Enrich and Extend

By Megan MacLean

TO ENRICH AND EXTEND THEIR LEARNING beyond the classroom and provide students with real-world professional experience, Business Administration students at the University of Prince Edward Island have the option of participating in the Co-operative Education program. This program at UPEI provides students with the opportunity to gain work experience in their field of study, participate in relevant professional development

Migel Spencer, with colleagues (and UPEI alumni) Heather Mackay and Matthew Downey at his Co-op placement at Arsenault Best Cameron Ellis.

opportunities, broaden their industry and career network, earn academic credit, test potential career options, and earn money to help pay for their education. Migel Spencer, 2019 BBA-Co-operative Education graduate, joined the Co-op program because he wanted to test if accounting was the field he wanted to pursue after graduation, gain work experience, and build connections; he was able to accomplish all three. “My work terms provided me with newfound knowledge and experiences that solidified my interest in accounting and my pursuit of the Chartered Professional Accountant designation. The work terms allowed me the opportunity to develop my interpersonal communication skills, heighten my knowledge, and develop my professionalism. The employers provided unwavering support during my learning curve as a co-op student. They offered a rich learning environment that challenged me with various responsibilities and exposure to a variety of work. Mentorship, team work, respect, and collaboration in the workplace were embraced by my employer.” Migel proved his capability while completing his work terms, and was hired into a full-time role with one of his work term employers, after graduation. Employers continue to use the Coop Program as a mechanism to test and attract top talent. iWave, based out of Charlottetown, PEI, is the fundraising industry’s top-rated intelligence platform and Mary Cote, Vice President Product Development says, “Operating in a diverse and constantly evolving industry, iWave stays in front of their competition through the ability to attract and retain extremely qualified employees and co-op students. iWave continually finds that co-op students bring a level of enthusiasm and a bevy of new ideas when tackling new projects and challenges within the workplace. Coming straight from the classroom, these students are up-to-date on the newest technologies and ideas,

which helps keep iWave at the forefront. Students come in eager and excited to contribute for 16 weeks. It is a great opportunity for us to trial new talent and position students for employment early, as well as help shape their future career. Having the ability to bring school learning to the workplace in a real professional environment with real market challenges can be very eye-opening. It’s a win-win situation for both the student and iWave.” The Co-operative Education program is a strong three-way partnership between employer, student, and the University, that results in experienced, skilled, and employable graduates who are ready to enter the labour market. For more information on becoming a co-op student or how you can employ one, please contact the UPEI Cooperative Education office at 902-566-0336 or co-op@ upei.ca.

Arsenault Best Cameron Ellis expertise range from the public sector, agriculture, auto dealerships, manufacturing, construction, health care, tourism, technology and real estate.

Arsenault Best Cameron Ellis provides a complete range of accounting, auditing and tax services to a large base of private and public sector clients. In addition to this, the firm has a versatile offering of specialty areas with qualified specialists including corporate tax planning, estate planning, financing and acquisitions, consulting, valuations (CBV) and forensic services (CFE).

Chad Heron, CPA Vice President, COWS Inc.