Student Spotlight: Brooks Capewell

March 27, 2018 Management Career Services Leave a Comment

Brooks came to Dalhousie as a transfer student in his second year and is now a 4th-year Finance major in the Bachelor of Commerce program. Brooks has shown initiative in his networking and this has led to numerous career opportunities for him.

Active networking has helped Brooks with more than just creating job opportunities. It has helped him form relationships with individuals who act as mentors and motivate him to succeed. With the motivation from his mentors, Brooks has founded his own start-up company, FunKey Token Inc., while continuing to study as a full-time student.

When asked about the advantages of actively networking, Brooks talked about the endless benefits that come with a strong network. He mentioned that a strong network can have a variety of benefits but said, “For me, the most substantial benefit is finding connections who push me forward and always challenge me to think bigger.”

Brooks feels that his network will be useful in the future and that he has already been offered endless opportunities from it. Brooks says, “I have been obtaining endless help from my network as far as knowledge, information, motivation, job offers, and resources for my company are concerned. In the long term, it is vital to stay in contact; networking is not a once and done effort. Looking into the future, I will continue to leverage my network for many of the same reasons, although the scope will change slightly.”

“Networking opens endless doors and it is surprising what people are willing to helping you with”, Brooks added.

For more information on networking, book an appointment with your Career Recruitment Specialist at Management Career Services or check out our networking online infographics.

Student Spotlight: Christian Thomas

March 20, 2018 Management Career Services Leave a Comment

Christian Thomas has spent his last two co-op work terms at TD Securities on Bay Street, in Toronto. He is a third-year Finance major originally from Ottawa and has been selected as this year’s Top Co-op Student of the Year based on his strong work ethic, impressive quality of work, and his passion for his co-op job and industry.

Christian’s interest in capital markets developed during his first year at Dalhousie when he joined the Dalhousie Investment Society, however it began when his grandfather gave him money for his 16^th birthday and told him to invest it. Christian’s passion for capital markets grew from there and he now has secured his third consecutive work term at the money market desk on the trading floor at TD Securities.

Working in this environment takes a high level of focus and commitment to perform as well as Christian has over the past two work terms. Christian describes himself as a “naturally ambitious person who is always looking for opportunities to push my personal and professional boundaries. This ambition fuels my desire to not only achieve specified goals, but to exceed them.”

It is this ambition that allowed Christian to achieve such a high level of success at TD Securities. His supervisor describes Christian as, “not just a co-op student but someone who I would consider an integral member of the team and if given the chance I would 100% hire him full-time.”

Christian’s hard work led to him quickly earning the trust of his colleagues and a unique goal helped Christian make many additional connections at TD Securities. After his first work term, Christian realized he would have to reach out to colleagues to make his second work term even more successful. “Right out of the gate, I established a goal to meet at least one person a week, with the goal of learning about their group, their career path and sources of success.”

By connecting with colleagues, Christian grew his personal brand within TD Securities which helped him thrive in the culture of TD Securities, which Christian describes as, “very collaborative and focused on developing the next generation”.

Through his hard work and by connecting with his colleagues Christian has been able to complete each of his work terms with TD Securities and prepare himself for a bright future in capital markets. Christian’s supervisor describes Christian as having “a very genuine quality where he makes everyone around him better, which in turn naturally makes his colleagues support and root for him. I have no doubt Christian will be an outstanding future leader in this industry.”

Student Spotlight: Samantha Kelemen

February 27, 2018 Management Career Services Leave a Comment

Samantha Kelemen is a 3^rd year Bachelor of Commerce Finance major who worked for the retail supplier Agrium during the summer after her 1st year at Dal. During her time at Agrium she managed to make strong connections with her managers that she has maintained to this day. After doing her first two co-op work terms with CIBC and Scotiabank, respectively, Samantha reached out to her former manager at Agrium to do an informational interview as part of her Work Term Report. Samantha said she was interested in conducting an informational interview with her colleague from Agrium because she wanted to see what careers were out there besides the ones she was exposed to through with her two co-ops.

