Developing the Skills for Success: Emily MacLennan

Emily MacLennan knows the value of getting involved on campus. A Bachelor of Business Administration student majoring in Marketing, Emily already has two co-op placements under her belt, a term on the CBU Students’ Union (CBUSU), and can frequently be found lending a hand at campus and community events. 

Originally enrolled in the Bachelor of Science program, Emily took an interest in Business after studying statistics in the Shannon School of Business and learning about the opportunities in the field of business. 

“The professors I encountered brought industry knowledge which helped me relate what I was learning in the classroom to the real world,” says Emily. “That’s what ultimately introduced me to my love for the industry and encouraged my transfer into the Business program.” 

Emily originally signed up for CBU’s Co-op Program to gain experience in her new field of study. She found out about the program through the success stories of other students and was eager to try it out for herself. Before completing her first co-op, Emily says she was unsure about what she wanted to major in, but after completing her co-op term as the CBUSU Vice-President of Promotions, it was clear that marketing was the perfect fit for Emily. 

“With the knowledge, connections, and expertise I gained from my co-op at the Students’ Union, there was no question that I was going to apply for a second co-op,” says Emily, who quickly secured her second co-op as the Marketing Communications Assistant at New Dawn Enterprises. “Through New Dawn, I had the opportunity to work with eight different divisions of the organization, all sharing the mission to engage the community and create a culture of self-reliance.”

After her co-op term came to an end, Emily was offered a position on the New Dawn team and continues her work with them today. By taking part in the Co-op Program and involving herself as much as possible on campus, Emily has developed a skill set that will help her stand out in the job market. “I’ve gained knowledge from individuals who have worked in the marketing field for decades and I’ve been able to apply their lessons to hands-on experiences,” she explains. “The skills I have developed because of this program are things I will carry with me in my professional career.” 

Emily highly recommends the Co-op Program to her fellow students and applauds the Career Services staff for their knowledge and helpful nature when working with students. “If there is a job pertaining to your area of study, chat with a member of the Career Services team about the opportunity,” says Emily. “They are always happy to work with new employers to ensure students receive co-op placements that interest them.” 

Learn more about CBU’s Co-op Program