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WORKING FOR YOU Valuable life lessons Cooperative education enables personal and professional growth KAYLA COTTON, PUBLIC RELATIONS INTERN, HALIFAX CHAMBER OF COMMERCE A university degree is no longer solely earned after four years of lectures and exams. Students now have the opportunity to gain valuable life lessons relating to business culture and confidence outside the classroom. Several academic institutions in Nova Scotia offer programs similar to Mount Saint Vincent University’s Co-Operative Education program, which COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE OPPORTUNITIES 26 To place an ad call: 426-2811 ext 1163 allows undergraduate students like myself the opportunity to work for a business or organization in their chosen field and finish their degree with a year of applicable experience. In 2014, 80 per cent of co-op graduates at MSVU secured employment in their field of study in just six months after graduation. This means that students are relieved of the stress that comes from the dreaded job-hunt after the completion of their studies. I’m in my final year of the Bachelor of Public Relations degree at MSVU, and currently undergoing my third four-month work term with the Halifax Chamber of Commerce. Before my first day, my friends and family wished me luck and cautioned that the first day in a new position was the most difficult. I’ve found this to be normally true. However I’ll admit that not once did I feel nervous or intimidated during my first few days at the office. I felt confident and eager to learn, not only because of the warm and welcoming team, but also because of the experience I’ve gained during JULY & AUGUST 2016 my past two work terms. I’m not alone with this feeling, at MSVU more than a remarkable 90 per cent of recent co-op grad felt prepared for the workforce after completing their co-op work terms. MSVU gives students the opportunity to conduct their own job search, while the university also has strong relationships with many employers in government, non-profit and private sectors. Thus students gain insight to other career options that they may have not yet realized. There’s many reasons why it’s advantageous for employers like the Chamber of Commerce to participate in the co-op program. Firstly, by gaining access to an educated and highly motivated labor pool for a short period, they are provided with the perfect solution for completing projects or filling temporary workplace niches. Additionally, the co-op labour pool is inexpensive for the employer as they are reimbursed up to half of the minimum $15 hourly wage that students earn. This resource, while limited to each fourmonth work period, can be continually renewed every semester with each new class of students and builds a strong, mutually beneficial relationship between the academic institution and participating business or organization. The Halifax Chamber of Commerce is committed to the growth and support of business culture. This is achieved by many initiatives including matching postsecondary student development to employer needs. By hiring co-op students, employers are guaranteed to grow their team with skilled and enthusiastic young adults with innovative ideas. Resulting in a stronger workforce and a positive business environment. When I graduate and start applying for full-time positions, I’ll have a year of practical, real-world job experience that employers look at first and an edge over other students who lack this experience. My time at university has already taught me a lot more than I bargained for, and at the Halifax Chamber of Commerce it’s a new opportunity each day with networking events and communications responsibilities. I’m thankful that the co-op program exists for me to grow personally and professionally.
TRENDS Fairway courtesy The do’s and don’ts of golfing COURTENEY OSBORNE, CPA, CGA OFFICE MANAGER, GRANITE SPRINGS GOLF CLUB Now that summer is finally here, it’s time to enjoy some great Nova Scotia golfing. After being stuck inside for several months, golfers are now hitting the fairways across the province. As a new golfer, I was very naïve as to what good etiquette is on the golf course, so I thought I’d share a few pointers with the readers. 1. ARRIVE EARLY: Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled tee-time. This allows you to get checked in to the pro-shop, change clothing if necessary, gather your golf cart, and stretch/warm up before your play starts. Often times, there may be a short walk to the first tee and the starter’s hut, be sure to give yourself enough time to get there. 2. WAIT FOR THE ‘ALL CLEAR’: Wait until the group ahead of you is out of shot range before teeing off. If you do hit your ball towards another group, be sure to yell ‘FORE’ to warn them of the incoming play. 3. AVOID SLOW PLAY: If you cannot keep up with the group in front of you, or you notice a group always waiting behind you, step aside and let that group play through. This allows the speed of play on the course to remain consistent. There are marshals on most courses who will help monitor this, but use your judgement to help everyone stay happy. On a similar note, never look for a lost ball for more than five minutes. We all like to save that penalty stroke, but donning a snorkel and mask to search for a pond ball is not worth it! 4. HELP MAINTAIN THE COURSE: We’ve all seen the huge divots that can be left when hitting the ball. You can help maintain the course by doing a few simple things: Replace the divot when your shot is complete. Rake the bunker (that big hole with sand) after you have taken your shot. Keep the golf cart off of soggy fair ways as wheels can get stuck. Do not follow directly behind another cart on the fairway. Repair ball marks on the green from where your ball has hit. You will mostly likely want to do this before you putt. 5. GREEN PLAY: Congratulation’s… you have made it onto the green… the flag stick is in sight. Now what? Photo: Chih Hsein Hang/123RF Don’t step in the line of other player’s putts. Do not stand where you might distract another player. If you are asked to hold the flagstick, hold it at arm’s length and attempt to not let a shadow cast on the player’s line of putt. The flagstick should be removed as soon as the player has completed their stroke. Lay the flagstick off the green so as to not damage the green. Once everyone in your group has putted, quickly walk to the next tee. 6. ENJOY THE GAME: We all get frustrated from time to time, but throwing clubs, using profanity, and sulking ruin the game for everyone and can cause some awkward silence. Remember to take time and enjoy the beauty around you! BUSINESS VOICE 27
Page 1 and 2: DISPLAY YOUR PASSION Helping compan
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Page 5 and 6: PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE An introducto
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Page 9 and 10: NEWSMAKERS MEMBERS IN THE NEWS How
Page 11 and 12: NEWSMAKERS DRESS FOR SUCCESS HALIFA
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Page 19 and 20: COVER STORY hoping to “meet and i
Page 21 and 22: YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS Sean and James
Page 23 and 24: PROFILE management and concert prom
Page 25: WORKING FOR YOU Chamber appoints ne
Page 29 and 30: Customer Connect A complete, direct
Page 31 and 32: dal.ca/execed/leadership CERTIFICAT
Page 33 and 34: CITY DESK Recognizing a great idea
Page 35 and 36: Join Forces and Network! DEFS event
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Page 39 and 40: OPPORTUNITY KNOCKED. THEY ANSWERED.

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