Seeing her name on the piece of parchment that she worked for five years to attain, Par [BComm(Hons)/24] was reminded of a piece of advice that changed the course of her academic journey. She had applied to Asper upon entry to university and didn’t initially get in, which inspired two focused and determined years of study until she could reapply and then officially enter the program in her third year of post-secondary education.

Proud as she was of her hard work to get that acceptance, Par also couldn’t ignore a growing tension: her feeling of being behind, wanting to make up for lost time and secure a true four-year degree, compounded with her growing awareness of all that was available to her as an Asper student.

“I was actually very hesitant to join the Asper Co-op Program,” she says. “I was really worried about graduating ‘on time’ and feeling like everyone should finish the degree in four years.”

But this perceived timeframe couldn’t quite keep Par’s interest in co-op at bay. Conflicted, she reached out to a friend who had experience with the program and who reminded her of something deceptively simple:

“It’s your degree, isn’t it?” her friend pointed out.

This reminder was a lightbulb moment for Par.

“From that moment, one of my goals was to take as many opportunities as I could at Asper because the School offers so many things that students can take advantage of; it’s just a matter of being confident and brave enough to try those things,” says Par.

In pursuit of this new goal, Par started to craft her unique BComm journey—she joined the Asper Co-op Program and completed three work placements across as many sectors and industries.

At Deloitte, she supported quarterly reporting while brushing up on public accounting and auditing controls; at Transport Canada, she saw labour relations theory in practice as part of the PSAC strike of 2023; at Priceline Partner Solutions, she pitched a new influencer-led media campaign for a client, learning how to pivot and research in response to client feedback.

Par’s co-op experience was diverse, with her work placements shifting between accounting, human resources, and marketing. She shares how these experiences truly helped her learn both what she wanted and enjoyed in a career, and perhaps less comfortably, what she knew was not going to be a forever fit.

While Par greatly enjoyed the technical finesse of accounting and speaks highly of her time at Deloitte, she also realized that her soft skills, lifestyle, and interests did not quite fit the field.

“I felt lost for a bit, after realizing that, to be honest,” she says.

“I thought that I was going to be a CPA—it had been my be all and end all at that point. I had to sit down, reflect, and retrack.”

Par gave herself space to be uncertain, to rethink what she wanted, to allow herself enough grace to know that it wasn’t her job as a student to have every single thing figured out right away, but she did need to keep trying and pushing herself to learn.

Enjoyment of core human resources courses and a flair for marketing led her into her next two placements respectively, and then into her current role as House Brand Coordinator at Princess Auto.

“I really do think that from all the different industries and roles I tried through co-op, I’ve become a more well-rounded business professional. Those three experiences really did support my job search after finishing my courses,” she says.

Par notes the support of the Asper Career Development Centre, mentioning the resources, networking, and insights they offered throughout her journey.

“I think the Career Development Centre really did help me grow,” she says.

“I really didn’t know the things I could learn.”

Like so many Asper graduates, Par was proud to finally hold her Bachelor of Commerce degree in her hands—proud of the accomplishment it reflects, the years of focused study and dedication, and proud of the prestige, the excellence of an Asper School of Business education.

And, proud to see her name on that parchment, to have completed her BComm journey, to have changed, to have doubted, to have grown, and to have learned.

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Learn more about how to apply for co-op as an Asper student here.

Flores, an actuarial major and 2022 Co-op Student of the Year, completed a co-op term at Wawanesa in 2022. From her first day in the office, she felt a special connection to the organization. First-day nerves abated the more time she spent in the office, guided by her co-op buddy, an Asper alum himself.

“It was clear from the beginning how special the culture was at Wawanesa. The more I met people and interacted with them, I very much felt those nerves and that tension releasing,” she says.

Day to day, Flores conducted analyses to address stakeholder questions and concerns, refreshed reports and documented notable insights, all while supporting full-time analysts. She’s most proud of creating a report that measured the impacts rate changes have on Wawanesa’s competitive position in the market, demonstrating her ability to work independently and learn quickly.

The more she contributed, the more she knew for certain that Wawanesa was where she wanted to stay. That certainty and comfort came from the company culture, the patience and warmth of her mentors and from her own drive to make a positive impact.

Flores, who began a small electronics and office supply recycling program at Wawanesa’s previous location, suggests that this orientation toward positive change is common among co-op students.

