Co-ops offer real-world job experience

McMaster students are adding real-world skills to their classroom education thanks to
co-ops with area businesses.

For MBA student Vanessa Hutchinson, being involved in Burlington has been a valuable
part of her educational experience at the DeGroote School of Business.

Hutchinson, who is in the marketing stream and plans to minor in management,
recently completed a four-month position with Service Inspired Restaurants, the
corporation that owns and operates 47 restaurants including Jack Astor's Bar and Grill,
Alice Fazooli's Italian Grill and Canyon Creek. There she was involved with a number of
marketing initiatives, including Jack Astor's' sponsorship initiative with the Toronto Rock
of the National Lacrosse League. Hutchinson planned an event during a game at the Air
Canada Centre, organizing the half-time, pre- and post-game activities, as well as the
restaurant promotions during the game. She also worked with sponsorships and events
for local sports teams including the Oakville Soccer Club and the Burlington Youth
Soccer Club.

Hutchinson's position also allowed her to work in the field of business planning: she
created a structured business plan for each Jack Astor's location and established a guide
on how to develop a situational analysis.

“It was a great experience having Vanessa on our marketing team for her co-op term,”
said Jenn Dey, business manager for Service Inspired Restaurants. “She adapted well to
the pace of our organization, solidly contributing on various projects and assuming the
lead on others.”

Having a position in Burlington, near the Ron Joyce Centre, has allowed Hutchinson to
experience the city and has helped ease her transition between work and school.

“It has been a great experience. I'm getting to know the Burlington community, and
learning about what an up-and-coming city it really is,” said Hutchinson. “And now that
I'm back in school, I am still able to see my colleagues from my work term as they are
also in Burlington.”

Service Inspired Restaurants has also discovered advantages in working with Burlington
students from the Ron Joyce Centre and has hired two new students for summer
placements.

“One of the main benefits to having an MBA co-op student working for our company is
to have him/her assist with managing and executing key business projects for the
Service Inspired Restaurants brands. From the idea-vetting sessions through to
programs going live, the extra resources are very valuable, as is the fresh perspective
they bring,” said Dey. “The fact that the DeGroote School of Business' Ron Joyce Centre
is only five minutes away is a convenient and added incentive for both Burlington
students and our organization.”

Hutchinson agrees that having her work term in Burlington was very beneficial.

“Working in Burlington was a fantastic networking opportunity. I was able to make many
contacts in the community that will help me find my next co-op position and future
jobs.”

Hutchinson is taking classes during the summer months at the Ron Joyce Centre and
will start her next co-op term in September.