What years did you participate in JA program?
I participated in JA Company Program starting in 2019 when I was in grade 9. I continued my participation as an achiever all the way throughout high school and during Covid-19 shutdowns when we met for virtual companies. I had the opportunity to create 4 different companies with a range of products from sock hippos to sea glass bracelets!
Currently for the last two years I have been an advisor with the Dartmouth High Program and have loved the opportunity to share my knowledge and experiences of being in the company program with today’s achievers!
What are you doing now (school, work, volunteering)?
JA Company Program helped me to discover my passion for the business world so today I am in my second year Bachelor of Commerce at Saint Mary’s University. I am working towards a double major in Accounting and Computer Information Systems.
I am seeking a Summer 2025 Co-op work term through Saint Mary’s! Outside of school and JA I coach with the Dartmouth Crusaders Swim Club helping younger swimmers age 8-14 discover another passion of mine, swimming!
How did JA impact you?
JA Company Program helped me decide that pursuing an undergraduate in commerce was the right decision for me. Through my time in the program I held positions as VP of finance x2, HR and sales. This allowed me to see how companies operate in different perspectives and ultimately sparked my interest in wanting to learn more. Each position taught me different technical skills from email writing, bank reconciliations, handling shareholder information and double accounting sheets. But I also learned power skills of problem solving, adaptability, strong communication, and time management. All of which made me a better student and employee for the future!
JA also allowed me to attend amazing events such as Pitch IT! and the Nova Scotia Business Hall of Fame which grew my confidence in public speaking and interacting with new people, both skills which I use almost everyday!
Why get involved with JA?
JA teaches you critical business and life skills that are transferable no matter what you do later! Through the Company program you gain valuable opportunities to network with professionals in many fields and learn the art of marketing yourself to potential employers and mentors. It is a great way to learn how to collaborate with others on projects and what to do when you don’t agree. You will learn business concepts that don’t get taught in University till first or second year, these will help you in business classes or just as an overview as business is all around us. JA is also a place where you can make lifelong friends with similar interests!