When Neel Kakadiya arrived at Brock University’s Goodman School of Business from India, he was determined to gain experience that would help him launch a career in Canada.

That opportunity came through Brock’s Co-op, Career and Experiential Education (CCEE) team, whose guidance and resources helped the Master of Business Administration (MBA)  student land a placement, and eventually a full-time role, with the Hornblower Group in Niagara Falls.

“I still remember that my interview came right around the end of mid-terms, and I was extremely nervous,” Kakadiya said. “Despite their busy schedules, the co-op team made time to squeeze me in for a quick interview prep session. That short session made a big difference. It helped me understand what to expect and gave me the confidence I needed to perform well.”

CCEE’s support was critical in securing a placement that not only provided valuable work experience, but also helped him discover his professional strengths.

“The Co-op Education team at Brock is always ready to help, no matter the situation,” he said. “They helped me see co-op not just as a requirement, but as an opportunity to explore and find what I truly enjoy.”

Kakadiya, who previously studied at Pandit Deendayal Energy University in India, held several leadership and advisory positions in student organizations before deciding to pursue his MBA at Brock.

“Those experiences shaped my ability to collaborate and solve problems creatively, but I realized I needed real-world business exposure to take the next step in my career,” he said. “When I started researching MBA programs, Goodman immediately stood out for its practical focus. The co-op option was a major deciding factor because it offered the opportunity to gain hands-on Canadian work experience alongside academic learning.”

Kakadiya learned about the co-op program during his first semester at Goodman. When he came across an opportunity with the Hornblower Group, which operates Niagara City Cruises, the fit felt natural.

“Unlike most postings, their process felt personal. We were asked to apply directly by email rather than through a generic form,” he said. “That small detail made me feel they valued genuine connection. As I researched more about their workplace culture and operations, I realized it would be an incredible learning environment.”

During his co-op term as an Accounts Payable and Administrative Assistant, Kakadiya worked closely with the accounting and operations teams, managing daily accounting activities such as processing invoices, issuing cheques and bank transfers, recording expenses and reconciling credit cards.

Kakadiya also initiated a small automation project that streamlined the accounts payable process through email forwarding, allowing nearly half of all invoices to be submitted automatically, improving both efficiency and accuracy.

“These experiences helped me apply my classroom learning to practical business challenges,” he said. “The co-op term shaped my transition into my current role as a Staff Accountant, where I continue to build on the same analytical and process-oriented skills I developed during my placement.”

For Kakadiya, the co-op experience reshaped his career goals.

“My biggest advice to new co-op students is to stay open-minded,” he said. “Initially, I thought I wanted to pursue finance roles and wasn’t sure accounting would interest me. But my co-op experience changed that completely. It was a turning point that helped me discover what I truly enjoy and where I want to take my career next.”

Julia Zhu, Director of Co-op, Career and Experiential Education, said Kakadiya’s journey highlights the transformative power of co-op, particularly for international students starting their careers in Canada.

“Co-op creates a unique opportunity for both students and employers to learn from each other,” Zhu said. “For internationally trained students, it provides a crucial first step to apply their skills, build confidence and gain meaningful Canadian work experience.”

She said employers also benefit from the program.

“Our program allows employers to discover talented individuals they may not have otherwise considered,” she said. “Co-op work experience gives international students the chance to shine without requiring a long-term commitment upfront from an employer. It’s a win–win that often leads to lasting professional connections and long-term employment success for both the student and the employer.”