UNB Faculty of Management

When a co-op placement turns into a career opportunity

For Kaison Chung, hands-on learning at NB Power has led to more than valuable experience, it has helped launch a future career.

As a Financial Analyst Co-op and Incoming CPA Candidate with NB Power in Fredericton, Kaison has gained experience across both Financial Reporting and Financial Planning. From completing general ledger reconciliations and tax filings to building financial models, designing Power BI dashboards, and supporting variance analysis, Kaison has been entrusted with meaningful projects that have strengthened technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Drawing on knowledge gained through the BBA program at the UNB Faculty of Management, Kaison has experienced firsthand how accounting and finance concepts are applied in a complex organizational environment while working alongside experienced professionals who value mentorship and professional growth.

"As a Financial Analyst Co-op at NB Power, I was given the rare opportunity to lead impactful projects, from financial modeling to Power BI dashboard creation. What truly sets them apart is their deeply supportive culture. Leadership actively listened to my career goals, resulting in a full-time CPA Candidate offer before I've even finished my degree. They genuinely champion work-life balance and mental health, ensuring every extra effort is recognized and respected. When my hard work is seen and rewarded, I know I'm exactly where I belong."

Experiential learning opportunities like this demonstrate the power of connecting classroom learning with real-world experience. Through co-op placements and industry partnerships, students in the UNB Faculty of Management gain the technical expertise, professional confidence, and industry connections that help transform career aspirations into reality. Kaison's journey is a testament to how experiential learning at the University of New Brunswick can open doors long before graduation.

How do organizations manage technology risks in an increasingly digital world?

This summer, Adiba Akhtar is gaining valuable experience at the intersection of business and technology as an Intern Analyst, IT Audit & Assurance with Deloitte in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

Drawing on knowledge and skills developed through the UNB Faculty of Management BBA program, Adiba is supporting engagement teams by assessing IT systems and controls, conducting testing procedures, documenting findings, and assisting with risk assessments. The role has also provided opportunities to contribute to client proposals and work with Risk and Control Matrices to identify and evaluate key business and technology risks. Through this hands-on experience, Adiba is developing expertise in technology assurance, risk management, and professional consulting while collaborating with industry leaders.

"My co-op experience at Deloitte has been incredibly rewarding. A highlight of my term was attending IT Specialist Training at Deloitte University in Toronto, where I connected with professionals from across the country and further developed my understanding of IT Audit & Assurance. This experience has strengthened my interest in technology risk and provided valuable professional and technical growth."

Experiential learning opportunities like this allow University of New Brunswick students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world business challenges while expanding their professional networks. Through co-op placements and industry partnerships, students in the UNB Faculty of Management are building the technical expertise, critical thinking skills, and professional connections that prepare them for successful careers in a technology-driven business environment.

Turning data into decisions that drive business success

This summer, UNB BBA student Imran Adeleke is gaining valuable hands-on finance experience as a Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) Student with J.D. Irving Limited in Saint John, New Brunswick.

Drawing on concepts learned through the UNB Faculty of Management, Imran is working closely with finance professionals to analyze financial statements, monitor business performance across multiple divisions, and transform raw data into meaningful reports that support strategic decision-making. Through this experience, he is strengthening his analytical and technical skills while gaining insight into how financial information helps guide business strategy within one of Atlantic Canada's largest organizations.

"My experience at JDI has been incredibly rewarding so far. It has allowed me to apply my theoretical knowledge from the classroom to a real-world setting under the guidance of an amazing team. Beyond developing my skills, this work term has provided valuable career and industry insights while connecting me with professionals through CPA and networking events hosted by the company."

Experiential learning opportunities like this help University of New Brunswick students bridge the gap between theory and practice. Through co-op placements, internships, and strong industry partnerships, students in the UNB Faculty of Management gain real-world experience, build professional networks, and develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in today's business environment.

What makes a startup investment-worthy?

This summer, business student Paula San Jose Vasquez is discovering the answer as a Venture Capital Investment Intern with the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation (NBIF) in Fredericton.

