When Neel Kakadiya arrived at Brock University\u2019s Goodman School of Business from India, he was determined to gain experience that would help him launch a career in Canada.<\/p>\n
That opportunity came through Brock\u2019s Co-op, Career and Experiential Education (CCEE) team, whose guidance and resources helped the Master of Business Administration (MBA) \u00a0student land a placement, and eventually a full-time role, with the Hornblower Group in Niagara Falls.<\/p>\n
\u201cI still remember that my interview came right around the end of mid-terms, and I was extremely nervous,\u201d Kakadiya said. \u201cDespite 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
CCEE\u2019s support was critical in securing a placement that not only provided valuable work experience, but also helped him discover his professional strengths.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Co-op Education team at Brock is always ready to help, no matter the situation,\u201d he said. \u201cThey helped me see co-op not just as a requirement, but as an opportunity to explore and find what I truly enjoy.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThose 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,\u201d he said. \u201cWhen 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnlike most postings, their process felt personal. We were asked to apply directly by email rather than through a generic form,\u201d he said. \u201cThat 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese experiences helped me apply my classroom learning to practical business challenges,\u201d he said. \u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
For Kakadiya, the co-op experience reshaped his career goals.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy biggest advice to new co-op students is to stay open-minded,\u201d he said. \u201cInitially, I thought I wanted to pursue finance roles and wasn\u2019t 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Julia Zhu, Director of Co-op, Career and Experiential Education, said Kakadiya\u2019s journey highlights the transformative power of co-op, particularly for international students starting their careers in Canada.<\/p>\n
\u201cCo-op creates a unique opportunity for both students and employers to learn from each other,\u201d Zhu said. \u201cFor internationally trained students, it provides a crucial first step to apply their skills, build confidence and gain meaningful Canadian work experience.\u201d<\/p>\n
She said employers also benefit from the program.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur program allows employers to discover talented individuals they may not have otherwise considered,\u201d she said. \u201cCo-op work experience gives international students the chance to shine without requiring a long-term commitment upfront from an employer. It\u2019s a win\u2013win that often leads to lasting professional connections and long-term employment success for both the student and the employer.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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