Career Week: February 3-7, 2025

Join us for SMU Career Week from February 3-7! This week-long series of activities is designed to support students at all stages of their academic journey in planning their professional futures. The series will include both virtual and in-person events, offering insights, connections and unique perspectives from valued community partners, SMU subject matter experts, employer partners and alumni, inspiring students to explore, plan and build a strong foundation for success. 

Accessibility Information: We aim to make our events inclusive for everyone. Please email cel@smu.ca with any accessibility requests or specific accommodations.  

Career Week 2025 Events

LinkedIn Photoshoot

Monday, February 3
3-5 p.m.
Student Centre 401

Elevate your LinkedIn profile with a new professional photo! All students are invited to get a professional headshot taken by a photographer for free at the Career and Experiential Learning office on the 4th floor of the Student Centre between 3-5 p.m. Remember to dress in professional attire!

Register for the LinkedIn Photoshoot here.

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Thinking About Grad School?

Monday, February 3
4-5 p.m.
Loyola 273

Thinking about grad school? This session is for you! Consider various pathways based on your career goals (you have more options than you think!), learn about the “invisible” steps to applying successfully to grad school, and figure out your ideal timeline.

Register here to learn more about grad school.

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Navigating the Job Market: The Power of Networking and Personal Branding

Monday, February 3
4-5:30 p.m.
Sobey Building, 4th Floor

This workshop is designed to help undergraduate and graduate students prepare for career success. It will focus on what employers, like Enterprise, look for in future candidates and how you can stand out to potential employers.

Additionally, the workshop will provide networking opportunities with Enterprise representatives and offer valuable insights into the company’s hiring process and work culture.

Register for Navigating the Job Market: The Power of Networking and Personal Branding here.

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Summer Job & Career Fair

Tuesday, February 4
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Loyola 290

Are you interested in learning about employment opportunities or finding a summer job? 

The Summer Job & Career Fair allows students to connect with a diverse range of hiring employers to share their skills, ideas and talents. Students who are eager to put their skills to good use in new roles will get a chance to interact and learn about opportunities from employers in their desired fields.  

Register for the Summer Job & Career Fair here.

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The Juggle is Real: Finding Balance

Tuesday, February 4
4-5 p.m.
LA273

Join us for a workshop presented by Peer Success Coaches and Career & Experiential Learning! Discover practical strategies to balance academics, work, and personal life while preparing for your future career. Learn how to manage your time effectively, set meaningful priorities, and maintain your well-being as a busy student. 

Register for the workshop here

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Grad Expo

Wednesday, February 5
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Loyola 290

Are you graduating in 2025? The Grad Expo is an opportunity for students to learn about alumni benefits, grad photos, student loan repayment, resources for new graduates, and more!   

Register here to receive important updates about the Grad Expo.

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Your Next Chapter Abroad: Insights for International Students

Wednesday, February 5
4-5:30 p.m.
Loyola 290

A panel of alumni and industry professionals will provide important information and answer questions to help international students after graduation. Topics could include the work permit application process, permanent residency, living in Nova Scotia, etc.

Register for Your Next Chapter Abroad: Insights for International Students

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Black Entrepreneurship Showcase

Thursday, February 6
11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Loyola Colonnade

Meet organizations that support Black students in entrepreneurship. Speak with representatives from Black Girls Gather, Tribe Network, and Business is Jammin’ to learn how they can help support you in your entrepreneurial goals!

Register here for the Black Entrepreneurship Showcase

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Indigenous Student Career Fair & Panel

Thursday, February 6
2:30-4:30 p.m.
Unilever Lounge, Sobey Building, 4th Floor

Meet organizations interested in hiring and supporting Indigenous students and new grads in a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere. 

Organizations include Clean Foundation, RBC, Canada Border Services Agency, Efficiency NS and more.

Register for the Indigenous Student Career Fair & Panel here.

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Job Search and Resume Support Webinar

Friday, February 7
10-11:15 a.m.
Online event

This virtual session will cover the essentials of crafting a standout resume, from formatting and structure to expert tips for job searching. Get ready to learn best practices that will set you up for success in your career journey!

Register for the Job Search and Resume Support Webinar here.

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How to Apply for the Government

Friday, February 7
1-2 p.m.
Online event 

This virtual session will go over the application process for government jobs. If you're thinking about working for the Government of Canada, you don't want to miss this online event!

Register for How to Apply for the Government here.

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Employer Panel for International Students

Friday, February 7
1-3:15 p.m.
LA186

Recruiters from Clean Foundation, TD Bank, Halifax Regional Municipality, Oxford International College and Venor will share tips and strategies for job search success in this interactive session featuring both a larger panel presentation and smaller breakout discussion groups. Listen, ask questions, network, and get the inside scoop on what employers want! (Limited spaces available)

Register for the panel here

For more information about Career Week, please visit career360.smu.ca

The Arena — Canada’s most electrifying pitch competition for student entrepreneurs — is now accepting applications

Apply by February 9, 2025, for an opportunity to win the $10,000 grand prize.

For the fifth year in a row, the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre at Saint Mary’s University will host The Arena, bringing together 64 student entrepreneurs from across Canada for a high-energy showdown as they battle for the title of Top Innovator and a grand prize of $10,000. The runner-up will win $5,000, and third and fourth-place winners will each receive $1,000. All prize money goes toward the entrepreneur’s idea or business.

The Arena is modelled after the NCAA March Madness college basketball championship. The 64 selected student entrepreneurs compete head-to-head in brackets from March 3, 2025, to April 1, 2025. Students are coached throughout the month, preparing them for their month-long battle to victory. Each fast-paced match-up is treated as its own competition where pitches and judges’ determinations happen live. All matches are online and live-streamed.

