Cambrian College Business Students Get a Jump Start on their Careers

Cambrian students are making their mark in the business world even before they graduate.

A number of Business Administration students at Cambrian College are not waiting until they graduate to make their mark in the business world: they are doing it while they're still in school.

Cambrian students team up with local businesses

Approximately 59 students in the program have teamed up with seven existing businesses from across Northern Ontario, either to help those businesses implement their marketing plans, or create a new plan from scratch.

"We've been doing this for a few years now, and every year the positive responses and number of businesses wanting to take part keeps growing," says Jean Beauchemin, a professor in Cambrian's Business Administration program. "They're calling me to say 'Sign me up.' The work being done by our students is fantastic."

This year's group of participating businesses included industries like:

• high-tech
• food
• fashion
• manufacturing
• health and safety
• semi-professional sport

Daniela Castellon is a third-year student in the Business Administration program. She worked on a marketing plan and web design project for Spectrum Telecom Group, a wireless solutions provider based in Greater Sudbury.

"This experience was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, says Daniela. "I discovered a new career path for my future and will now be able to do something I'm passionate about. Our professor went above and beyond for us to learn through real world experiences, all while helping local businesses grow!"

"We value our partnership with Cambrian College and we were excited to have the opportunity to provide a real-world opportunity for our local Business students," adds Geoff Hatton, President and CEO of Spectrum Telecom Group Ltd. "Wow, did these students deliver! I recall my feedback during their Zoom presentation was that it was at the same calibre as I received from professional companies. ... Well done, students and faculty!"

Work-integrated learning: beyond business

Business Administration is just one of the many programs at Cambrian College that partners with businesses and organizations to provide students with workplace learning opportunities. Students receive real-world career experience to give them a competitive advantage when they enter the workplace. Businesses and organizations benefit by having access to a wider pool of talent to draw from in terms of day-to-day operations and recruitment.

"Work-integrated learning is absolutely essential to the academic experience of our students, because it's so valuable in getting them ready to launch their careers once they graduate," adds Paula Gouveia, Cambrian's Vice-President Academic. "Congratulations to our Business Administration faculty, staff, students and community partners for this successful initiative."