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!

Congratulations to Bell Aliant, 2014 Employer of the Year

March 18, 2014 Management Career Services Leave a Comment

It’s National Co-op Education Week, and what better time for Management Career Services to announce our 2014 Employer of the Year Award. Management Career Services is pleased to present this year’s Employer of the Year Award to Bell Aliant.

Bell Aliant receives the Employer of the Year award at the Employer Recognition Breakfast.

Dalhousie Faculty of Management co-op students at Bell Aliant, from left to right, Carolyn Silver, Leigha Acott, Mack Diggins, Megan Clarke, Joanna St Laurent, and Ryan Jones.

Bell Aliant has been an employer partner of Dalhousie’s Faculty of Management for almost 10 years, and has hired many students for co-op work terms and post -graduate positions during that time. They have worked with MCS to ensure a streamlined process for posting jobs and hiring Dalhousie students across all programs. Additionally, they have provided high quality work experiences in various positions within their organization. Bell Aliant has also been an active partner in career development events led by Management Career Services, for example, in the fall of 2013, Bell Aliant supported our Halifax Corporate Tour by hosting a group of students for an onsite information session.

Group of students at Bell Aliant- Halifax Corporate Tour Fall 2013

Thank you to Bell Aliant for your ongoing support of Dalhousie’s Faculty of Management Co-op, Internship, and Corporate Residency programs and overall student development. Congratulations on being chosen as our 2014 Employer of the Year!

Spotlight: Taylor Thompson

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Is the experience and/or skills section of your resume lacking? Feel like you have limited connections to professionals? Getting involved in your campus community is beneficial as you search and compete for employment opportunities.

Getting involved and taking on new responsibilities has certainly proven to be beneficial for 3^rd year Commerce student, Taylor Thompson. Participating in extra-curricular activities since his 1^st year, Taylor began as a member of the Dalhousie JDC Central team, and is currently Co-Chair of the 2013 Planning/ Host Committee. He has also worked as a Resident Assistant and been an active participant in the Residence Charity Face-Off.

This type of involvement proves your abilities to employers; showing enthusiasm, dedication and leadership. Start a new year off right! Volunteer opportunities (of all commitment levels) are advertised on myCareer or contact your Career and Recruitment Specialist to learn more.

Student Spotlight: Becky Richter

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Last summer Becky Richter participated in Dalhousie’s National Mentoring Program (NMP). Through the program Becky was funded by NS Power to work full time at Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) during the summer months. For Becky, she not only received an exceptional work term experience, but she also was able to give back to the community… a cause she is passionate about.

The NMP not only provides students with a paid work term at a charitable organization, but the sponsoring company also provides the student with an executive-level mentor during the summer months. Becky was matched with Lia MacDonald, Director of Field Operations at NS Power. Lia supported Becky, providing her with advice and direction – not only on her projects at BBBS, but also as an up & coming professional leader.

“I’ve always wanted to work in the non-profit sector, but often charitable organizations have limited resources and are unable to cover costs associated with hiring new staff. Participating in the NMP and having a corporate sponsor (like NS Power) not only provided me with a paid work experience, but also allowed BBBS to make progress on with their valuable operations. Each participant greatly benefits from this program, but most importantly, our community benefits. In my eyes, the NMP is social responsibility in action!”

How To Make Your Office Holiday Party A Joyful Event

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Seize the opportunity. View the holiday party as a chance for one-on-one time with colleagues, your supervisor and/or any other senior management. Social functions such as these are a great way to build a stronger network and enhance your career.
Participate. Take the opportunity to show you are a good team player and fit for the company. Although most social functions are not mandatory, these things are considered by employers when assessing you for future career opportunities.
Restrain yourself from massive consumption of beverages and food. Even if others are doing it, you are responsible for your own impression. People always notice those who overindulge.
Be aware of the guest policy. Avoid the awkward moment of bringing a friend or partner when the event was for employees only. Confirm that guests are allowed before inviting anyone to accompany you.
Consider your attire. For an office social function, it is okay to dress up a little more than what is worn for your average work day, however you still want to ensure you appear professional. Avoid clothing that is too casual and/or revealing. When in doubt, check with your colleagues for what is appropriate.
Be Inclusive. Remember that not everyone celebrates Christmas, so to be safe say “Happy Holidays” or “Seasons Greetings”.
Show appreciation. A lot of effort goes into planning social events, so extend a heartfelt thank you to the event planner(s).

Remember, while office holiday parties are a social function, these are still your co-workers. Be professional and avoid saying / doing anything that you’ll regret the next work day.

To learn more about what is coming up during the winter 2013 term, check out the attached handout and/or visit the myCareer events calendar. As always, if you have any questions pertaining to your co-op/ internship and/or overall career development please contact Management Career Services at mcs@dal.ca or 902.494.1515

Happy Holidays!

Student Spotlight: Zach Levy & Michael Brown

November 14, 2012 cr549421

Fourth year Commerce students Zach Levy and Michael Brown founded their own company called Red Anchor Media. By pursuing an entrepreneurial work term, they spent the summer developing their business venture as part of their co-op work term.

Red Anchor Media provides web development, as well as supplemental marketing materials to small businesses and start-up companies. Specializing in professional and affordable website development, the two spent their summer promoting their services and increasing their cliental.

Zach Levy says, “Doing an entrepreneurial work term, furthering our company (and not to mention our own professional skills) has been an extremely fun and rewarding experience. We’ve learned that in order to be successful you need to be passionate about the problem … and relentless & bold about solving it. As an entrepreneur, if you’re excited and terrified for tomorrow, you’re doing it right.”

To learn more about Zach and Michael’s company, check out http://redanchormedia.com/ .

Student Spotlight: Andrew Quinlan

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Do you feel like the experience section of your resume is lacking? Worried that your competition has more to offer? Third year Commerce student, Andrew Quinlan has found a way to increase his involvement and develop his professional capabilities by participating in Case Competitions outside of his academic and co-op work term schedule.

Andrew initially got involved with Case Competitions by participating in a social team event. Since then he has participated in the JDC Central Case Competition as Co-Captain, as well as the Dalhousie Business Ethics Case Competition as Chairperson.

“Participating in Case Competitions have been an incredibly valuable experience. I have developed vast leadership and project management skills, and have made connections to many talented people. Regardless of what year you are in, or what your interests may be; I encourage other students to become involved and participate in Case Competitions. There is so much to be gained!”

Employer Spotlight: Satpal Bamrah – Target Canada

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Satpal Bamrah, is a recent Dalhousie Commerce Graduate who has been working at Target Canada as a Business Analyst for the past 6 months.

“I love Target. I am extremely happy to be part of the team working to grow the Target Corporation across Canada. It can be challenging role with a fair amount of ambiguity, (as any startup would) but it has an amazing corporate culture. I would recommend other Dalhousie students and graduates to consider Target Canada as a prospective employer.”

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