“The Arena is an intense competition, and the entrepreneurial spirit of these students is contagious,” says Michael Sanderson, Director of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre. “You see the dreams of these future entrepreneurs start to come alive.”

To qualify, participants must be current undergraduate, graduate, or PhD students or recent alumni (within one year of graduation) from a recognized post-secondary institution in Canada. They must also own or part-own a business idea that has not generated more than $10,000 in annual revenue and has not received more than $10,000 through external support or investment (through investors or other competitions).

The Arena is sponsored by Metronomics, created in 1995 by founder and CEO Shannon Susko BComm’89 BSc’92. Metronomics is a business growth system, designed to empower CEO’s and leadership teams with the tools, frameworks, and rhythms needed to achieve exceptional growth. Among her many awards, Susko was recognized by the Universal Women’s Network “Game Changer” award in 2022, as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in 2018, 2020, and 2022 and was awarded Canada’s Top 40 under 40 in 2001.

In addition to providing an extraordinary opportunity for students, members of the SMU community are welcome to follow the competition, which will be live-streamed on the centre’s Facebook and LinkedIn pages. Faculty are welcome to participate as judges. Please reach out to Fatima Zohora fatima.zohora@smu.ca for more information.

Find out more about The Arena

Kudos to the 2025 Wicked Problems Competition winners!

A student pitches his idea to an attentive crowd at the Wicked Problems competition.

Sheheryar Khan wants to develop a seaweed-based bioplastic.

Rebbeca Hill and Alyssa MacDonald hope to produce smoothies using cosmetically imperfect local fruits and vegetables.

2024 winner Lydia Lee reports on her project, Sustainable Seconds.

2024 winner Melissa Alvarez Del Angel discusses the results of her project, Palm Oil Reduction and Healthier Food on Campus.

The third edition of the Wicked Problems Competition, sponsored by SMU alumnus Douglas Coll BComm’89, awarded $2,500 each to two outstanding undergraduate projects for their innovative solutions to complex challenges. The Wicked Problems Lab also funded an additional award for a graduate student.

“Wicked problems, like food insecurity or pollution, are considered nearly impossible to solve. They are complex, constantly evolving, and lack a definitive endpoint,” explains Dr. Mathew Novak, professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies and director of the Wicked Problems Lab (WPL). “These awards inspire students to think creatively and work toward solutions that make a difference.”

This year’s competition (2024–2025) showcased twelve remarkable project ideas addressing sustainability, health, pollution, food waste, transportation, and housing challenges.

The winning projects:

• Science/Chemical Engineering student Sheheryar Khan proposed developing a seaweed-based bioplastic that decomposes naturally within a year, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics.

• BComm students Rebbeca Hill and Alyssa MacDonald proposed producing smoothies using cosmetically imperfect fruits and vegetables from the Annapolis Valley, promoting local sourcing and sustainability as well as reducing food waste.

• Graduate student Erin Norris (Applied Health Services Research) proposed Group Music Therapy as a proactive intervention for autistic students, aiming to reduce stress and improve social connectedness.

The winners can collaborate with Dr. Novak and Dr. Patricia Matsumoto–the WPL’s Research Analyst–, to develop their projects. The Wicked Problems Lab (AT 212) supports students by providing access to data, research contacts and analytical software. The students will present an update on their projects at the end of the Winter term, showcasing how their ideas are contributing to solving society’s most pressing issues.

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Catching up with the 2024 winners

Melissa Alvarez Del Angel developed a project aimed at creating a healthier campus at SMU. She won the 2023-2024 Wicked Problems Lab competition with her pitch, “Palm Oil Reduction and Healthier Food on Campus”. Working alongside Wicked Problems Lab and Geography students Christina Connors and Maya Kosic, she helped map the campus vending machines, identifying what kinds of food and beverages are available and where they are located.  

Melissa also conducted a food survey in collaboration with another 2023-2034 student winner, Lydia Lee, to gather feedback from students, staff, faculty, and the wider SMU community about food options on campus.  

The survey revealed that over 80% of respondents were interested or might be interested in healthier vending machine options, such as fruits, vegetables, cereal bars, and natural juices. Respondents shared additional concerns, including: 

• The need for more variety and year-round food options, as some staff and students remain on campus even during breaks when availability is limited. 

• A preference for locally sourced options, like a local coffee shop.

• An emphasis on allergy labeling and clear ingredient lists. 

• Requests for more culturally inclusive food options, not just in dining halls and cafés but also in the food bank, as international students are among those facing food insecurity. 

In addition to developing her Wicked Problems Lab project, Melissa has advocated for wellness  at SMU and wrote an article for the SMU Journal highlighting why students should care about palm oil consumption. As the editor of the SMU Journal, Melissa also worked on publishing an article about SMU Dockside dining. 

Melissa’s project concluded that SMU’s community values wellness and inclusive food options. Her work not only raised awareness but also highlighted areas for improvement. She remains committed to advocating for a healthier campus and has made a meaningful difference for the SMU community. 

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Lydia Lee developed the project “Sustainable Seconds”, focused on addressing food insecurity by creating affordable and sustainable home meal kits. These kits used surplus produce from local farmers and donated ingredients, offering a cost-effective solution with pre-measured ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes. 

Through her project, Lydia found that nearly 57% of students were moderately or severely food insecure and had to skip a meal a couple of times per week because of the price. She also discovered that students wanted more affordable and healthier food options. Lydia worked with the Wicked Problems Lab and her network to connect with local producers and project partners. She ran a campaign to collect donated non-perishable goods and surplus produce. 

Her efforts resulted in the delivery of over 1,000 pounds of food through Sustainable Seconds meal kits to students at SMU and Dalhousie. This project not only provided immediate help to those in need but also promoted sustainability by reducing food waste. 

