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.