“Co-op students offer a fresh perspective informed by their experience,” she says. “I bring my whole, authentic self to work; I’m not there strictly as an actuarial analyst—I’m still very much a person, and with that I bring my values. That means considering the social and environmental implications of the work we do.”

This perspective is encouraged in the Asper Co-op Program’s award-winning curriculum, which instructs students to seek opportunities to advance UN sustainable development goals in their work placements.

For Flores, this focus creates strong connections between employers and students in shared pursuit of greater improvement for all. “We want to take action, take the next step and help the company succeed, not for the advancement of our own careers, but to push the needle in the right direction, make the world a little better,” she says.

She reflects on the qualities of a good co-op employer and, in turn, a good co-op student. Of the latter, she encourages all students to proceed with a growth mindset, where they are ready to learn and prepared to make mistakes, be corrected and improve.

“An employer, on the other hand, that empowers and enables their students,” she explains, “is, by my standards, above and beyond.”

As she finds herself soon on the other side of the student-to-employer threshold, Flores realizes she may never be able to adequately pay her managers, mentors and employers back for all the ways they have supported her. She also realizes that co-op employers may themselves be paying it forward rather than paying it back.

“As business students and emerging professionals, we can pay it forward by helping the people coming in behind us. If I can be that person—that mentor—for someone else one day, it would feel very fulfilling,” she says.

Jacinda Flores was a co-op student with a plan: pursue co-op, make a connection and do her best to show an organization like Wawanesa why she would make an incredible permanent employee, all while striving to make a positive impact in the workplace and the world.

Co-op was always part of Flores’ plan, and one thing she has learned on this journey is that the benefits of co-operative education and experiential learning at the Asper School of Business reach students and employers alike.

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Each year the Asper Co-op Program matches hundreds of BComm, MBA, MFin and MSCM students with organizations across Manitoba and Canada, connecting top employers to Manitoba’s top talent. Check out our top six reasons to hire an Asper co-op student here.

Ready to hire an Asper co-op student now? Visit our Information for Employers page to find out your next steps.

Charlotte Vis van Heemst, Career Consultant at the Asper Career Development Centre

Charlotte Vis van Heemst, Career Consultant at the Asper CDC, regularly meets with industry experts to learn more about meaningfully implementing principles of equity, diversity and inclusion in all elements of career development.

“I’m passionate about bridging the gap between industry and students,” Vis van Heemst explains. “This research aims to assist employers on creating accessible workplaces and empower students to advocate for their needs. Ultimately, I hope to foster a more inclusive hiring landscape where talent thrives.

Most recently, she interviewed Nicole MacDonald, National Member Engagement Coordinator at Canadian Association for Supported Employment (CASE), to learn more about accessibility in job postings and hiring norms. MacDonald shares best practices for accessible job postings, highlighting content (inclusive language, focus on skills and qualifications) and form (using an accessible font).

“Nicole’s perspective highlights the importance of open communication and fostering a disability-positive culture. This aligns perfectly with the CDC’s values of inclusivity. Now, I’m even more motivated to explore ways to strengthen our own accessibility practices and empower students with disabilities,” says Vis van Heemst.

The initiative is part of the Asper CDC’s larger commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.

“The CDC’s mandate is to empower students to pursue their desired careers,” explains Kelly Mahoney, Director, CDC. “Inclusivity and accessibility are foundational to the Asper Career Development Centre’s mission, ensuring equitable opportunities for all students. Fostering inclusive environments cultivates innovation, prepares students for the global workplace and promotes social responsibility.

“At the CDC, inclusivity and accessibility are not just values; they are integral to our commitment to creating a supportive and empowering environment where every student can thrive.”

Vis van Heemst hopes that these interviews can contribute to this mandate, fostering continuous learning for career development professionals, employers and students, and allowing the Asper CDC team to act as knowledge partners for the Manitoba business community and to empower students through career education informed by accessibility.

She shares the following best practices for crafting job postings, informed by MacDonald’s expertise:

Nicole MacDonald, National Member Engagement Coordinator at CASE

Focus on skills and qualifications: Use language that focuses on the skills and qualifications required for the job rather than assumptions about abilities. For example, instead of specifying physical requirements like “must be able to lift 50 pounds,” focus on the outcome, such as “ability to perform tasks that require physical strength.”

Use inclusive language: Use language that is respectful and inclusive of all individuals, regardless of their abilities. Avoid terms that may be stigmatizing or discriminatory. For example, instead of using terms like “disabled” or “handicapped,” use person-first language like “person experiencing disability.”

