Co-op Student Profile: Muhammad Umar

Muhammad Umar is a third-year Bachelor of Commerce student majoring in Accounting at St. Mary's University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He joined the Seaboard team as an accounting co-op student, applying his academic background in finance to gain practical real-world experience.

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Q. What has been the most surprising thing you've learned during your co-op with us?

Muhammad: Before starting at Seaboard, I felt awkward when it came to meeting and communicating with people in a business environment. However, I discovered that I am very proficient in communicating with others.

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Q. Can you share a memorable project or task you’ve worked on?

Muhammad: Working on real accounts has been a standout experience compared to schoolwork. Utilizing the information from my course and applying that knowledge to practical situations has been rewarding.

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Q. How has the company culture impacted your co-op experience?

Muhammad: Seaboard has a very supportive culture and that has greatly enhanced my experience for this co-op. I’ve had the pleasure of working with many understanding colleagues, like Alex and Dan, who are always forgiving when mistakes are made and always provide constructive feedback.

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Q. What skills or knowledge have you gained that you’re excited to apply in your future career?

Muhammad: My experience at Seaboard has significantly solidified my decision to pursue a career in accounting. The hands-on work and exposure to various financial processes at Seaboard have deepened my understanding and passion for the field.

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Q. What advice would you give to future co-op students joining our team?

Muhammad: Don't stress too much if this is your first co-op. The team will teach you and provide a lot of support, ensuring you have all the guidance you need to succeed.

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What are your future plans?

I plan to pursue a CPA certification (Chartered Professional Accountant), after my schooling, and then secure a career in accounting, and explore which specialty within accounting is best suited for me.

Stay tuned for more co-op student insights and stories from our team!