Hiva Parandian
BA 2012: Economics (Honours)
In the midst of her very first work term at the North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, Hiva Parandian, a 3rd year Honours Economics student, is starting to visualize the career path she hopes to pursue. “The Co-op Program will help me focus on what I want to do in life after graduation,” she says. “I had a vague picture from going to classes, but I now realize what interests me, and what sector I want to work in – Co-op helped me gain that understanding.”
As the Tourism Visitor Information Counselor, or “TVIC”, at the North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, Hiva works to promote North Vancouver’s local businesses and tourism sector by providing tourists, visitors, and businesses with information and assistance. Hiva enjoys the work she is doing and the people she works with – two elements of a job that can elude many people in the work world! “The job is fun and the staff is close-knit. It’s a work environment that’s formal and professional, yet comfortable,” she says.
What’s more, Hiva’s Co-op term has taken her communication, interpersonal skills, and ability to multi-task to a whole new level. With the Chamber’s constant stream of visitors, especially during the holiday season, being able to help customers as best she can while fulfilling her other responsibilities pushed Hiva to develop a strong and dedicated work ethic. “This Co-op term has helped me become more confident with public speaking and other forms of communication, and will definitely help me out later on in life.”
Hiva wholeheartedly recommends Co-op to any students considering joining the program. “Don’t leave the thought of joining Co-op on the backburner – take it seriously and make it a priority in your life.” Learning first hand that work experience is just as important as earning high grades in an increasingly competitive post-graduate job market, Hiva is extremely grateful that Co-op has allowed her to focus on both her academics and career path through its alternative work/study structure.
Her experience working with businesses in the tourism industry has made her realize that further education in business would be extremely helpful in helping her achieve her career goals: “My work term reinforced my desire to continue my education and pursue an MBA.” With a specific career goal in mind, Hiva can look to exciting future work terms that will help her get there.
Hiva Parandian
BA 2012: Economics (Honours)
In the midst of her very first work term at the North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, Hiva Parandian, a 3rd year Honours Economics student, is starting to visualize the career path she hopes to pursue. “The Co-op Program will help me focus on what I want to do in life after graduation,” she says. “I had a vague picture from going to classes, but I now realize what interests me, and what sector I want to work in – Co-op helped me gain that understanding.”
As the Tourism Visitor Information Counselor, or “TVIC”, at the North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, Hiva works to promote North Vancouver’s local businesses and tourism sector by providing tourists, visitors, and businesses with information and assistance. Hiva enjoys the work she is doing and the people she works with – two elements of a job that can elude many people in the work world! “The job is fun and the staff is close-knit. It’s a work environment that’s formal and professional, yet comfortable,” she says.
What’s more, Hiva’s Co-op term has taken her communication, interpersonal skills, and ability to multi-task to a whole new level. With the Chamber’s constant stream of visitors, especially during the holiday season, being able to help customers as best she can while fulfilling her other responsibilities pushed Hiva to develop a strong and dedicated work ethic. “This Co-op term has helped me become more confident with public speaking and other forms of communication, and will definitely help me out later on in life.”
Hiva wholeheartedly recommends Co-op to any students considering joining the program. “Don’t leave the thought of joining Co-op on the backburner – take it seriously and make it a priority in your life.” Learning first hand that work experience is just as important as earning high grades in an increasingly competitive post-graduate job market, Hiva is extremely grateful that Co-op has allowed her to focus on both her academics and career path through its alternative work/study structure.
Her experience working with businesses in the tourism industry has made her realize that further education in business would be extremely helpful in helping her achieve her career goals: “My work term reinforced my desire to continue my education and pursue an MBA.” With a specific career goal in mind, Hiva can look to exciting future work terms that will help her get there.