Provide information on accessibility: Include information in the job posting about the accessibility of the workplace and any accommodations that are available. This can help students with disabilities determine if the job is a good fit for them and help them feel more comfortable applying

Offer alternative application methods: Provide alternative methods for students to apply for the job, such as email or phone, to accommodate different needs. Ensure that these alternative methods are clearly outlined in the job posting.

Use an accessible font: Ensure that the font used in the job posting is easy to read and accessible for individuals with vision loss. Choose a font style and size that is clear and legible; avoid using decorative or serif fonts or small text sizes that may be difficult to read.

Be open to accommodations: Clearly communicate in the job posting that the employer is open to providing accommodations for candidates with disabilities. This can help alleviate concerns that students may have about requesting accommodations during the application process.

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The Asper Co-op Program is your connection to top talent to support your business needs, year round. Connect with the Asper Career Development Centre to learn more about how participating in the co-op program can help to bring fresh ideas into your workplace, increase your organization’s brand recognition among current students and grads, and more.

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For further resources on accessibility, visit the Canadian Association for Supported Employment.

Johhan Ong is the 2023 Co-op Student of the Year, and the Government of Manitoba is the 2023 Co-op Employer of the Year.

2023 Co-op Student of the Year: Johhan Ong

Nominated by Agriculture and Agri-food Canada, Asper finance major Johhan Ong is the 2023 Co-op Student of the Year. 

Ong completed a co-op term as a finance technician at the Government of Canada under the supervision of Andy Kozack, manager (corporate finance and audit coordination). 

In his nomination, Kozack notes how Ong’s communication skills, emotional intelligence and willingness to collaborate led to an exceptional student-employer relationship, all while his demonstrable finance acumen contributed positively to the organization.

“Our organization is incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to work with Johhan. Personally, it was a pleasure managing him for the period that I had him. He contributed to an increase in morale during his co-op by contributing to the charitable campaign, being active at team meetings and taking on responsibilities that helped his colleagues.”

[Left to right] Director BRM Finance Serge Bisson, Co-op Student of the Year Johhan Ong, Manager Corporate Finance & Audit Coordination Andy Kozack

Ong participated in the annual Government of Canada charitable campaign in partnership with United Way, developing and giving a presentation to all staff, including senior management, with record attendance.

“It was an opportunity for meaningful work, and our collective efforts raised over $40,000 for the Winnipeg community, propelled by the principles emphasized by the Asper co-op program in implementing the UN’s SDGs into business practices,” says Ong.

In his co-op impact reflection, Ong describes how family expectations to determine a career path created a high-pressure decision in choosing his major, until he discovered the co-op program, which allowed him to explore his passions and interest in business.

“Co-op education has been transformative in my journey as a student, employee and individual, shaping my personal and professional identity,” he says. “Its positive impact extends beyond academics, inspiring me to face the future with optimism and a willingness to explore.”

As the first Asper co-op student in this directorate, Ong appears to have created a lasting impression as the 2023 Co-op Student of the Year.

2023 Co-op Employer of the Year: Government of Manitoba

Nominated by Asper co-op student Dharmil Patel, the Government of Manitoba is the 2023 Co-op Employer of the Year. Donna Sulz [BComm(Hons)/96], Director of Total Rewards and Travis Hoemsen, Director of Talent Acquisition from the Public Service Commission, accepted the award.

Patel, who completed his co-op work term as a total rewards intern, describes the exceptional mentorship and inclusivity he experienced at the Government of Manitoba.

Director, Talent Acquisition, Public Service Commission Travis Hoemsen, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies Robert Biscontri

“The organization not only offers a diverse and impactful work experience, but also values the contributions of co-op students as integral team members. They provide opportunities to work on meaningful projects, engage with senior management and develop essential skills for the future.”

His primary responsibility was managing an accessibility project, which was intended to ensure that accessibility considerations are integrated into policy development to benefit all Manitobans.

He notes how this project was emblematic of a broader commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion that was evident throughout the department and inspired his own passion for public service and creating positive change. 

The 2023 Co-op Employer of the Year represented excellence in co-op education. In Patel’s words, “participating in the co-op program at the Government of Manitoba has been an immensely transformative experience for me, profoundly impacting my personal, academic and professional development.”