Lydia’s project demonstrates how practical solutions and collaboration can have a real impact on addressing food insecurity. 

Saint Mary’s student entrepreneur wins $10,000 award for mental health app start-up

Olivian Sanderson, winner of the Dream Chaser Change Maker Social Impact Award

Bachelor of Commerce student Olivian Sanderson, Co-Founder of Sociable, a mental health app designed for students, has won the Dream Chaser Change Maker (DCCM) Foundation Social Impact Award and $10,000. The DCCM invites student entrepreneurs with social impact aspirations to a pitch competition where a team of mentors and alumni select the next Dream Chaser.

Olivian competed against thirty contestants and was shortlisted as one of seven finalists at the recent DCCM Award Pitch Competition held at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre. The award, which provides a scholarship supporting tuition and start-up costs, celebrates student entrepreneurs who use their businesses to address pressing social and environmental challenges. 

Olivian shared her excitement about the win and how the $10,000 prize will accelerate Sociable's development, “The competition was a great experience. Participating in the pitches was also amazing: being able to see all the amazing businesses other students are running and then being able to showcase my own to a panel of judges was great. The prize will help accelerate my business growth. With a portion of it going to my education, it also relieves some of that financial stress, meaning I can focus more time on doing what I love, building Sociable. The DCCM network has so many industry leaders and experts that I want to learn from, so I am excited to have been given such a valuable opportunity to do so.” 

Beyond the $10,000 prize, the competition celebrated students as changemakers, recognizing their commitment to creating a positive impact. The other finalists represented a diverse range of innovative ventures: 

• Ashish Ganapathy, Co-Founder of Accesstructure, featured a business focused on creating more accessible campuses for those with disabilities; 

• Gabriel Martin, Founder of Purlo Foods, pitched his business emphasizing transparency and sustainability in the food supply chain; 

• Vaishali Sachdeva, Brand Ambassador of Bean, presented a smart food assistant app designed to revolutionize meal planning; 

• Stuti Sandhu, Founder of Being There, pitched an initiative aiming to support dementia care and prevention with a personalized, holistic approach; 

• Karanveer Singh, Founder of Eco-Nova Store, focused on sustainable and eco-friendly plastic alternative products that could be eaten after their use; and

• Andrei Marchenko, Founder of All Year Greens, featured an innovative vertical farming solution to increase access to fresh, healthy food.

Finalist Andrei Marchenko shared his perspective on participating in the pitch competition: “This competition inspired me to grow as a presenter and helped improve my public speaking skills for a wider audience. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone looking to grow both personally and professionally.” 

Finalists, judges and DCCM representatives at the pitch competition

Following the competition, all finalists were invited to a pitch training program led by the DCCM team to refine their pitching skills further and advance their businesses. 

About The Dream Chaser Change Maker (DCCM) Foundation

Founded as a scholarship program in 2017, The DCCM Foundation is a federally registered non-profit organization dedicated to nurturing generations of social entrepreneurs. The DCCM aims to alleviate financial barriers to education, helping Dream Chasers (student social entrepreneurs) harness the power of academic knowledge and their creativity to drive positive social change in the world.   

Visit DCCM Foundation to learn more about the organization.  

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Halifax Memory Maps research offers a new look at city’s heritage

A new study by researchers in the Department of Anthropology at Saint Mary’s University has found that 87 per cent of Halifax buildings that were standing in 1878 have since been demolished. The first phase of the Halifax Memory Maps project used archival maps and geographic information system (GIS) software to measure the loss of heritage buildings in the urban environment.

The study’s results were published online November 12 in the form of an ArcGIS StoryMap called Halifax Heritage: 1878, which can be accessed at mapsofmemory.com. 

“We hope these findings will encourage Haligonians to reconsider the extent and value of Halifax’s rich architectural inheritance before it vanishes forever,” Dr. Jonathan Fowler says on behalf of the research team.

Emily Davis BA’24 works with Dr. Fowler in the Archaeology Lab

Recent graduates Emily Davis BA’24 and Gillian Bonner BA’24 were key players in the project as student researchers while finishing their Bachelor of Arts degrees.

“I think the Memory Maps project is valuable to the public in general because it allows people to engage and connect more with the city that they live in,” says Davis, who grew up in Sydney Mines, Cape Breton. “The digital maps make the heritage and history of the city more accessible…that’s sort of the point of archaeology, to share it with the community and the public.”

Project background

Halifax is one of Canada's fastest-growing cities and will soon have over half a million residents. The bustle and new builds are evident to all, with construction cranes and traffic detours across the city.

“In times of rapid and transformational change, it is important to carefully consider what we choose to keep and what we choose to discard,” says Dr. Fowler. “Recognizing that change is necessary for growth and that heritage architecture is an important part of Halifax's distinctive vibe and character, we need to find a balance. How much of Halifax's rich and unique architectural heritage should be carried into the future, and what can be let go?”

Prior to the Halifax Memory Maps project, there has been no systematic survey of Halifax's architectural heritage. The research team felt that an inventory of built heritage assets is an essential part of any meaningful discussion of this subject: “We cannot properly manage and steward what we have not first measured and mapped,” says Dr. Fowler.

Starting with the first large-scale map of the city, the 1878 Hopkins’ City Atlas of Halifax, the team examined the Halifax peninsula, street by street and building by building, to see what survived and what has been lost. The results of this first phase of the project revealed that whole neighbourhoods have vanished from some areas of the city, while in others, large parts of old Halifax remain intact. Some well-seasoned buildings have acquired municipal or provincial heritage status and thus a measure of official protection. In most cases, however, they have not and could face the risk of being demolished.

This image from the Halifax Heritage 1878 map shows “a vanished neighbourhood, a Victorian gasworks, and the Tobin estate beneath what is now the Barrington St. Superstore and Peace and Friendship Park.”

