of her co-ops, her first having been at MOBIA as an HR Intern. “I worked a lot with the onboarding process of employees, providing administrative support, completing reference calls, and completing and filing all new hire forms and required documents.” Her second co-op was at Emera as a People and Digital Co-op Student, where she assisted in the research and implementation of improved HR systems. “I kept employees and vendors up-to-date on progress and expectations for projects regarding talent acquisition, benefits, and compensation systems.” Lauren’s final co-op took place this past summer at Scotia Investments Ltd., where she worked as an HR Intern. As her experience grew with every co-op, her responsibilities became greater as well. “I created updated policies by documenting regulations, referring to legal requirements, current practices, and employee demands.” Lauren also improved the organization’s practices and collaborated with upper management to document procedures with business process models.

After a year of Human Resources experience, Lauren has gained a number of important skills that will carry her into her future career. She shares that her most valuable skill acquired through her work terms is her ability to research and present important information. “Improving technology and processes is crucial for a company to stay competitive. Working with individuals to improve satisfaction in work is a passion of mine, and I look forward to continuing to use strong communication and organizational skills to contribute to a society where people are happy with their work.”

Not only did Lauren gain experience in her co-ops, but she also took on a part-time role between her second and third co-ops. In winter 2023, she worked as an Assistant Career and Recruitment Specialist at MCS to provide one-on-one peer coaching appointments related to the job search. Lauren says she decided to apply because of her love for the job search and application process, and the opportunity to help other students. “This role fit perfectly with my interests and aligned well with my future goals of working in the Human Resource field.” With her previous relevant experience in customer-service oriented roles, she says that it was a fun role that she looked forward to every week.

At the beginning of the semester, Lauren met with first-year students in the COMM 1712 class to answer their questions about resumes and cover letters. And as time went on, she provided feedback for those students in practice interviews. “It was satisfying to be able to help students in a position that I had been in before, and seeing all their documents and interview responses helped me better understand how other applicants think.” Lauren shares that she found it fascinating to see the differences in each application she reviewed, representing an individual’s personality, experience, and interests. The skills and knowledge she gained from this role were both incredibly helpful and interesting for her. “This opportunity allowed me to fully understand the requirements of successful application documents, as well as why they are required from an employer’s perspective.”

Lauren says that she strongly recommends other students apply to the Assistant Career and Recruitment Specialist role, and specifically encourages students majoring in Managing People and Organizations to consider the opportunity as it is relevant experience for those wanting to pursue a future in Humam Resources and similar industries. “This position is perfect for any Commerce Co-op or Management student who wants a convenient remote, part-time role where they can help others and develop a deeper understanding of the job search process.”

Applications for Winter 2024 Assistant Career and Recruitment Specialists are open now until Sunday, November 5^th! Click here to learn more and apply.

Meet Josh Wright, a Bachelor of Management student majoring in Managing Data and Information who is originally from Toronto. After choosing to attend Dalhousie, Josh knew he wanted to pursue a business-related degree, and determined that the Management program was the perfect fit. And once he learned there was an optional 8-month Management internship program, he felt it was a no brainer to apply. “I’ve always believed that a true grasp of any subject matter is achieved when theory meets practice. The internship program offered me the unique chance to immerse myself in a real business environment, face real-world challenges, and apply my classroom knowledge in tangible scenarios.”

Josh is currently completing his internship at Delphic Research, an AI-based research company which he found through his own job search. “The role was shaped around my skills, as it was not a previous listing that was posted online but rather came about through identifying where they needed help, the strengths that I have and what they wanted to teach me,” he says. “I had made it clear to my current supervisors in the interview that the marketing, management, and personal AI knowledge I have would be of great value to them. And they have certainly pushed and tested me on my knowledge.”

Josh started his job search early and invested effort and time to find a role and company he was truly excited about. After a few months of networking and interviewing, he was connected with the CEO of Delphic Research through a personal contact, who had shared Josh’s interests and how they were similar to the work Delphic is doing. “With a few brief discussions with other members of the Delphic Research team, and seeing where I could fit, they were very quick to want me on board! I attribute it to all the relationships I built and discussions I had along the way.”

As Josh’s position was created specifically for him, he hasn’t had a definitive job title or role, but he shares that for him, this has been a positive experience. “From the start, it was an extremely welcoming environment that clearly fosters and encourages deep thinking, problem solving, and creative ideas from each and every level of the company.” He found that knowing his work really mattered and that he is making an impact is something incredibly important to him. “I’ve ranged on projects from personally building out an RFP procedure that would later help train our team in the Philippines, to supporting our National Director on sales, to pitching with our CEO for a capital raise, and developing marketing strategies including traditional media and social media marketing to help hit our niche audiences.” Earlier this month, Josh was also tasked with organizing an event the company sponsored for the former Health Minister and former Premier of Ontario. “As an intern, it was certainly a project with high expectations, but also a unique opportunity to showcase how I perform under pressure.”

Josh says that he would wholeheartedly recommend the internship program to other Management students, and shares some advice from his own journey:

• Start Early: Begin your job search well in advance. The early start can provide a buffer to find and secure the right opportunity.
• Network Actively: Don’t underestimate the power of conversations. Talk to parents, friends, and friends of friends.
• Highlight Your Strengths: Companies value students who bring unique skills to the table.

Josh also emphasizes that the Management Internship program is not just about securing a job, it’s about gaining experience. “It’s about developing a range of skills and understanding the nuances of the corporate world. So, dive in with an open mind, be proactive, and make the most of this unique learning experience!”

