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Students gain direct access to real-world learning and jobs, connecting them with emerging industry needs while fostering professional confidence.

A long-standing partnership between the University of New Brunswick (UNB) and McCain Foods Limited gives UNB computer science students a path to career opportunities while providing the global food company with homegrown tech talent.

One aspect of that relationship was displayed recently when 52 undergraduate and graduate students visited McCain’s Global Digital Technology Centre (GDTC) in Florenceville-Bristol, N.B.

The visit featured panels, networking and a tour of one of the region’s most sophisticated digital workplaces. For students such as Manav Maheshwari, the experience offered a deeper look at the industry and what it takes to succeed in it.

“It was very informative,” Maheshwari said. “There was a lot of learning, and it made a positive impact on me.”

He especially appreciated the company’s welcoming atmosphere.

“They gave us a positive outlook on how McCain really is when it comes to its employees.”

The visit is part of a multi-pronged relationship between UNB and McCain.

“The strategic partnership between UNB and McCain is a special relationship that is paying dividends in mutually beneficial outcomes across multiple areas of interest,” said Amy Batt, executive director of strategic partnerships at UNB.

“Since 2015, our relationship has been built around intentional engagement that supports UNB students with experiential learning and education enrichment opportunities, and McCain with a strong talent pool and research engagement.”

McCain is a significant industry partner in UNB’s co-operative education program, where students take part in paid work terms directly tied to their studies. McCain also plays an active role in campus events and other student-focused programming.

“The faculty of computer science in Fredericton has had an incredible partnership with McCain for many years,” said Sonya Hull, managing director of strategic partnerships in the faculty of computer science.

“They are part of our co-op program and support many faculty events and initiatives, such as this recent bus trip to tour the GDTC.”

That engagement is paying off.

“They have a keen interest in UNB students, and the students who do co-op placements there have wonderful experiences and feel very supported by the McCain team, and the reputation gets around,” Hull said.

The GDTC is a modern facility with a capacity for 140 people, supporting global business functions, including data, engineering, infrastructure and HR services.

McCain views UNB as a key talent pipeline due to the university’s strong computer science program and proximity. Students can contribute fresh thinking and technical skills, and many remain in New Brunswick to work full time with the company. McCain’s roles align well with UNB programs, including cybersecurity, cloud and software engineering and project management.

The company provides meaningful work experiences, soft-skills training, global mobility options and a culture built around family, authenticity, trust and quality.

McCain benefits from the partnership through access to high-quality candidates, and students gain exposure to a supportive, innovation-driven workplace.

Kinga Tshering, a computer science student who went on the trip and had previously completed a co-op placement with McCain, confirmed that.

“I had an amazing co-op experience working there,” she said.

Tshering especially valued hearing from the panellists at the GDTC event.

“I learned that there was diversity in tech companies and that I can pursue different career paths and options.”

She said seeing how business and technology roles at McCain intersect was helpful.

“They talked about SAP (Systems, Applications and Products in Data Processing), which I had worked on before. That was interesting to hear, and then I learned how that connected with all the different roles. There was a diverse team. I learned about wider career options.”

Those are the kinds of connections UNB hopes its students will make, said Hull.

“This rich academia-industry meshing is critical in today’s world,” she said.

“The relationships students form with companies they meet through the co-op program or faculty events can be game-changing as they seek employment after graduation.”

Hull said that feedback from the students who toured the GDTC in February was overwhelmingly positive.

“We’re absolutely thrilled that this event revealed to 52 students that McCain, a global company right here in N.B., has a leading-edge technology centre and global opportunities for them. They were thankful and thrilled they took part.”

The GDTC is central to McCain’s digital transformation strategy, integrating data, analytics and advanced systems into operations across its global footprint. For students preparing to enter a fast-moving industry, the experience provided a glimpse of what’s possible close to home.

That resonated with Maheshwari.

“What stood out for me was the work environment and how friendly the people were, particularly the panellists,” said Maheshwari.

“They gave us solid insights into how to prepare for careers and job interviews.”

Tshering agreed.

“A lot is going on in tech, and I’m glad I saw some of it for myself right here in New Brunswick.”

John Lu, a developer at McCain, said his career began with a co-op placement as a UNB student.

“It provided meaningful exposure to real-world projects, helped me grow both technically and professionally and taught me the value of continuous learning and adaptability,” he said.

“I developed key soft skills such as time management, organization and team collaboration. This internship ultimately led to a full-time position with the company.”

McCain also works to help shape its future workforce by engaging with students through panels, events and mentorship opportunities and treats interns as team members from the outset. They receive structured onboarding, soft-skills training, mental health resources and assignments that align with their studies.

Kevin Perkins, chief information security officer at McCain, said that’s part of the company’s long-term vision.

“At McCain, our partnership with UNB is invaluable. The graduates from the computer science program, along with other disciplines, are integral to our talent strategy. They bring fresh perspectives, innovative solutions and a high level of expertise that drive our technological advancements and overall success,” he said.

“I still remember when I was young, driving by the McCain operation, dreaming, and hoping to work there one day.”