Emily Hewlett, originally from Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland and Labrador, is a third-year Bachelor of Commerce Co-op student majoring in Managing People and Organizations. “I chose Dalhousie because of its strong co-op program and the opportunity to stay on the east coast of Canada. Coming from a small town, I knew the co-op program would help me build connections and gain real-world experience before graduating,” she says. Halifax’s vibrant academic scene and proximity to her hometown were key factors in her decision to attend Dal.
Emily’s co-op journey so far has given her invaluable experience in two distinct HR roles. Her first co-op was at Killam Apartment REIT in Halifax, where she worked in recruitment. “I was involved in every part of the recruitment process—from posting jobs to screening resumes, scheduling interviews, and helping to build contracts.” This role allowed her to develop essential organizational and communication skills that are crucial in human resources.
For her second co-op, Emily moved to Saint John, New Brunswick to work with Irving Oil in HR Governance and Administration. Her responsibilities included tracking legislation across 15 jurisdictions, researching how passed bills impacted the company, and reviewing policies to ensure compliance with regulations. “Moving to a new city and adjusting to a large corporate environment was a challenge, especially being away from home,” Emily reflects. “But the team at Irving Oil made me feel welcome, and with their support, I grew both personally and professionally.”
Despite facing personal challenges, Emily remained resilient. “There were times when I wanted to give up, but I stayed focused on my goal of learning and growing.” Her time in Saint John taught her the importance of embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. “I learned I’m stronger than I thought, and that if I set my mind to something, I can push through any obstacle.”
Looking ahead to her final co-op this summer with J.D. Irving in the Transportation and Logistics division, Emily is excited for the balance of familiar and new challenges. “I’m looking forward to the mix of recruitment and governance work, as well as learning new technologies and systems,” she says. Emily is also eager to return to Saint John and reconnect with friends made during her previous co-op.
As she nears graduation, Emily feels confident in her ability to navigate the job market. “By tailoring my applications to each role and applying lessons learned from my co-ops, I know the right opportunity will come,” she says.
Her advice to current and future co-op students? “Don’t shy away from opportunities outside your comfort zone. Even if the role isn’t what you expect, you’ll gain valuable skills.”