At the end of her informational interview, Samantha mentioned she had an interest in consulting. She was then referred to speak with a partner in the Boston Consulting Group’s Calgary office by a senior manager at Agrium who had previously worked for the organization. Samantha applied for a co-op position with BCG and was successful in reaching the Skype interview phase of the application process. While she did not end up being offered the position with BCG, Samantha describes the interview process as extremely valuable.

“I had read a lot of case study prep books, but nothing is like the real thing,” Samantha said.

Samantha’s interview lasted two hours and contained two case studies where her responses were meticulously examined. She was very grateful for the feedback and interview experience that BCG provided.

“I got to speak with both partners and HR at the Boston Consulting Group. This opened a lot of doors for me and helped me learn a lot about a potential career in consulting”.

When asked if she would recommend informational interviews to other students, Samantha was quick to say yes. She feels that informational interviews are the best way to learn about a company and about the careers that exist within a company. Samantha went on the say that, “at first, informational interviews can be intimidating but people love talking about their jobs, letting you know what they do and helping you with your career decisions”.

Kick-off your Summer 2019 recruitment activities at the Co-op Summer Social

February 26, 2018 Management Career Services Leave a Comment

We are offering our valued employers the chance to be participate in this exclusive student engagement event. To take advantage of this one-of-a-kind opportunity, MCS is seeking employers who are interested in engaging with Fall 2019 work term candidates and would like to promote their brand on campus and talk about their upcoming co-op opportunities. Your contribution will be recognized before, during, and after the event in various ways including booth space, your brand on promotional marketing, event coverage, and more.

Capacity is limited, so act fast to confirm your interest before April 5th, 2019.

Please contact Aidan at mcscoop3@dal.ca or call 902-494-1515 for more information. Do not miss this unique opportunity to network with these eager and talented young professionals. Check out our Facebook event here!

Alumni Spotlight: Phill Stanley

February 6, 2018 Management Career Services Leave a Comment

Phill Stanley is an alumnus of the Bachelor of Commerce program. He graduated from Dalhousie in 2014 with a major in Marketing Management. Phill first heard of DHL at an information session they hosted at Dalhousie in the spring of 2014. After he attended the information session and he was asked to interview for an Operations Supervisor role. After additional interviews, he was offered the role based in Langley, British Columbia.

Phill describes his experience with DHL as very positive. After starting as an Operations Supervisor in Langley, BC where he helped provide third party logistics services for Overwaitea Foods, he was given the opportunity to move to Calgary and start up a new distribution center for Cabela’s Canada.

Working with Cabela’s, Phill has been exposed to many different aspects of their supply chain operations, from inbound procurement, to inventory management, and outbound order fulfilment. Phill’s role further expanded to involve managing highly regulated firearms and dangerous goods such as ammunition, primers, and powders. Phill says he became more involved with systems testing and continuous improvement. This eventually led him to his current role of Systems Manager where Phill is now responsible for all IT aspects of the distribution center, including systems integration, IT project management, and process improvement.

Phill went on to say that “DHL has also given me the opportunity to work with other clients that use our services. In 2016, I spent time in Memphis, Tennessee where I supported the opening of a new Nike distribution centre. This year I’m working with two new clients that are building distribution centers in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.”

When asked if he would recommend a career with DHL to current students Phill said he would and that, “DHL is growing rapidly and the amount of opportunities available within our company are increasing. Most people do not realize how much of a role DHL plays in our daily lives. Some of our clients include Shopper’s Drug Mart, Shell, Smuckers, P&G, and Nike. We continue to see a trend in companies outsourcing their supply chain operations to third party logistics specialists such as DHL and this will only increase with the trend towards E-commerce. A career with DHL will provide you with the foundation of skills needed to compete in today’s modern logistics industry and give you an opportunity to advance your career quickly”.

