Originally from Dartmouth, Zion Ash is a third-year Bachelor of Commerce Co-op student majoring in Marketing. He chose Dalhousie for its strong academic reputation, proximity to home, and for the opportunity to gain real work experience through co-operative education. “I wanted a business program that would give me real experience, not just classroom learning,” he says. “The chance to build my skills and network before graduating made Dal feel like a place where I could grow both academically and professionally.”
Zion’s interest in marketing stemmed from his early entrepreneurial experiences selling products and building online engagement, but it was through his co-op journey that he discovered how meaningful the field could be when used to support communities and create impact.
His first work term was in winter 2025 with The PREP Academy, a non-profit supporting African Nova Scotian students transitioning from high school to post-secondary. As a Marketing Intern, he helped develop both digital and print content while contributing to broader marketing initiatives across the province. “Securing this co-op was especially meaningful because I was supporting students from my own community,” he reflects. “It showed me how marketing can create awareness for work that truly helps people.”
For his second work term, Zion joined Dalhousie’s Office of Student Recruitment and Marketing as a Digital Marketing & Content Coordinator, where he supported student-focused communications and engagement initiatives. One of his favourite projects was producing a video series highlighting campus resources and student support services. “When I first started at Dal, I didn’t realize how many supports were available. Creating content that helps students access those resources has been really rewarding. It’s a great mix of collaboration, creativity, and doing work that has a real impact on student life.”
Balancing coursework and the co-op job search required structure and discipline. Zion set aside weekly time for applications, resume updates, and outreach, which is a strategy that helped him stay organized during busy academic periods. His advice to other students? Start early and use the support available. “MCS offers so many resources, from resume reviews to interview prep. Taking advantage of that support makes a big difference, and it’s much less stressful than trying to secure a co-op at the last minute.”
Looking ahead, Zion hopes to complete his final co-op in a marketing or creative agency environment, where he can continue developing skills in content creation, digital strategy, and social media. Long-term, he hopes to apply what he learns toward building something of his own. “I want to work closely with clients, lead campaigns, and eventually create a business that helps people and brands share their stories,” he says. “Every co-op I’ve done so far has helped me move one step closer to that goal.”