Throughout my time at St. Francis Xavier University, I've discovered that co-op placements are more than just a checkbox, they're a launchpad for growth. My name is Mikaela and I'm going into my fourth year at St. Francis Xavier University in the Bachelor of Business Administration program with an advanced major in marketing. Ever since high school, I knew co-op would be an important part of my university journey, but I never imagined how transformative it would be. As I near the end of my final co-op placement, I’m proud to have gained over 12 months of professional marketing experience during my time at university. Being part of the co-op program and the St. FX community has given me incredible opportunities that I will carry forward into my future career.
Exploring Marketing & Entrepreneurship
Starting my co-op journey at ICI Medical Communications was a great experience and it really shaped how I approached the rest of my time at X. As a Marketing Assistant, I dove headfirst into the world of digital marketing, entrepreneurship, and small business management in the healthcare sector. I was given the opportunity to work on everything from research and data collection to product brand development and client relationship building.
One of the best parts of this job was contributing to webinar events, website design, and a new product launch. I even worked directly on Continuing Medical Education resources for our healthcare clients. Creating content for ICI's social media presence and analyzing data for decision-making was a big part of my role. I quickly learned how to use tools like Canva Pro, Adobe InDesign and Photoshop, marketing automation, HTML language, and Excel. It was amazing to see how all these elements come together to create effective marketing strategies. Juggling multiple projects every day was challenging but incredibly rewarding. I returned to my courses with invaluable insights into marketing strategies from my co-workers and an understanding of how digital marketing agencies operate.
Navigating Municipal Communications
For my second co-op term, I transitioned into a municipal government setting at the Town of Antigonish, working as a Communications Assistant. My role involved crafting compelling tourism promotions and communication materials for the town, along with creating strategic messaging and speaking notes for elected officials.
One of the highlights was managing the implementation of the town’s marketing levy by-law. I took charge of this project from start to finish, ensuring everything ran smoothly and complied with regulations. Something that stood out to me was the amount of responsibility and authority I was given as a co-op student. At the Town, I had the opportunity to work with and learn from all departments, taking on meaningful tasks in diverse areas like sustainability, finance, and recreation, which allowed me to gain a comprehensive understanding of municipal operations and contribute to projects that had a direct impact on the community. This was incredibly valuable for my professional growth.
Wrapping Up My Co-op Experience in Public Relations
For my third and final co-op term, I worked as a Public Relations Intern with St. FX Student Services. In this role I collaborated with many different departments on their marketing initiatives. I worked on video editing, presented market research, and developed long-term communications plans.
One of my favourite projects was redesigning the Co-op Education webpage on the university’s website. After doing extensive market research, I concluded that improving the layout and navigation will make it easier for students to find the information they needed. This led to more page visits and better user retention. Another rewarding project was being the main editor of the 2024 X-FEST Orientation Booklet. This booklet will become an important resource for new students come September, helping them be successful and navigate their first few weeks at St.FX. These projects reaffirmed my love for marketing and my passion for a career that serves as a creative outlet.
Advantages of Co-op
Participating in the co-op program has been one of the best decisions of my university career. It has provided me with practical, hands-on experience that goes far beyond the classroom. Applying the marketing principles and business strategies I gained from my placements to my coursework has unlocked a new level of understanding of the concepts. It’s one thing to learn about marketing automation or brand development in a textbook, but it’s entirely different to apply these skills in a real-world setting.
As I approach graduation, I feel well-prepared for the future. The co-op program has equipped me with a solid foundation and a wealth of practical experience. It has not only enhanced my academic and professional skills but also fostered significant personal growth. I've learned the importance of taking charge of my education and the impact that dedicated work can make, even in an entry-level role. I’m excited to carry these experiences forward as I soon embark on the next chapter of my career.