Phill says the greatest benefit of working with DHL is getting to work with a company that is the largest in the logistics industry with global connections and opportunities in all areas of business. “Whether you are in accounting, finance, marketing, or engineering, DHL can provide you with a career in all of these areas. DHL has already given me the opportunity to work across North America and there are many opportunities abroad. If you are a highly motivated, flexible, individual looking to advance your career, DHL can provide you with the opportunity to achieve this”.

DHL is hosting an information session on February 8^th at 6pm in the Rowe Building. Register now on myCareer.

Student Spotlight: Max Georgopoulos

January 22, 2018 Management Career Services Leave a Comment

Max Georgopoulos is a second year Bachelor of Commerce student from Aurora, Ontario. Last year he was a part of the Marketing stream on the Toronto Corporate Tour. Max says his experience with the Corporate Tour was nothing but positive. “We saw a wide range of businesses, from start-ups to large corporations like PepsiCo. I got a great scope of what marketing looks like across all types of companies. I also made awesome connections with people in various industries, which ended up opening multiple doors for me in the future.”

Max went on to say he, “would recommend the Toronto Corporate Tour 100%” because he felt that getting an inside look at various companies gives students a better idea of what type of company they might want to work for in their co-op terms and in their career.

Max emphasized the importance of industry connections. Max says, “Having the right connections is one of the biggest factors in landing the job you want.” Max felt the greatest benefit of the Toronto Corporate Tour was networking, describing it as, “a great climate to make connections in, since these employers see you as an initiative-taker who cares about his/her career before you even open your mouth to speak. Good first impression if you ask me.”

“Networking on the tour ended up landing me two jobs: one at Mosaic over the summer and one at a Nudge Rewards for my current co-op. The co-op jobs that some of my friends landed were also a result of a connection that they made on the tour. Without the tour, neither me nor my friends would have been aware of these opportunities, let alone gotten the job. Go on the tour!”

For more information on the Toronto Corporate Tour attend the information session on January 25^th or go to dal.ca/mcs/corporatetours.

Student Spotlight: Katie Wood

April 5, 2016 Management Career Services 1 Comment

Katie Wood is a second-year Bachelor of Commerce student currently completing her first co-op work term at CIBC. She had a unique experience with her self-developed job search, as she already had a personal connection with her dream organization. Katie’s history with CIBC Run for the Cure helped her secure a co-op placement where she is involved with the campaign every day. Here is Katie’s inspiring story:

“Every year, on the first Sunday of October, you will find my family at the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure. CIBC Run for the Cure has always been a big part of our lives. When my family and I cross the finish line every year, we feel proud and grateful. I know I will continue to participate for the rest of my life.

My mom, Anne Wood, was diagnosed with breast cancer six years ago. The “In Her Shoes” CIBC campaign was based around my mom’s struggle with Breast Cancer and how we all need to keep fighting against it. I am so proud of where she is today.

I always knew I wanted to get involved with the CIBC Run for the Cure, and help out as much as possible because of my personal connection. When I was looking for a co-op placement, my mom connected me with her contacts at CIBC who she got to know from the “In Her Shoes” campaign. My information got passed on and I eventually landed a phone interview – which concluded with an offer to join the team.

I am so happy that I get to be a part of this team. I am learning how the Run for the Cure gets organized, meeting all the wonderful people who make it happen, and seeing inspiring ideas that will be incorporated into the Run this year. I love how I get to have insight into something that is so close to me.

A highlight of working with this organization is that I have a true interest in what I am doing. The team is absorbing my feedback as I represent their targeted demographic. I feel valuable and important in my role, which makes me happy to come into work every day.

I want to tell students who are finding their own work term placement to do something that inspires them, get involved, and make their ideas count. It is a great feeling to throw an idea out on the table and have the executives like it. When you are a co-op student, it is sometimes hard to express your ideas, but if you do, you might be surprised at what happens next.” You can find opportunities to get involved with CIBC Run for the Cure by visiting the website.

