Ideas with Impact
UNB Faculty of Management

Students only have an idea of what working in the real world is like, we don’t know for sure until we try it. Like most students, Jarett Nickerson wanted to get real work experience in his chosen career path and make sure it is something he enjoys doing, before he graduates.

Jarett, a third year business student, is looking to earn his BBA degree with a major in marketing. He is currently working an 8-month co-op placement with a Saint John based company called Mariner. They provide products and solutions for Internet Protocol television (IPTV) providers worldwide, as well as consulting and solutions for local information technology (IT) firms.

Jarett’s position at Mariner allows him to work on a variety of marketing related projects. His daily tasks range from website conception and updating, to tradeshow collateral design and implementation.

One of his larger projects was to develop and prepare Mariner's presence (a 10'X20' trade show booth) at the Think NB tradeshow in Saint John, in the fall of 2009.  This project involved everything from organizing logistics of the event (lighting, furniture, computer screens, etc.) to the design of the posters, brochures and the look and feel of Mariner's booth. 

“I absolutely love my job!” exclaimed Jarett. “It has provided me with countless opportunities for personal and career focused growth. I know this experience will help me in my future career.  It has opened my eyes to the real world of business and how things are done, as well as re-enforced the decision to finish my marketing major.”

Taking advantage of programs such as Co-op, allow students, such as Jarett, to see what their careers might look like a few years down the road. It also gives them an opportunity to get the experience that employer’s desire.

Jarett’s last bit of advice for other students interested in Co-op, is to join Co-op! “The value of learning hands-on, outside the classroom in the real world, is not only priceless, but it's been a blast!”