The challenge moving forward

A recent HRM staff report reveals that from 2009 to 2019, 33 of 104 buildings with potential for municipal heritage designation were demolished, an attrition rate of 32 per cent in just 10 years.[1] This report relates to just a small area of downtown Halifax.

Until now, planners—and the public—have not had a comprehensive map of peninsular Halifax’s oldest buildings. Along with raising awareness of our built heritage, the researchers hope the Halifax Memory Maps project offers a helpful tool for managing current and future growth.

“As our newly elected mayor and Council are seated, and as the pace of change continues to drive the city to grow bigger and busier than ever before, Haligonians need to decide what kind of Halifax they want to bequeath to future generations,” says Dr. Fowler. “For that is the essential nature of heritage: it is what we inherit from our ancestors. And it is what we value enough to preserve and pass on to others.”

Henry House

Royal Engineers NS Archives

Intercolonial Railway 1901

McCord Stewart Museum

Queen Hotel 1887

NS Archives

Tobin Estate 1880

NS Archives

The research team was recently invited to present findings at a special meeting of the HRM Planning and Development Office and will continue to share results with municipal staff and the public in the months ahead. In development now are a map of Late Victorian Halifax and a map of grave markers in The Old Burying Ground, one of Canada's oldest marked cemeteries.

The team will release its next map – Halifax 1899 – in Spring 2025. Team members include:

• Gillian Bonner BA’24, an Anthropology graduate who now works in cultural resource management;

• Emily Davis BA’24, a graduate of the Anthropology honours program; she has an interest in industrial, landscape and historical archaeology;

• Dr. Jonathan Fowler, an archaeologist who ‘loves old maps’ and teaches in the Department of Anthropology;

• Sheheryar Khan, a Bachelor of Science and Diploma of Engineering student at Saint Mary's; he is interested in civil engineering and environmental issues; and

• Wesley Weatherbee, the Anthropology Laboratory Technician at Saint Mary’s, where his research focuses on coastal archaeology and climate change.

Davis hopes the research project will help to guide her toward a career in the archaeology field. “I would like to keep working in this area of study,” she says. “I find it to be very rewarding and I’m also quite passionate about it. I think it’s important work, so I would like to go further with my education and do a master’s, and then kind of see where life takes me from there.”

Emily Davis talks with Global TV about the Memory Maps project

[1] Heritage Advisory Committee and Community Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee, 31 January 2019. Case H00437: Strategy for the Protection of Potential Heritage Resources Downtown

Halifax, Item No 9.3.

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Related reading:

• SMU offers archaeology studies through Ancient Studies and Anthropology.

• How Halifax's history is slowly fading

• Halifax has lost 87 per cent of its heritage buildings, new study says

• Halifax's history being wiped away as city grows

• Team mapping historical buildings in Halifax says city losing its 'architectural inheritance'

• A "memory map" of Halifax compares the buildings on the peninsula in 1878, to see what's still standing

Health Data Analytics Symposium showcases student innovation

Health Data Analytics Symposium held at Saint Mary's University

Symposium participants

Scott McKenna, Chief Information Officer, Nova Scotia Health and IWK

Dr. Michael Zhang

MBAN Program Driector

MBAN student Iram Shaikh

MBAN student Jane (Zhenyu) Zhu

How can data transform healthcare? Can data help us make better decisions around patient care and even help manage the overall healthcare system in Nova Scotia?

Those were the central questions at the Health Data Analytics Symposium, which was recently held at Saint Mary’s University. The symposium brought together a diverse group of experts from government, healthcare, and business.

This annual event provides a platform for SMU graduate students in the Master in Business Analytics (MBAN) program to present their groundbreaking research. It is a place for them to share the results of their internships and co-ops with some of Nova Scotia’s largest healthcare providers, including Nova Scotia Health, the IWK and the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness. This symposium is aimed at fostering partnerships between academia and healthcare, driving innovations that directly benefit Nova Scotians.

MBAN student Farhat Roopkatha

“My work with the IM/IT Business Intelligence Team at Nova Scotia Health […] has been a transformative experience, setting new standards for capacity planning and organizational transparency in healthcare,” says MBAN student Farhat Roopkotha.

“From customizing workflows to fostering collaboration across diverse teams, this project has demonstrated how tailored tools can drive impactful change. By integrating Agile methodologies, we’ve empowered teams to optimize resources and align goals for better outcomes across Nova Scotia Health.”

Healthcare experts questioned the students about the practical applications of data insights into various aspects of healthcare, from daily medical routines to long-term planning. These discussions highlighted examples of how data is being used to enhance patient care and streamline healthcare operations in local emergency rooms, long-term care facilities, and prescription management.

“The feedback from the Nova Scotia Health community was truly inspiring, reaffirming the importance of this project in improving data collection and patient outcomes,” says MBAN student Fana Abaynew Mandefro, who presented her work with the Wound Care Registry Project with the Nova Scotia Health Innovation Hub.

A notable session delved into the role of data in understanding the social determinants of health. Scott McKenna, Chief Information Officer, Nova Scotia Health and IWK, stressed the importance of analyzing social factors such as income and education. “Data and analytics have the power to bring tremendous insight to the health system.  Layering in important socio-economic information can give us a whole different perspective and influence how we design solutions for citizens and tailor them to respond to unique needs.”

Jordan Warford, Executive Director of Planning and Performance, Department of Health and Wellness

Jordan Warford, Executive Director of Planning and Performance, Department of Health and Wellness, posed the question, “How can we harness the power of data to plan for the longer term?”

Warford emphasized the importance of data analytics in uncovering hidden patterns and trends, which can lead to more informed decisions. “Data is the compass guiding us through healthcare’s complexities, revealing insights that turn information into better care and healthier communities. These students are proving that the smart decisions we make today can shape a stronger, more sustainable system for tomorrow.”

