Nancy Abimana, a third year BBA student, is a familiar face to Goodman's co-op students. A successful co-op student herself (she's held various postions with RBC), she gives back to new co-op students by helping them as a senior mentor. Nancy shares her experiences about her co-op work terms, her recent award from RBC and how she shows her #GoodmanSpirit.
As a co-op student, you’ve completed your work terms with RBC. You’ve held a variety of positions with the company, including student ambassador, Junior Operations Analyst and Leo Alpha Mentor Team Lead. What are the top three things you’ve learned from working at RBC?
The top three things I have learned from working at RBC can be summed up in great opportunities for professional growth.
RBC, as one of the leading banks in Canada, puts its employees first by providing them with many opportunities to explore different areas of the business. I was fortunate enough to be involved in various extra-curricular activities in addition to my daily basis co-op job responsibilities. RBC’s leaders and colleagues are very supportive and they all contributed to the success of my work terms.
Overall, I learned that commitment, being innovative and challenging yourself are very important tips to use daily in a work environment.
You were recently recognized by RBC at one of their quarterly awards ceremonies. What an amazing accomplishment! What makes it so special to be one of the nominees and receive the Cash Management Operations Quarterly Award?
Being one of the nominees out of hundreds and hundreds of employees that I worked with was truly a blessing. I received the Cash Management Operations quarterly award, and what makes the quarterly award or nomination very special is that my efforts and the dedication I put into the job day in and day out were well recognized and noted. As a result, my team has voted for me to earn the award. That was a good motivation that kept on encouraging me to work even harder.
You work with the co-op office as a senior co-op mentor, and help junior business students develop skills that will help them during their work terms. Who has been your most supportive mentor at the Goodman School of Business?
My most supportive mentor at the Goodman School of Business has been Julia Zhu. She worked with me and mentored me from the beginning of my co-op journey and she has always spent her time following up with me whether on campus or during my co-op in Toronto. I would like to take this opportunity to thank her and thank all the co-op relationship managers for investing in me. I cannot forget to thank the Goodman School of Business academic advisors for their dedication. They helped me a lot to ensure that my academic requirements and registration were complete while I was off campus.
Volunteer work is a huge part of your life. What are some of the causes that you are most passionate about?
Helping others brings happiness into my life. Volunteering has not only helped me increase my connections, but it has also continued to help me advance in my career planning. Most of the causes I care about are human rights, children, education, technology, and health causes.
How do you show your #GoodmanSpirit?
I am a proud badger and I always show my #GoodmanSpririt by volunteering in various school activities, showing off my badgers gear by wearing Goodman swag often, and finally my #GoodmanSpirit is shown on my social media handles especially on Twitter.