Building on the investment and analytical skills developed the BBA program, including the Student Investment Fund (SIF), Paula is contributing to the due diligence process for emerging startups. Her responsibilities include market research, company and financial analysis, and evaluating key venture capital metrics that help inform investment decisions. She's also gaining exposure to the broader venture capital ecosystem through industry events, meetings, and conversations with founders, investors, and innovation leaders across the region.

"I've been given the chance to contribute to the investment process from day one and have already worked on three different startups. I've learned so much about what makes a strong startup, what it takes to succeed, and the role venture capital plays in supporting innovation. This experience has allowed me to build on the skills I developed through SIF, strengthen my passion for investing, and discover the many different opportunities available within the field."

Experiential learning opportunities like this help University of New Brunswick students connect classroom learning with real-world investment experience. Through hands-on roles and programs like the UNB Faculty of Management's Student Investment Fund, students are building professional networks, applying their knowledge in dynamic environments, and developing the skills needed to thrive in the world of finance and investing.

Ever wonder how policies and investments help communities grow?

This summer, UNB business student Heer Pabari is finding out firsthand as an Assistant Economic Development Officer (Co-op Student) with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) in Fredericton.

Through this co-op experience, Heer is applying knowledge gained from the BBA program while gaining valuable insight into the world of economic development. Working behind the scenes on project files, participating in stakeholder and client meetings, and collaborating with teams across ACOA, Heer is learning how government programs and strategic investments help businesses, organizations, and communities thrive. The role is also providing opportunities to build a professional network and develop a broader understanding of the partnerships that drive long-term economic growth across Atlantic Canada.

"One of the most rewarding parts of my co-op has been the exposure to so many different areas of economic development. Every conversation has offered a new perspective, whether it's learning about innovative local projects, meeting professionals from diverse backgrounds, or seeing how decisions are made to support long-term growth across Atlantic Canada. The experience has challenged me to think beyond the numbers and understand the broader impact that policy, partnerships, and investment can have on communities."

Experiential learning opportunities like this help University of New Brunswick students connect classroom knowledge with real-world challenges. Through co-op placements and industry partnerships, students in the UNB Faculty of Management are developing the analytical, professional, and relationship-building skills needed to make meaningful contributions to organizations and communities throughout the region and beyond.

From student internship to full-time career: the power of experiential learning!

For Nicholas Harvey, experiential learning didn't end with graduation, it launched a career.

A recent BBA graduate from the UNB Faculty of Management and former Student Investment Fund (SIF) participant, Nicholas is now working as a Full-Time Wealth Associate with RBC Dominion Securities in Fredericton. In this role, he supports wealth management services for high-net-worth individuals and corporations, helping clients navigate complex financial decisions and long-term investment strategies. Nicholas is applying the financial analysis, investment knowledge, and client-focused skills he developed throughout his studies, while continuing to build his expertise in the wealth management industry.

"I started as an intern in the summer of my second year at UNB, returned part-time during the remainder of my studies, and was welcomed with a full-time offer upon graduation. It has been a wonderful experience. It's rewarding to see the knowledge I've learned put into practice, and I'm excited to continue my journey with RBC."

Nicholas's story highlights the lasting impact of experiential learning opportunities at the University of New Brunswick. Through internships, programs like the Student Investment Fund, and meaningful industry partnerships, students in the UNB Faculty of Management gain the experience, professional networks, and practical skills that help turn classroom learning into rewarding careers.

What happens behind the scenes when businesses seek financing to grow?

This summer, BBA student Isaac Jewett is gaining firsthand experience in the world of private credit as a Private Credit Intern, Analyst with MidStar Capital in Toronto.

Drawing on the financial analysis and investment skills developed through UNB’s Student Investment Fund (SIF), Isaac is supporting the underwriting and monitoring of direct lending investments. His work includes analyzing financial statements, conducting industry research, and contributing to investment memos and portfolio reporting. Through this experience, he is deepening his understanding of how investment professionals evaluate opportunities, assess risk, and make informed credit decisions.

"I've already had the chance to see how deals are evaluated and get involved in some of the analysis, which has been really helpful for understanding how credit decisions are actually made. The team has been great to work with, and it's a hands-on environment that makes it easy to learn quickly."