Originally from Montreal, Margaux Hamel is a second-year Bachelor of Commerce Co-op student majoring in Finance. Despite only being a Dalhousie business student for just over a year, Margaux has already taken steps to expand her network and build relevant professional experience.

As a first-year student, Margaux decided to attend MCS’ Toronto Corporate Tour. “I had attended multiple events on campus through the year, but having the chance to go to Toronto to tour trading floors and offices was an opportunity I could not miss out on.” During the event, Margaux discovered potential career paths in her field of finance, grew her professional network, and had meaningful conversations with many industry professionals.

Towards the end of her first year, Margaux joined Women in Capital Markets (WCM), a national non-profit organization with the mission to accelerate equity, diversity, and inclusion across the finance industry. She attended the WIBA Conference last spring, where she had a chance to hear from Lara Zink, the now former CEO of Women in Capital Markets. She found her words incredibly inspiring and wanted to get even more involved with the organization, which led her to apply for the Campus Ambassador role for WCM. “I felt it was a great opportunity for me to get more involved with WCM, but also to help students at Dal feel like being a woman in capital markets is possible for them.”

Margaux’s role as Campus Ambassador is to connect WCM with events and contacts at Dalhousie while being the representative on campus for the team across the country. One of her larger goals is to increase awareness and grow the WCM community to universities all over Canada. Over the time in her position, Margaux has learned how many people are willing to help her and other students achieve success. Her role at WCM has given her the opportunity to be a part of the job process and has drastically shifted her mentality on job searches. She has started seeing this process as “who do you want working by your side for 4 months.”

Margaux’s advice for students wanting to become a campus ambassador is to jump in and don’t be afraid to apply. As many companies have campus ambassador positions, she feels it is a great way to get involved in an integrated opportunity bridging your schooling and career. “The team at WCM is so welcoming and are supportive. It’s a big network of women who want to inspire others to take leadership roles and it’s a great community to be apart of”.

As a second-year student, Margaux is now searching for her first co-op for the winter term. She says that it has been important to dedicate time to her job search every day, and to not get discouraged when an opportunity does not work out. “Trusting the process, being interested, and networking are big keys to success”.

Margaux is most looking forward to the learning aspect of her co-ops, particularly finding out what she likes and doesn’t like in a career. “As a second-year student and for my first co-op, I think it’s important to realize that you don’t know that much. Find a company that wants you to learn and grow with their support.” Margaux wants the chance to try as many things as possible to make the most out of this fantastic opportunity and to be remembered for her hard work making a positive impact on the team. “At the end of my four years at Dal and my three co-ops, I hope to have found something I am passionate about, and to be excited to go to work once I graduate.”

Meet Rachel Rovet, a fourth-year Bachelor of Commerce Co-op student majoring in Marketing and pursuing a certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

Originally from Toronto, Ontario, Rachel chose Dalhousie because of its co-op program. She recognized early on that putting in time and effort to grow her professional network would be beneficial in her co-op job search. One way that Rachel did this was by requesting and conducting informational interviews. “I learned the significance of informational interviews through the Commerce Co-op Orientation course, and made it a practice to continuously connect with professionals throughout my co-op searches.”

While searching for her second co-op, Rachel discovered and applied for the Brand & Marketing Intern position at Interac Corp. “My strong interest in the role prompted me to utilize the Dalhousie Student Alumni portal on LinkedIn, which was recommended to me by the MCS team, to connect with a Dalhousie alumnus working at Interac,” she says. “One of the most invaluable assets I gained from MCS was the opportunity to connect with their network. This allowed me to connect with a Dalhousie alumnus working as the Digital Marketing Specialist at Interac, who was a mutual connection with a member of the MCS team.” Rachel says that the Dal alumnus working at Interac became a crucial contact after she requested an introduction from MCS and then conducted an informational interview.

Rachel recommends that other students consider informational interviews and adopt an approach of genuine curiosity about the other person’s work and experience. “In these conversations, in addition to inquiring about their role and experience as a marketing professional, I delved into the company, the team, and the intern position while gaining additional insight and advice for the interview process. I also always inquire if there are further connections they recommend reaching out to,” says Rachel. “Overall, informational interviews not only helped me gain important insights about the company but also showcased my genuine interest and enthusiasm for the role. Once I secured an interview for the Brand & Marketing Intern position, I had already conducted thorough research on the company, leveraging the personal connection, knowledge, and insights gained from our informational interview to help me stand out during the formal interview process.”

Rachel went on to complete both her second and third co-ops with Interac. Over the course of her time with the organization, she built confidence thanks to her encouraging and supportive team, which led to her actively participating and contributing insights and ideas. She learned that being curious, asking questions, and demonstrating an eagerness to learn were instrumental in excelling in a co-op. “In addition, I learned the importance of networking and building connections. Making an effort to set up coffee chats with new people from my team, other teams, and even agency partners has been valuable and helped me determine what areas of marketing I’m most interested in.”

The impact of her time at Interac on her career journey is evident by the fact that Rachel nominated her supervisor Matt Houghton for the 2022 Dalhousie Top Co-op Employer of the Year Award, which he won in the Financial Services category. “From the first week, the people were incredibly welcoming and inclusive, with almost everyone on the team setting up a one-on-one meeting to get to know me.” She also noted that her supervisor played a critical role in making her feel like a valuable part of their team. “His and the team’s encouragement to take initiative, share my opinions, and actively involve myself in various projects and campaigns made me feel like a truly valued team member.”