As the symposium progressed, attendees gained valuable insights into the critical role of data in shaping the future of healthcare. The event underscored SMU’s commitment to fostering innovation and preparing the next generation of healthcare leaders.

Matthew Murphy, Chief Data Officer, Nova Scotia Health Authority, expressed his deep appreciation for the partnership and commitment to further advancing internship programs with SMU. Saint Mary’s University continues to lead the way in equipping students with the tools to revolutionize healthcare through data. "Partnerships like the one between Nova Scotia Health and Saint Mary’s University are pivotal in shaping the future of healthcare. By leveraging the power of data, we are not only equipping students with practical skills but also creating real-world solutions that enhance care and improve outcomes for Nova Scotians.”

The work underway in SMU's health analytics space reflects the ecosystem's commitment to building a healthcare system that meets today’s demands and is prepared to adapt to future challenges with data at its core.

Gain skills with Experience Ventures this Winter Term

At the halfway mark, Experience Ventures celebrates success and adds opportunities for students for the winter term

The Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre and the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking at the University of Calgary are delighted with the response to the Experience Ventures program launched this fall. To date, 97 students are participating in various entrepreneurial projects. In response to the interest, the program has expanded and has 70 placements available for the Winter Term.

Opportunities for Students

Watch a testimonial video from students at the Experience Ventures Hackathon with Market Price.

Students across Atlantic Canada can apply to Experience Ventures to work hands-on with innovative businesses on real-world projects, develop valuable skills, and build professional networks.

One participant says, “Being able to work with real business owners while getting direct input on our ideas really gave us a taste of the entrepreneurial world.”

Sign up now! Those interested in upcoming Winter Term programs can submit a form and receive email notifications.  

Enthusiastic response from business partners

We are thrilled with the response from the business community—all 66 opportunities are now assigned. This speaks to the value businesses place on connecting with the innovative talent, contemporary skills, and fresh thinking they gain by partnering in this program.

One of the founders and owners of Market Price, Lauren Ferguson BComm’20, reflects on her participation with Experience Ventures. "It was great to be part of it. We learned a lot from the students, and it was really nice to get involved with the community and our alumni connection [at Saint Mary’s University]," says Lauren. “I definitely recommend other businesses participate in the Experience Ventures Hackathon, especially small businesses in the community—it really gets you involved and sparks some great ideas.”

About Experience Ventures

Experience Ventures is a national program that pairs students with startups and businesses, providing unparalleled opportunities for experiential learning. The program offers a variety of placements, including hackathons, challenges, project experiences, student-in-residence positions, and interdisciplinary team projects.

For more information on Experience Ventures, please visit our website or contact:

• Students: paige.bigelow@smu.ca

• Businesses: denise.benison@smu.ca

Engineering students embrace entrepreneurial thinking at Experience Ventures Hackathon

Engineering students pitch their ideas at the Hackathon

Entrepreneurial thinking is not just for business students—it’s a valuable mindset that transforms every field, as demonstrated by the Experience Ventures Hackathon. Hosted by the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre in partnership with The Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking at the University of Calgary and the Government of Canada, the recent hackathon brought together 30 engineering students from Saint Mary’s and Dalhousie University to solve a real-world challenge from Payzant Home Hardware. 

What was the challenge? Students were tasked with designing innovative solutions to enhance quality control at Payzant Home Hardware’s roof truss manufacturing facility. Using cutting-edge technologies like AI, robotics, and 3D prototyping, the students worked in teams for a week starting on November 23 and culminating in a compelling presentation on November 30.

“This Hackathon taught me that engineering is not just about solving technical problems—it is about finding creative solutions that make a real impact,” said one student participant. 

Greg Smith, a Payzant Home Hardware representative, praised the students’ ingenuity, calling their ideas transformative for the manufacturing industry. The event highlighted how entrepreneurial thinking can inspire innovation across disciplines, proving that the principles of entrepreneurship are universal tools for progress. 

Experience Ventures, powered by the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking at the University of Calgary, enables post-secondary students to make an impact alongside real-world innovators through entrepreneurial thinking placements. Experience Ventures is funded by the Government of Canada and is delivered nationwide in partnership with post-secondary institutions. Saint Mary’s University’s Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre is the Regional Lead Atlantic Canada partner in Experience Ventures. Find out about student opportunities with honorariums available through Experience Ventures.

Sign up now to receive emails about upcoming programs.

Saint Mary's student team wins $10,000 in second annual Innovation Cup

Jason Phonchareon, Olivian Sanderson, Stuti Sandhu — Innovation Cup 2024 winner, Sociable team

Sociable, a modern and innovative student engagement platform developed by three Saint Mary’s students, was the grand prize winner in the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre’s second annual Innovation Cup Final Competition held Friday, November 29. 

Olivian Sanderson (BComm, Accounting and Management) Jason Phonchareon (BSc, Psychology) and Stuti Sandhu (BA, Psychology) developed the start-up to address student loneliness within universities. Sociable helps students connect with each other, get peer support and gain access to campus events. A standout feature is “Pre-Connect,” which allows students to join group chats before an event. What sets Sociable apart is limiting the range of connections to students within the same school, promoting meaningful interactions and relationships within a campus community.

“When I came to university, I found it hard to make friends, and I did not have many like-minded people around me,” says Olivian Sanderson, one of the three members of the Sociable team. “Luckily, I found a group of people who aligned with me, including my co-founder, Jason Phonchareon, and we started talking about this issue.”

“The vision of Sociable is to be the platform that ends student loneliness. We want to be in every school, giving as many students as possible the opportunity to meet people that they mesh with. In a digital world, it is so important to ensure we are still fostering those in-person relationships, which is why this platform is a necessity.”

