By: Gino Lucente, fourth-year Business student
Securing a full-time co-op position in accounting at I&A Professional Corporation Chartered Professional Accountants is a significant milestone in my career, and it would not have been possible without the foundation I built during my time at the University of Guelph-Humber. It is a role I was made aware of through our GHWorks job search platform.
Guelph-Humber has played a central role in preparing me for the challenges and opportunities in the corporate world, from the supportive professors who taught me the essential principles of accounting, to the real-world experiences offered by networking events and career fairs.
The depth of knowledge I gained through my studies has been directly translatable to my current role in public accounting, allowing me to approach financial data with a strong analytical mindset and an eye for detail.
In particular, the hands-on approach taken by my instructors in incorporating real-life scenarios into our assignments and case studies has been invaluable. In courses like Financial Accounting and Taxation, the assignments didn’t just focus on theoretical knowledge but were structured in a way that simulated the type of work I’d be doing in a professional setting. For example, analyzing financial statements and working with balance sheets has closely mirrored tasks I now handle in my current role, allowing me to approach financial data with confidence and precision.
The professors at Guelph-Humber also emphasized the importance of communication skills in accounting, particularly when presenting financial findings to internal and external stakeholders. This focus on developing my verbal and written communication skills has proven essential. In the professional world, it's not just about knowing the numbers; it's about clearly and confidently explaining those numbers to others. This is an aspect of my education at Guelph-Humber that I found especially relevant as I began my co-op position. Whether drafting financial statements, emailing colleagues, or presenting findings to managers and partners, the ability to articulate financial concepts effectively has been a huge asset.
Beyond the classroom, Guelph-Humber has also provided an exceptional platform for networking and professional growth. The University’s career fair has been a pivotal opportunity for me to connect with potential employers. Over the past two years, one firm, in particular, has been a consistent presence at the fair, and it was through these events that I had the chance to meet their team and learn more about their corporate culture. The firm’s team was welcoming, and I could engage in meaningful conversations that gave me insight into the kind of work they do, as well as their expectations for future hires.
One of the most important connections I made was with one of their partners, a Guelph-Humber alum who was also the recruiter. Through these conversations, I learned more about the firm’s values, which resonated with my professional goals. The relationship I developed with the firm during the career fair played a crucial role in my decision to apply for their full-time accounting co-op position.
When it came time for my interview, I already had an established rapport with both interviewers. This allowed me to speak confidently about my qualifications and how my academic experiences at Guelph-Humber aligned with the company’s needs.
Networking with other professionals at Guelph-Humber’s events and through the GH Accounting Society (GHAS) has also been instrumental in expanding my network and learning about different career paths in accounting. By leading and participating in GHAS events and discussions, I gained insights from industry professionals and alumni, helping me understand the diverse opportunities within the field of accounting. These experiences allowed me to see firsthand how the principles I learned in the classroom were applied in real-world situations.
Ultimately, my time at Guelph-Humber, both academically and through extracurricular activities, has prepared me well for the next step in my career. The solid foundation in accounting principles, the emphasis on communication and analytical skills, and the professional relationships I’ve built have all been key factors in landing my full-time co-op role. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities provided by Guelph-Humber, and I’m excited to apply everything I’ve learned to my new role.
Written by: Gino Lucente, fourth-year Business student