Are you looking for a way to connect with passionate and successful co-op students just like Katie? By sponsoring the 2016 Co-op Summer Social, you will gain early access to Fall 2016 co-op recruits as they celebrate completing their first co-op work term! Sponsorship details can be found here.

Student Spotlight – Ashley Sambrook

March 22, 2016 Management Career Services Leave a Comment

Ashley Sambrook is a current third-year Bachelor of Commerce student who is the Co-Founder and President of the Rowe School of Business – Women in Business Association, and is the incoming President of the Dalhousie Commerce Society.

“Ten months ago I founded the Rowe School of Business – Women in Business Association with Hailey Tibbetts. I recognized the need for a group that empowers women in the Faculty of Management and took the initiative to set up the society. This role is what gave me the confidence to run for the Presidential position in the Dalhousie Commerce Society elections. I based my campaign on my initiative, involvement and aspirations for the future of the society. I am looking forward to an amazing term as President where I will focus on increasing first-year engagement, organizing more mentorship opportunities, and providing a community feeling for all Bachelor of Commerce students.

This summer, for my third co-op work term, I will be joining Emera Inc. as the HR Co-op Student. I have realized that my extra-curricular involvement has given me more confidence while interviewing with employers. I have heard a lot about transferable skills while at Dalhousie and I believe my involvement has been the best example for those tough questions. It is the perfect example of showing initiative, time management, and showcasing my personality!

To all first-year students, I hope you take advantage of every opportunity available to you to help discover your passion. Looking back at my first year, my biggest regret is not getting involved when I first had the chance. If you do not put yourself out there, you will never know what you are missing, and describing your society involvement in co-op interviews can be an amazing asset. I promise there is a society or organization that is the right fit for you!”

Be sure to check out the Dalhousie Commerce Society website and Facebook page for more information on how YOU can become involved just like Ashley!

Student Spotlight: Vera Chen

February 23, 2016 Management Career Services Leave a Comment

Vera Chen is a second-year Bachelor of Commerce student at Dalhousie University, currently completing her first co-op work term at Dalhousie’s Undergraduate Academic Advising Office. Vera’s involvement in the Workplace Experience Program allowed her to develop skills, build interest in the marketing field, and learn about Canadian workplace culture while working at Halifax Port Authority. Below, Vera discusses her experience.

“I attended an ISSP session where I met Jennifer Coombs, and she recommended that I participate in the Workplace Experience Program. What appealed to me the most about the program was being part of a company, working closely with experienced staff, meeting new people, and getting the chance to understand a real Canadian workplace.

During my month at Halifax Port Authority, I got the chance to learn alongside a marketing coordinator who had over twenty years of experience with the company. My supervisor and I worked closely, which allowed me to build my expertise in web communications and social media. She is now a valuable reference for me.

My first impression of the Canadian workplace was that it is a little different from my country, China. Everyone in the office sees each other as a friend because every employee is valued. They work together and are willing to help others. I have learned to work with my co-workers as a team to meet a higher standard for our office.

I really enjoyed the experience and engagement in the workplace. I have developed communication and analytical skills and was able to build great relationships. Those skills are benefitting me in my current co-op job as I am required to work with social media marketing tools such as Facebook and Webchat.

I would definitely recommend that everyone consider participating in this program to gain work experience for their future co-op jobs and also build their ability to quickly absorb and apply new information.”

The Workplace Experience Program gives international Bachelor of Commerce students who have little to no Canadian work experience a chance to spend time in the Canadian workplace to learn about the culture and expectations. Students can also receive recognition for their participation by adding it to their Co-Curricular Record. Interested in gaining valuable experience like Vera? The deadline to submit an application is this Sunday, February 28^th. For more information, visit our website and complete the application form.

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