Melissa Amelia is currently a second-year Bachelor of Commerce student completing her first co-op work term with the Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development (CEED) as a Workshop Facilitator. Melissa believes her previous work experiences were all important in refining key skills that led her to be successful at CEED. Even the work that she didn’t think was relevant to her career, such as being a line cook in a small restaurant, has proven to be applicable to her career path.

“In the fall semester, I began my search for a prospective co-op placement through myCareer, as many students do. I applied to a few positions and had one other interview before seeing the CEED posting. Throughout the interview process you can truly get a feel for the culture and environment of a workplace, and one of the most important pieces of advice I will give to people searching for a placement is that it has to feel right. The job description caught my attention, the interview felt comfortable and compelling, and from my first day in the office I felt like a part of the team.

As a Workshop Facilitator for CEED, I’ve worked closely with the Education Team to promote entrepreneurship as a viable career option to youth, and exploring the transferrable skills and competencies related to the entrepreneurial spirit. Throughout my co-op term we have traveled the province delivering workshops to schools and community groups, generating business ventures, and developing curriculums in alignment with Nova Scotia graduation competencies.

Although each piece of the work that I’ve been exposed to is important and enlightening in its own right, my favourite part of the term has been the community group work. The collective impact from relationships built with marginalized youth in various parts of Nova Scotia has been insightful and rewarding. There are ample initiatives CEED has going on in the community, one of which I’ve been working particularly closely on a “Family Recipe Book” venture to celebrate the heritage of the East Preston community. They have been bringing in various family recipes with stories and pictures to match, and we have been working on developing a business plan as well as expanding their marketing skills.

My first co-op placement has been extremely important in both my personal and career development. I’ve had the chance to learn from various individuals who truly have a lot to offer, and to be exposed to a vast array of experiences. One piece of advice I carry with me is to not get discouraged from failure, as the bumps along the road will eventually lead you where you are meant to be.”

Connect with ambitious students like Melissa at the 2016 Co-op Summer Social!  Also, be sure to check out the Management Career Services Facebook and Twitter to keep up-to-date with the Bachelor of Commerce class of 2018 candidates’ #WorkTermPride!