Balancing the demands of school and a co-op position is no easy feat, especially in a field as rigorous as accounting. For Eshaan Pathak, a Dhillon School of Business student on Calgary Campus, finding his own co-op opportunity was a game-changer. Through hard work, networking and the support of his professors, he’s been able to gain valuable hands-on experience while staying on top of his studies. His journey is a testament to the rewards of seizing every opportunity and making the most of the resources available.
How would you describe the University of Lethbridge in Calgary? What are the benefits of studying at a smaller institution?
Even though the Calgary campus is small, this is a big plus since it helps create a connection between students and professors. This way professors can guide students on a more one-on-one basis, as compared to bigger campuses. The program was exactly what I needed to start my CPA Career.
What have you enjoyed most about your program so far?
I am a part of the co-op program. I have already completed a four-month co-op and I started another eight-month co-op in September.
Now, I’ve gained practical experience in applying what I’ve studied to real-world situations. Through these experiences, I was able to develop professional connections and get real-world experiences in the industry in which I intend to work.
How did you go about finding your own co-op position? What steps did you take?
Last year in May, I received an email from the university that Kenway Mack Slusarchuk Stewart LLP (KMSS) was hosting a meet and greet session, I went for networking purposes. In that session, I learned that KMSS was hiring co-op students for January 2024. I applied and was accepted. That's how I got my first co-op. For the second co-op, I applied through the university's MyExperience portal.
How did your co-op experience differ from your expectations, and what did you learn that you didn't anticipate?
Through my research, I found that co-op gives good exposure for students and students who do co-op as part of their degree are given a higher starting package than those that don't. I was certain that this co-op experience would help me figure out if accounting is the field I really want to settle in and if it is something I can see myself doing for 15-20 years. After this co-op, I can certainly say I enjoyed the work. I was never tired and was hungry to learn more, even though I had put 65+ hours in a week in the month of April.
Did this co-op experience influence your career goals or the direction you want to take after graduation? If so, how?
My co-op placement helped me understand that real-life accounting is much more dynamic than what we study in classes. Some files are super easy, and some files will leave you scratching your head, but every file brings a new experience and a new learning opportunity. After this co-op I was more confident that I wanted to pursue accounting as a career.
What is your favourite thing to do in or around Calgary? How has living in Calgary complemented your University experience?
Living in Calgary has been great, the city is growing and developing every single day and hopefully it will be as big as Vancouver and Toronto in the next 10-15 years. Living in Calgary has enhanced my university experience because the city's growth makes it easier to find job opportunities compared to other metropolitan areas.
What do you plan to do with your degree? How will your University of Lethbridge in Calgary education get you where you want to be?
My current degree program will help me achieve all the pre-requisites required to be a CPA. Once my degree is done, I'll start with the CPA PEP Program. ULethbridge helped me secure co-ops at two different companies, and the professional connections I’ve made as a student will help me land a full-time job in the future.
How flexible was the University of Lethbridge in Calgary in offering programming that was tailored to your life as an international student?
The University provides a range of undergraduate programs with flexible scheduling options, including daytime, evening and weekend classes. Additionally, online courses and hybrid programs suit different learning preferences and schedules.
Academic advisors, especially Spencer Simkin, helps students in every way possible and guide them no matter how big or small the problem is. They have international student advisors who assist with immigration, applying for permit and other issues.
What advice would you give someone who is considering the University of Lethbridge in Calgary?
If you get into the program you want, then it's a great place to study.
The Dhillon School of Business at the University of Lethbridge is known for its immersive experiential learning opportunities, connecting learners with industry, its supportive, personalized approach and for exposing students to emerging technology. Study options are available in both Lethbridge and Calgary.