Student Snapshot Series: Simon Couroux

Meet Simon Couroux , a dedicated student currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting at UQO. His academic journey is set to take an exciting turn this September, as he will be transferring to HEC Montreal to focus on Administrative Business Finance. Expected to graduate in the year 2025, Simon is a diligent individual with a passion for finance. Currently based in the Gatineau office, Simon has been thriving in his role as a student in Settlement and Structured Transactions. Come this fall, he will continue to work remotely on a part-time basis to boost his experience.

Simon has nothing but praise for the student program at Brookfield. From the very beginning, the process was seamless, thanks to the efforts of Faiq Muhammad , our Specialist from Talent Acquisition, who demonstrated excellent organization and made the whole transition smooth. Louise Gagnon, Manager of Settlement and Structured Transactions, who was responsible for welcoming him, thoughtfully prepared a plan that ensured a harmonious integration into the team. One aspect that left an impression on Simon is the company's commitment to structure and organization, and the well-established coop program that stands as a testament to their dedication to students' growth.

The highlight of Simon's experience has been the opportunity to work with a mentor. Back in May, Frédéric Larose , an analyst in Settlement and Structured Transactions, assumed the role of his mentor and also became his desk neighbour. Frédéric's support has proven invaluable, offering daily guidance, training, and a safe space for Simon to ask questions and learn. The Settlement department at Brookfield takes mentoring seriously, providing mentors for all students in the program. Currently, Simon is one of three fortunate students benefiting from this opportunity. Overall, Simon feels grateful for the warm and supportive environment at Brookfield, which has significantly enriched his learning and professional growth during his time with the company.

As a part of the Settlement and Structured Transactions team, Simon's day-to-day responsibilities are immersed in the world of energy transactions. Simon's attention to detail becomes crucial when faced with discrepancies in pricing, as he diligently works to determine who is right or wrong in such situations.

One of the key challenges he encounters is managing potential disruptions in energy transmission. In such instances, Simon collaborates with his colleagues to identify the responsible party, seeking solutions to maintain an uninterrupted energy supply chain. Despite the complexities, Simon finds great satisfaction in contributing to the seamless functioning of energy trading operations, making each day in the Settlement and Structured Transactions department both stimulating and rewarding.

Before embarking on his academic journey, Simon was primarily known as an athlete, with a profound love for hockey. He showcased his talent by playing in junior A leagues across Ontario and New Brunswick. During his secondary school years in Sherbrooke, he competed against American teams, highlighting his competitive spirit and dedication to the sport. Simon's athletic nature has been a driving force throughout his life, leading him to take a bold step at the age of 15 when he left home to pursue his hockey dreams. His determination and calm demeanour have always pushed him to be ambitious, consistently seeking to improve himself every day. These qualities translate into his academic and professional pursuits, as Simon applies the same dedication to his studies, and now to his role at Brookfield, where he strives to excel and move forward in his career.

Simon's time at Brookfield has been eye-opening, revealing the complexity of the energy industry beyond his initial expectations. His interest in energy trading has not only piqued his curiosity but has also opened doors for his future. He hopes to return to Settlements after university to gain a deeper understanding of the business landscape, strategy groups, and risks.

With this knowledge, he hopes to become a skilled Energy Analyst and make a meaningful impact in the renewable energy industry.

To explore future co-op placement opportunities at Brookfield Renewable, please visit your school's co-op portals.

Article by Kristine Dupuis