Innovation Cup finalists and judges

Ten Weeks, Ten Teams, Ten-Thousand-Dollar Prize

This is the second year for the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre’s Innovation Cup—a 10-week experiential learning program for Saint Mary’s students, where ten teams compete for the grand prize of $10,000. Each team is made up of three students from across the three faculties of Arts, Commerce and Science.

“During the ten weeks of the program, students have weekly training sessions and workshops, connect with industry experts to increase their business understanding, skills and network,” says Michael Sanderson, Director, Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre. “All while turning their start-up idea into tangible ventures.”

Judges listen to the Alaagi pitch

After three elimination rounds, three teams make it to the final round, where they give their best pitches to a panel of expert judges and a live audience. The judges for this year’s final competition were Katerina Msafari, Founder Success Lead at Tribe Network and COO of Adrigo Insights; Mike Rothenburg, Economic Development Officer at ACOA; and Bethany Deshpande, Founder of SomaDetect and business and leadership coach.

Rothenberg praised the high calibre of the pitches, saying, “The three pitches today were truly impressive, showcasing high-calibre and innovative business ideas. The presentations were polished and well-structured, highlighting each team's vision for growth and development.”

Deshpande seconds his comments and reflects, “The decision-making process was incredibly difficult, as each team demonstrated a deep understanding of their market and a compelling vision for the future. It was a pleasure to witness their hard work and dedication come to fruition."

The Sociable team will use the $10,000 towards completing their UX design, as well as legal fees, marketing and cloud storage. 

A Diverse Field of Innovators

Beyond Sociable, the competition featured a diverse range of innovative ideas. One of the finalists, Alaagi, a startup presented by Sheheryar Khan (BSc and Dip. Chemical Engineering), S M Sourav Rabbi (BComm, Finance and I.T.), and Rida Naqvi (BA, Psychology and Entrepreneurship), addresses environmental concerns by developing innovative, biodegradable bioplastics derived from seaweed.

Another finalist, Bean, an AI-powered food assistant, impressed the judges with its potential to revolutionize meal planning and reduce food waste. The Bean team, consisting of Vaishali Sachdeva (BA, Entrepreneurship), Varshitha Venkatesh (BSc, Computer Science), and Anushka Kalantri (BComm, Accounting and Finance), garnered significant audience support, earning them the “People’s Choice” award and a $1,000 prize.

Alaagi team: Sheheryar Khan, S M Sourav Rabbi, Rida Naqvi

Bean team: Varshitha Venkatesh, Anushka Kalantri, Vaishali Sachdeva

The Innovation Cup will be back next fall for young entrepreneurs to pitch their innovative business ideas! Visit the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre website for upcoming events, work and learning experiences in the Winter term.

Experience Ventures program brings 152 new experiential learning opportunities for students in Atlantic Canada

Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre Partners with the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking to bring Experience Ventures to students across Atlantic Canada. Experience Ventures pairs students with startups and businesses nationwide – giving 2100 students real-world placement opportunities and giving businesses access to emerging talent.

The Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre at Saint Mary’s University has recently signed an agreement to be the Regional Lead Atlantic Canada partner in Experience Ventures, a national program led by The Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking at the University of Calgary and funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Innovative Work-Integrated Learning Initiative. This partnership presents 152 new experiential learning opportunities for students in

Atlantic Canada to work directly with businesses, enhancing their skill sets and gaining valuable entrepreneurial experience. – but also - There are five diverse placement opportunities, including Hackathons, Challenges, Project Experiences, Student-in-Residence, and Interdisciplinary Team Projects. In each placement, students work on real-world challenges, gaining hands-on experience while earning honorariums. Business partners get access to fresh thinking and the next generation of talent.

“Entrepreneurial thinking is essential to enriching lives and advancing prosperity in Canada,” says Anica Vasic, Senior Director of Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives at the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking. “Our goal is to ignite an entrepreneurial mindset in students across Canada to develop the next generation of talent that will build our future. With entrepreneurial thinking as our north star, we’ve helped students across the nation step outside the classroom and gain the future-ready skills they need to thrive in the new world of work. The Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre is a recognized Canadian leader in helping nurture this entrepreneurial mindset, which is why we’re so excited to welcome Atlantic Canada into the Experience Ventures network.”

“Young people are ready to dive in, test their ideas and turn their ideas into action. That’s why we’re so proud to support Experience Ventures through the Innovative Work Integrated Learning Initiative. This is about giving students real opportunities to learn and grow, connecting them with startups and businesses from coast to coast,” says The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth. “They’ll sharpen their problem-solving skills, gain hands-on experience and carry it forward to their future careers—whether that means launching their own business or stepping into the career they’ve dreamed of.”

How it works:

• Projects run from October 2024 to February 2025.

• Students and businesses apply through Experience Ventures at the Arthur L. Irving. Entrepreneurship Centre.

• Companies provide in-kind support.

• Both students and companies go through an onboarding process and participate in one of five types of entrepreneurial thinking placements.

“Entrepreneurship and innovation are vehicles that empower students to change the world and change themselves. Experience Ventures gives students that all-important ‘hands-on’ entrepreneurial experience, working with real businesses on real challenges and opportunities,” says Michael Sanderson, Director, Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, Saint Mary’s University. “We are excited to work in partnership with the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking to bring these opportunities to Atlantic Canada.

 For deadlines and details on all 152 placement opportunities, please visit our website.

• Students, please contact: paige.bigelow@smu.ca  

• Businesses, please contact: denise.benison@smu.ca  

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About The Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking at the University of Calgary

The Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking is a dynamic community centre dedicated to fostering student entrepreneurship, empowering faculty innovation, and building a network of entrepreneurial minds. Our mission is to enhance the University of Calgary’s entrepreneurial capacity, enabling our community to drive positive global change. Positioned as a catalyst, the Hunter Hub supports University of Calgary’s vision to become “Canada’s most entrepreneurial university.”