Experiential learning opportunities like this enable University of New Brunswick students to apply classroom concepts in real-world financial settings while building valuable industry connections. Through experiences such as Isaac's, students in the UNB Faculty of Management are developing the technical expertise, professional confidence, and practical investment knowledge that prepare them for successful careers in finance and beyond.

From the classroom to the communications team.

This summer, UNB BBA student Massa Khair is gaining firsthand experience in strategic communications as a Communications Summer Student with J.D. Irving, Limited's Construction and Equipment Division in Saint John, New Brunswick.

Through the Co-op Program, Massa is applying skills developed through the UNB Faculty of Management while supporting internal and external communications initiatives across multiple businesses. The role provides opportunities to collaborate with communications professionals throughout the organization, contribute to employee engagement initiatives, create content, and support a variety of communications projects. By working across teams and divisions, Massa is gaining valuable insight into how effective communications help support organizational goals and connect people across a large and diverse business.

"My co-op at J.D. Irving has broadened my perspective on what a career in communications can look like. Through opportunities to collaborate across different teams and divisions, I've gained valuable exposure to both internal and external communications while developing a continuous improvement mindset. I was also encouraged to explore areas of interest beyond my day-to-day responsibilities, allowing me to expand my skills and gain experience in new areas. This experience has reinforced the value of staying curious, taking initiative, and embracing opportunities for growth."

Experiential learning opportunities like this help University of New Brunswick students discover new career paths while applying classroom knowledge in professional settings. Through co-op placements and industry partnerships, students in the UNB Faculty of Management are building communication, collaboration, and leadership skills, expanding their professional networks, and gaining the confidence to thrive in a rapidly evolving workplace.

Turning complex data into meaningful insights!

This summer, Aman Goel is putting classroom concepts into practice as a Market Analyst with Anessa Biogas Software, where he's helping analyze the rapidly evolving anaerobic digestion industry across North America.

Having recently completed the first year of his MBA at the University of New Brunswick, Aman is drawing on the knowledge he has gained to areas like data analysis, marketing, and business research. His work involves gathering and evaluating industry data, preparing a long-term market outlook, and transforming complex information into clear, actionable visualizations. The experience is strengthening both his analytical capabilities and his understanding of how data informs business decision-making. As a future participant in the Student Investment Fund (SIF), Aman is also gaining valuable real-world insights that he can bring back to the classroom this fall.

"This internship gave me the chance to immediately apply the skills I learned at UNB to real-world problems. Not only did I build on my knowledge of data analysis and industry research, but I also gained valuable insight into how messy and complex real-world data can be. For me, this experience has come full circle—applying my UNB learning on the job and bringing new knowledge back to my studies and the SIF program."

Experiential learning opportunities like this demonstrate how the UNB faculty of management students are developing the analytical expertise, professional confidence, and industry perspective needed to succeed in today's data-driven business environment.

What goes into deciding which startups receive venture capital funding?

This summer, UNB student Selina El Zamer is getting a front-row seat to New Brunswick's innovation ecosystem as a Venture Capital Investment Intern with the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation (NBIF) in Fredericton.

Building on the analytical and investment skills developed through the BBA program including her experience with the Student Investment Fund (SIF), Selina is conducting due diligence on emerging companies, contributing to investment memos, evaluating startup opportunities, and learning how venture capital firms assess growth potential. She's also connecting with founders, investors, and industry leaders through NBIF events, expanding her professional network while gaining valuable insight into the investment process.

"Working on company due diligence has allowed me to build on the skills I developed through SIF while gaining exposure to areas I hadn't explored before. Conversations with colleagues and involvement in the investment process have given me valuable insight into how investment decisions can shape New Brunswick's ecosystem."

Experiential learning opportunities like this demonstrate how students from the University of New Brunswick and the UNB Faculty of Management apply classroom learning in real-world settings. By combining academic knowledge with hands-on experience and industry connections, students like Selina are developing the skills, confidence, and professional networks that will support their future careers.