Co-op Success Story: Doreen Kooy Award Winner Haroon Assaf
Meet Haroon | Driven | Enthusiastic | Resourceful
Program: Bachelor of Management | Major: General Management
Haroon Assaf, a dedicated student in the General Management program, embodies a proactive and collaborative approach to his education and career. His journey through the Co-op program has not only provided him with invaluable professional skills but has also allowed him to explore the dynamic world of HR and connect with professionals across the globe.
Networking was and still is the most important skillset I absorbed at Schneider Electric. This was sparked by my curiosity in the corporate world, especially HR practices, where I was shown many different opportunities, relationship building, and communication development.
A Leap into Human Resources and Project Leadership
Haroon's Co-op experience with Schneider Electric in Calgary as a Human Resources Intern was a pivotal step. Originally a four-month term, it was extended to eight months. He supported the Services and Global Functions sector, working on projects that aligned with the company’s core values of inclusivity and efficiency.
One of his key projects was developing a program to help veterans and ex-servicemen transition into careers at Schneider Electric. Haroon was a key player in this initiative, collecting data on specific job roles and collaborating with Talent Acquisition to ensure a good fit. His work directly contributed to a successful expo that opened new doors for both veterans and the company.
Working in a very dynamic and evolving environment, I learnt how adaptability is crucial to every employee in the workplace, learning how to navigate change, boost productivity, and enhance problem solving abilities.
He also tackled a complex challenge to improve the onboarding process for new employees, specifically for field service representatives. Haroon used the DMAIC method to pinpoint shortcomings and proposed an innovative solution for the "Buddy" program, suggesting an extended mentorship period to a full year. This would allow new employees to develop crucial soft skills and critical thinking.
Honored with the Doreen Kooy Memorial Prize
Haroon was recently awarded the Doreen Kooy Memorial Prize for Co-op Student Excellence, a prize created in the memory of Doreen Kooy (BEd '88), a proud ULethbridge alumna and former Dhillon School of Business Co-operative Education Coordinator. He was surprised to be nominated, let alone recognized, but credits his managers, Petty Bathish and Cinthia Olveda, for their guidance and support.
"I am truly grateful to have been awarded the Doreen Kooy Memorial Prize for Co-op Student Excellence. I didn’t expect to be nominated, let alone recognized for my achievements...I have to acknowledge my managers, Petty Bathish and Cinthia Olveda for their guidance and support throughout this experience, and I can confirm that I wouldn't have been in this position if it wasn't for their knowledge and expertise."
Cultivating Essential Skills
Through his Co-op, Haroon gained crucial career skills: networking, adaptability, and leadership. He mentions that working in a very dynamic and evolving environment taught him how adaptability is crucial to every employee in the workplace. He also set a goal to lead and co-lead more projects, which helped him drive outcomes and become a leader.
I have always struggled with leadership, so this will be an excellent opportunity for me to become a leader and take ownership of my work
He also notes that networking, which was often difficult for him in previous jobs, became a key part of his role, as he often found himself working with people outside of HR, such as those in services, project management, and talent acquisition. He adapted to this and found it highly beneficial to his projects.
Advice for Aspiring Co-op Students
Haroon's advice to students considering Co-op is straightforward:
I would highly recommend completing a co-op, especially for business students like myself. There are many skills and aspects in business that is difficult to teach from a textbook alone, therefore having that approach angle involving real-time work and learning from subject matter experts will help develop their talent and tailor their career path.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Haroon plans to return to a full-time student role to complete the remaining two years of his degree. He notes that the program provided him with the necessary tools and resources to continue pursuing his future career and goals, and he has many opportunities for part-time work, including staying with Schneider Electric.