About the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre and Saint Mary’s University

The Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre at Saint Mary’s University is a creative and collaborative space open to all students in Atlantic Canada. With a focus on growth, innovation and cultivating the entrepreneurial mindset, the Centre supports students and businesses – helping both grow and prosper. In the last 5-years, more than 4,000 students and 3,000 businesses have engaged with the Centre.

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Le Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking s'associe avec Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre afin de proposer « Experience Ventures » aux étudiants du Canada atlantique.

Experience Ventures est une initiative qui connecte des étudiants avec des jeunes pousses et des entreprises établies à travers le pays. Ce programme offre à 2 100 étudiants des opportunités de stage pratique tout en permettant aux entreprises de découvrir et de collaborer avec des talents émergents prometteurs.

Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre de l'Université Saint Mary's a récemment signé un accord pour devenir le principal partenaire régional du Canada atlantique dans le cadre d'Experience Ventures, un programme national dirigé par le Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking de l'Université de Calgary et financé en partie par l’initiative d’apprentissage innovant intégré au travail du gouvernement du Canada.

Ce partenariat ouvre la voie à 152 nouvelles opportunités d’apprentissage expérientiel pour les étudiants du Canada atlantique. Ils auront la chance de collaborer directement avec des entreprises, d'améliorer leurs compétences et de gagner une précieuse expérience professionnelle. Le programme propose cinq types de stages différents : marathons de programmation, défis, expérience en projets, étudiants en résidence et projets d’équipe interdisciplinaires. Ces stages offriront aux étudiants la possibilité de s'attaquer à des défis concrets, d'acquérir une expérience pratique précieuse tout en étant rémunérés. Les entreprises partenaires profiteront de l'occasion pour se rapprocher de la prochaine génération de talents et accéder à de nouvelles idées innovantes.

Déclaration du Hunter Hub

« La pensée entrepreneuriale est essentielle pour enrichir la vie et promouvoir la prospérité au Canada », déclare Anica Vasic, directrice principale des partenariats et des initiatives stratégiques au Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking. « Notre objectif est d'inculquer un esprit entrepreneurial chez les étudiants à travers le Canada. Nous sommes fiers de former laprochaine génération de talents qui bâtira notre avenir. En adoptant la pensée entrepreneuriale comme fil conducteur, nous aidons les étudiants de tout le pays à développer les compétences nécessaires pour réussir dans le monde du travail moderne. Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre est un chef de file reconnu dans le développement de la pensée entrepreneuriale. Nous sommes ravis d'accueillir le Canada atlantique au sein du réseau Experience Ventures. »

Déclaration de l'honorable Marci Ien, Ministre des Femmes, de l'Égalité des genres et de la Jeunesse

« Les jeunes sont prêts à se lancer, à tester leurs idées et à les concrétiser. C’est pourquoi nous soutenons avec fierté Experience Ventures à travers l'initiative d’apprentissage innovant intégré au travail. L'objectif est de fournir aux étudiants des opportunités concrètes d'apprentissage et de développement, en les connectant avec des jeunes pousses et des entreprises établies à travers tout le pays. Ils amélioreront leurs compétences en résolution de problèmes et acquerront une expérience pratique précieuse qu'ils pourront appliquer à leurs futures carrières, qu'il s'agisse de créer leur propre entreprise ou de décrocher le poste idéal. »

Comment ça marche :

• Les projets se dérouleront d'octobre 2024 à février 2025.

• Les étudiants et les entreprises postulent via Experience Ventures sur le site internet de Arthur L.

Irving Entrepreneurship Centre.

• Les entreprises offrent un soutien en nature.

• Les étudiants et les entreprises passent par un processus d'intégration et participent à l’un des cinq types de stages de pensée entrepreneuriale.

• Les entreprises intéressées par les prochains stages doivent postuler avant le 17 octobre sachant que les places sont limitées.

Citation du Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre

« L'entrepreneuriat et l'innovation sont des leviers puissants qui permettent aux étudiants de transformer le monde et de se transformer eux-mêmes. Experience Ventures offre aux étudiants cette expérience entrepreneuriale essentielle, en travaillant avec de vraies entreprises sur des défis et des opportunités concrets », déclare Michael Sanderson, directeur du Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre à l'Université Saint Mary's. « Nous sommes ravis de travailler en partenariat avec le Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking pour offrir ces opportunités au Canada atlantique. »

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À propos du Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking de l'Université de Calgary

Le Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking est un centre communautaire dynamique dédié à promouvoir l'entrepreneuriat auprès des étudiants, à encourager l'innovation académique et à créer un réseau d'esprits entrepreneurs.

Notre mission est de renforcer la capacité entrepreneuriale de l'Université de Calgary pour favoriser un changement positif à l'échelle mondiale. Le Hunter Hub soutient la vision de l'Université de Calgary de devenir « l'université la plus entrepreneuriale du Canada. »

À propos du Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre et de l'Université Saint Mary's

Le Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre de l'Université Saint Mary's est un espace créatif et collaboratif accessible à tous les étudiants du Canada atlantique. En se concentrant sur la croissance, l'innovation et la culture entrepreneuriale, le Centre soutient activement les étudiants et les entreprises dans leur développement et leur réussite. Au cours des cinq dernières années, plus de 4 000 étudiants et 3 000 entreprises ont collaboré avec le Centre.