Asper Co-op Program

Accredited by CEWIL Canada, the Asper School of Business Co-op Program is the largest business co-op program in the province. Co-op placements offer students a chance to gain practical experience in the workforce while pursuing their studies.

According to 2022 Asper Employment Report, 98% of Bachelor of Commerce co-op students were employed full-time within three months of graduation, and 87% of Asper BComm graduates had secured employment in Manitoba. 

The Asper Co-op Program also earned recognition from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business’ (AACSB) Innovations That Inspire program in 2023. AACSB highlighted the co-op program’s integration of the UN Sustainable Development Goals into the co-op curriculum, engaging students’ drive to make positive change from the very start of their careers.

Above all, the program is committed to connecting talented Asper co-op students and employers in Manitoba, Canada and around the world, and the annual Celebrating Co-op is an opportunity to renew this commitment and honour these connections.

Beginning in Fall 2023, Asper students enrolled in CDC courses will learn to use and have access to Jobscan, combining its AI-driven capacities with tailored instruction from CDC instructors.

Jobscan assesses resumes much like AI-based recruitment and screening software does. Using Jobscan, students will be able to upload their resume to receive feedback on how well it appeals to their chosen job posting.

Robert Biscontri, associate dean of undergraduate and international programs at Asper, comments on the importance of this development.

“Business schools should embrace AI as a tool that can streamline processes. Instead of trying to keep AI out of postsecondary institutions, we should work to integrate it into our educational toolkit to enhance, rather than replace, what we do,” he says.

“I am thrilled that the CDC is investing in AI to improve the match between students and employers, allowing students to see potential where they didn’t before and ensuring that they have exposure to and literacy in this technology.”

For Farwa Zaidi, graduate programs career consultant at the Asper CDC and an advocate of introducing Jobscan, the software can be a productive part of career development without having the last word on resume quality.

Farwa Zaidi, graduate programs career consultant at Asper

“Jobscan will give students an opportunity to see how well they’ve responded to the job posting and then come to a career consultant for more meaningful analysis that builds off this foundation. It is important that students don’t get fixated on the score that Jobscan generates; Jobscan is a tool to help students target their resumes vis-à-vis a specific job posting but definitely not the final review,” she says.

By making tools like Jobscan accessible to students, the Asper CDC is meeting industry demand while equipping themselves with resources to more effectively support students’ goals. With Jobscan and similar platforms becoming a fixture in higher education, career consultants can spend less time getting to “just ok” resumes, and instead focus on guiding the development of excellent resumes that do more than just pass the first round of screening.

Zaidi says she will also work with students to flag pieces of information which may be a cause for unconscious bias in recruitment, such as including personal information or a headshot on a resume. Jobscan has reported on this topic, and researchers have observed how visual information on resumes can lead to biased assessments of candidates.

Organizations large and small likely use applicant tracking software (ATS) in some capacity, which may include AI-based resume screening. Similarly, in the early stages of recruitment, where a job posting elicits hundreds of resumes, a recruiter may spend less time on each document to narrow down the pile.

However, even if an AI software or an overwhelmed recruiter is your resume’s first audience, they won’t necessarily be your last. Internet advice to simply “write for the robot” is not incorrect, but it is missing something crucial if it does not also advise candidates to write to be read.

In other words, Jobscan might help students assess how well they’ve “written for the robot” to allow them to focus on writing, interviewing and networking for the next rounds of their job application.

Importantly, Jobscan’s introduction into the CDC is no replacement for learning how to write resumes. As Zaidi points out, learning to write a strong resume has significance beyond landing a job.

“Learning to write resumes provides students with valuable benefits beyond job seeking. It enhances communication skills, fosters self-reflection and self-awareness, helps establish a professional brand, develops transferable skills, facilitates goal setting and motivation, and prepares students for future interviews and career opportunities,” she says.

While Jobscan and similar technologies can provide a useful look into how the first-round recruiter or the screening AI sees us, a well written resume can be a way of understanding how we see ourselves. In moments of transition, from student to professional, this reflection is crucial.

“Career development is for life,” says Zaidi. “Everyone at one point in their lives or another is looking to advance their career or is undergoing some sort of career change. People might be going into a new industry, or they’re taking on a different role, or now with the gig economy, they’re going into different side hustles. Maybe they’re preparing for retirement and thinking of what the next big thing is for them.”

Regardless of their next step in a rapidly changing job market and organizational landscape, students can rely on the Asper CDC to keep pace and provide tools for success.