Hi friends! Chris checking in with the final summer edition of the Asper Scoop. As August winds down and summer draws to a close, it’s time to turn our attention to the new semester! While we might have mixed feelings about returning to school, there’s no denying that some excitement is on the horizon: new classes, new events, even new microwaves. This month, we’re highlighting some upcoming events, initiatives, and opportunities that you won’t want to miss come September.

The Commerce Week: Back in Action

This is not a drill – The Commerce Week (TCW) is back from September 5th-8th! As Asper’s annual orientation week, TCW is chalked full of fun events, information sessions, food & drinks, and networking opportunities. This month, we sat down with The Commerce Week Co-Chairs Habiba Mohamed and Victoria Ranville to hear the inside scoop on what’s to come this year.

When Habiba and Victoria first applied for the role of TCW Co-Chair, they didn’t know exactly what to expect. They had both attended TCW in their respective first years and saw some of the events that took place during the week, but actually planning those events was going to be a whole new challenge waiting to be tackled. Nevertheless, both Habiba and Victoria entered their roles with a similar mindset: to provide value to new and returning students while helping them integrate into the Asper community. As the TCW team continues to add the finishing touches to what’s set to be a fantastic week, it’s clear to see the duo’s vision has been executed.

Hosting returning favourites such as STAG Booths, Beverage Gardens, and Commerce on the Quad, this year’s TCW line-up is full of exciting initiatives and events. Plus, with new additions including Drake Centre Tours and a Food Truck Market, the schedule is jam-packed with fun:

Tuesday (Welcome Day): Pinning Ceremony, Drake Centre Tours, Internal Booths

Wednesday: STAG Booths, Free Refreshments, Information Sessions

Thursday: Food Trucks, STAG Booths, IGNITE 2023

Friday: Beverage Gardens, Commerce on the Quad

This year, the TCW team is putting an added emphasis on inclusivity through their events and initiatives. From serving non-alcoholic beverages at Commerce on the Quad to hosting additional alcohol-free events, the team hopes that every student will feel welcome and included during this year’s festivities. 

Habiba and Victoria also emphasized that there is value to be had for every student, no matter their year or major. As with the social events hosted throughout the week, all booths and information sessions are open to everyone (including on Welcome Day). It’s never a bad time to learn more about what Asper has to offer!

To keep up to date on all things TCW, make sure to follow @AsperTCW on Instagram. 

A Tale of Two Co-Ops

Julianne Par and Jahanvi Bhandari are a workplace duo that have more in common than meets the eye. On top of sharing the same job title, the pair have both participated in Asper’s Co-op Program during their degree! Although they were part of the program at different times, both Julianne and Jahanvi had similarly positive experiences that helped shape their current and future careers.

Julianne, a current co-op student coming off the heels of a work term with Transport Canada, entered the program with a decision to make: to major in accounting or human resource management. After two successful work terms, she found herself solidified in a decision to become an HR major, crediting the Co-op Program for providing her with hands-on human resource experience. Now thriving in a summer position at Transport Canada, Julianne is continuing to gain experience and skills as she looks forward to her third and final co-op term this fall.

Jahanvi’s co-op journey started and ended with Transport Canada (in the best way possible!). Entering the Co-op Program in hopes of gaining job experience before stepping into her career, Jahanvi ended up spending all three of her co-op terms with Transport Canada, later being hired full-time as a Human Resource Assistant. Gaining skills and connections through her co-op terms, Jahanvi commends the program for making the transition from school to work much easier.

Both Julianne and Jahanvi noted that the Co-op Program was a fantastic way to practice skills learned in class. While it may be easy to forget class concepts post-grad, co-op work terms help students to experience in-class concepts in a practical setting. For example, shortly after taking a labour relations class, Julianne experienced a strike while in her co-op position: by applying what she learned in school, Julianne was able to successfully navigate the situation and gain a deeper understanding of labour relations.

When it comes to applying for the Co-op Program, both Julianne and Jahanvi shared a similar sentiment: don’t be afraid to ask questions, network, and put yourself out there! The pair vouched for the many resources offered by the Career Development Centre, including co-op advisors, mock interviews, and question banks that can help prepare students for entry into the program. Julianne and Jahvani emphasize that no matter what, remain confident in yourself and your skills – you’ve got this!

This year, the Co-Op application deadline is September 25th, 2023. Slide over to the U of M Website for more information on how to become a Co-Op student!

Extra Credit: Involvement Opportunities for Everyone!

As we kick off the start of the Fall semester, there are more ways to get involved than ever! Whether you’re a New-To-Asper student or a veteran [redacted]-year student like myself, there’s plenty of things to look forward to this Fall. Here’s a SparkNotes-esque look of what’s to come:

CoFirst Year Representative Elections

• • What is it? Each year, New-To-Asper students have the chance to run for First Year Representative, a position that acts as a liaison between new students and the CSA. With the help of the First Year Committee, the First Year Representatives organize various social, charity, and fundraising events throughout the school year (shout out the FYC social :P).
  • Who can do it? Anyone who will be entering their first semester in the Faculty of Management this fall.
  • Where to find more info? Check out the CSA’s First Year Resources page!

Asper Mentorship Program

• • What is it? The Asper Mentorship Program connects newly-admitted Asper students with experienced mentors who have similar majors, experiences, and interests. Mentors provide mentees with guidance, advice, and support throughout the year to help them successfully navigate their first year in Asper, making it a great way for both mentors and mentees to make friends and connections within school!
  • Who can do it? Any Asper student!
  • Where to find more info? Check out the CSA Website or apply directly to be a mentee or mentor.

Commerce Connection Volunteering

• • What is it? The CSA’s very own merchandise store (a.k.a. the Commerce Connection) is recruiting for volunteers! Housed in the CSA Office in Drake, the merch store is in need of a crew of volunteers to help sell merchandise and lockers during the school year.
  • Who can do it? Any Asper student! No experience is required – a training session will be hosted for all volunteers.
  • Where to find more info? For more details on role responsibilities and to sign up, check out this form!

And with that, we’ve reached the official end of our summer scoops! Special thank you to Habiba, Victoria, Julianne, and Jahvani for chatting with us this month and, as always, thank you again for taking the time to read this month’s feature. I’ll see you in September!

~ Chris