Students innovate retail at Market Price Hackathon

Students pitching their ideas for Market Price’s business strategy in winter

A team of students who won the first place at the Hackathon with Matthew Smith BComm’18 and Lauren Ferguson BComm’20

Matthew Smith BComm’18 and Lauren Ferguson BComm’20 kicking off the event with their presentations

Lauren Ferguson BComm’20 working with students

Students brainstorming for presentations

More than 30 undergraduate students from Saint Mary’s, Dalhousie, Mount Saint Vincent and NSCAD gathered for the two-day Market Price Hackathon held on October 30 and November 6. The event brought together talented students to take on an engaging challenge: boosting foot traffic during the winter months for an alumni-owned retail business, Market Price.  

In collaboration with the David Sobey Retail Centre and the Experience Ventures team at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, this hackathon offered students the unique chance to dive into the world of retail innovation. They were mentored by Market Price’s own dynamic founders, Matthew Smith BComm’18 and Lauren Ferguson BComm’20, who provided hands-on guidance from start to finish, as well as by retail expert Rameesh Venkat, Director of the David Sobey Retail Centre. Market Price's unique branding, inspired by a fish market, tells a visual story that students thoughtfully integrated into their Hackathon concepts. This narrative, woven into Market Price’s space and branding, served as a critical design anchor for student teams as they developed ideas. 

Students tackled their task with innovative ideas, ranging from immersive in-store experiences to community-driven events. They used entrepreneurial thinking to craft strategies that would draw in customers despite Halifax’s chilly winter. One unforgettable idea came from a student team who proposed an attention-grabbing “Break the Ice” event. Their concept? Encasing a pair of Market Price’s signature sneakers in a giant block of ice displayed outside the store during winter. Shoppers and passersby would have the chance to chip away at the ice, with the lucky first person to fully break through winning the shoes. The idea sparked excitement among mentors and students alike, showcasing the team’s creative approach to engaging the community and drawing in new customers. 

“The Market Price Hackathon was incredible!” shared one student participant. “Being able to work with real business owners like Matt and Lauren while getting direct input on our ideas really gave us a taste of the entrepreneurial world.” 

"It was great to be part of it. We learned a lot from the students, and it was really nice to get involved with the community and our alumni connection [at Saint Mary’s University]," says Lauren. “I definitely recommend other businesses participate in the Experience Ventures Hackathon, especially small businesses in the community—it really gets you involved and sparks some great ideas,” Ferguson added. 

More opportunities are coming for you! Spots are limited—find our upcoming events and sign up today here. 

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Experience Ventures, powered by the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking at the University of Calgary, enables post-secondary students to make an impact alongside real-world innovators through entrepreneurial thinking placements. Experience Ventures is funded by the Government of Canada and is delivered in partnership with post-secondary institutions nationwide. Saint Mary’s University’s Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre is the Regional Lead Atlantic Canada partner in Experience Ventures. 

Read more: Experience Ventures program brings 152 new experiential learning opportunities for students in Atlantic Canada  

Innovation Sprint: from classroom to community—students gain hands-on learning and make impact

Students ignite change at L’Arche Homefires with innovative solutions.

Students learning about one of the L’Arche Homefires’ programs, Applewicks

Students and L’Arche Homefires

Ryan Oxner (L’Arche Homefires Rep) and a winning team of students from Saint Mary’s and Dalhousie, Iram Shaikh, Noof Al Shehhi and Pari Mehra

Ryan Oxner (L’Arche Homefires Rep) with a team composed of Krutik Chaudhary (Dal), Yash Roushan (Dal) and Luke Mainwaring (Acadia) who won the third place

Ryan Oxner (L’Arche Homefires Rep) with a team of Acadia students Patrick Stanbrook and Tyler Kennedy who won the second place

Students brainstorming solutions and preparing for their presentation

Last week, a dynamic group of 19 students from Saint Mary’s University, Acadia University, Dalhousie University and Mount Saint Vincent University joined forces in an Innovation Sprint to address a real-world challenge faced by L’Arche Homefires, a local organization dedicated to creating inclusive communities for adults with developmental disabilities. Innovation Sprints are led by the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, a leader in bringing students and businesses together to solve problems.  

L’Arche Homefires offers a variety of programs, including Applewicks, where adults with special needs create beautiful handmade products, such as candles, to generate revenue. However, the organization was seeking innovative solutions to enhance its online presence, optimize its retail operations, and increase foot traffic.

Through a series of collaborative workshops, brainstorming sessions, and expert mentorship, the students delved into the heart of L’Arche Homefires’ challenges. They explored potential strategies to address major concerns around sales and growth strategy for their store and helped build a strong business plan.

A team of students—Iram Shaikh and Pari Mehra from Saint Mary’s and Noof Al Shehhi from Dalhousie—impressed L’Arche Homefires with an innovative solution. They built a list of proposed weekly activities and a timeline from November to December, improving brand awareness and increasing revenue streams. At the end of the day, the team ultimately won first place with a $1,000 cash prize.

Participating students said, “Learning everything about L’Arche Homefires was very impactful.” “Having the learning experience with L’Arche Homefires, but also learning about a part of our community was incredible.” “A major takeaway is that practice will make progress.” By participating in Innovation Sprints, students gained invaluable practical skills, made connections with industry professionals and contributed to the growth and success of local businesses.

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 About Innovation Sprint

Innovation Sprint is a short, focused event that brings business and keen, creative students together to generate ideas and solutions to business problems.  During the Innovation Sprint, participants:

• engage in time-sensitive bursts of intensive problem-solving and developing business solutions;

• receive insightful resources and mentorship, helping them address business challenges; 

• learn how to facilitate rapid and effective outputs to challenges they may face in their business. This is a unique entrepreneurial experience that can be translated into their own chosen fields;

• collaborate with students from across Atlantic Canada from various faculties and disciplines.

At the end of the Sprint, businesses choose the winning teams. First-place winners receive $1,000, second-place winners receive $700, and third-place winners receive $300.