Digging deep into the importance of networking while on co-op

Ashley Pacek (she/her) is a second-year Environment and Business student. She emphasizes the importance of networking and exploring the industry you're working in as a first work term co-op student.

Ashley's co-op journey:

Work term one: At , Ashley was an environment, social and governance (ESG) consultant. Her role was very research-heavy and she looked at how her company related to each of the three ESG components.

Q&A with Ashley:

What’s been the most rewarding aspect of co-op?

“Networking and meeting new people within my organization.”

“I enjoy hearing different people’s perspectives and knowing that my voice also matters."

“I got to attend the largest mining conference in the world, with almost 30,00 attendees."

“I got to represent my company at several seminars and spoke to high-level executives."

"This experience has been extremely beneficial, teaching me vital lessons and deepening my understanding. Since we’re a smaller company, it’s very beneficial for us to attend these events and build relationships.”

What did you enjoy about your company’s culture?

“I really enjoyed the positivity. Everyone is so willing to help and if I ever reached out to someone, they would take the time to work through the problem with me. If I ever made a mistake, I never felt as though it was on me and I was alone. Everyone had the “let’s fix it together” attitude, which is a very encouraging approach and made me feel comfortable.”

What does a day-to-day look like for someone in your position?

“I meet with the Chief Financial Officer every morning and we go over high-priority tasks together. I research what other companies are doing and connect with people to see how we can improve our processes and overall company. I also look at new rules and regulations to make sure we’re up to date and complying with everything. Our company wants to be an environmental leader and we make sure we’re on top of things, so we don’t fall behind.”

How important is networking for co-op students?

“It’s invaluable. I was extremely nervous about getting my first co-op because I had heard that it’s very difficult to get your first job due to lack of experience.”

“So, over the summer I made it a point to tell everyone I knew that I was seeking a co-op."

"My brother plays baseball and hockey and I told all the parents. One of the parents ended up hiring me! I networked my way into my first co-op and I make sure I reach out to several people a week within my organization.”

“They may not have a direct impact on you right now but they could prove to be very helpful in the future.”

“Consistently building connections is very important. Most people are always open for a conversation and even if they just know your name, it can be very important down the line.”

What’s next for you?

“I hope to be an entrepreneur after university. I’ve really enjoyed the mining industry and with a lot of new rules and regulations coming into place, sustainability is a major topic. So, I’m thinking about staying within this industry and maybe starting my own ESG consultancy firm.”