The art behind the sale
Through co-op, Adam Kafi transformed uncertainty about his degree and future into confidence in both his abilities and career path.
Through co-op experiences from sales and marketing to commercial operations across Canada and the United Arab Emirates, Adam Kafi, a third-year Arts and Business student, discovered the value of his unique background while gaining the confidence to pursue opportunities beyond traditional expectations.
Adam’s co-op journey
Sales and Marketing Intern, NSV, United Arab Emirates
For his first co-op term, Adam joined NSV, a car parts company, as a Sales and Marketing Intern. He worked closely with both teams, helping sell automotive parts to major companies while also supporting marketing initiatives for the organization and its startup.
Media Marketing and Sales Support, Kia, Brantford, ON
At Brantford Kia, Adam balanced media marketing projects with sales support responsibilities. He helped manage and edit content for the dealership's YouTube channel, while also assisting the sales team with day-to-day operations. During the term, he became a licensed Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council salesperson, adding another layer of experience to his growing professional toolkit.
Commercial Operations and Field Sales Management, PepsiCo Frito-Lay, Ancaster, ON
Most recently, Adam worked at PepsiCo Frito-Lay and supported decision making through reporting and data analysis but also gaining firsthand experience in the field by observing operations alongside delivery teams.
Q&A with Adam
What has been the most rewarding thing about co-op?
“The most rewarding part of co-op has been realizing how relevant my degree truly is.”
“When I first chose Arts and Business, I felt like I was taking a bit of a risk. I had opportunities to pursue more traditional business programs, but I was drawn to the combination of communication, psychology and business. Even then, there were moments when I questioned whether I had made the right choice.”
“Looking back now, especially after my experience at PepsiCo, I've realized how much value my studies bring to the workplace. Communication, critical thinking and understanding people are skills I use every day."
Co-op helped me connect what I was learning in the classroom to real-world work, and that gave me confidence in both my degree and my future. Instead of feeling uncertain about what's next, I feel excited about it.
What have you gained from your co-op experiences that you'll carry with you in the future?
“Confidence.”
“For a long time, I struggled with self-doubt. Part of that came from questioning whether my degree would lead to the opportunities I wanted, and part of it came from adjusting to life after moving from Saudi Arabia to Canada.”
“Through co-op, I proved to myself that I belong in these spaces. Every work term pushed me to learn, adapt and take on new challenges. Those experiences helped me trust my abilities and recognize that I can succeed in professional environments that once felt intimidating. That's something I'll carry with me long after graduation.”
What misconceptions do you think Arts students have about business and sales roles?
“I think a lot of Arts students count themselves out before they even apply.”
“There's often a belief that companies will always choose students from traditional business programs or that you need an extensive technical background to succeed in corporate environments."
“In reality, employers are looking for much more than that. Communication skills, initiative, involvement and the ability to work with others are all incredibly valuable.”
“Technical skills can be taught. What often matters most is your willingness to learn, contribute and take on new challenges with confidence and curiosity.”
“I've learned that many of the strengths Arts students develop throughout their degree are exactly what employers are looking for, even if they don't always realize it themselves.”
Why is it important to you to encourage Arts students to pursue these opportunities?
“I want Arts students to have more confidence in themselves and the value of their degree.”
“Too many students assume certain industries or roles aren't meant for them, but if you never give yourself the chance to try, you'll never know what's possible. My own co-op search wasn't easy. My first search involved more than 150 applications, my second was around 100 and my PepsiCo search took roughly 50 applications.”
“Experience builds over time; every application, interview and work term teaches you something. If there's one thing I've learned, it's that opportunities often come from continuing to put yourself out there, even when you're unsure of the outcome.”
How did your co-op experiences shape the way you see your future career?
“My time at PepsiCo helped me realize how much I enjoy the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry and sales management.”
“What stood out most wasn't just the work itself, but the environment.”
“I saw people being supported, developed and promoted, and even as a co-op student I felt like a valued member of the team. I was encouraged to share ideas, discuss my career goals and contribute in meaningful ways.”
“That experience helped me picture a future in the industry and showed me what a supportive workplace can look like, both professionally and personally.”
“It also reinforced my interest in working for global organizations where there may be opportunities to build an international career in the future while continuing to grow, learn and collaborate with people from different backgrounds and perspectives.”
What's next for you?
“Right now, I'm enjoying the summer and focusing on school before returning to PepsiCo in the fall for a regional sales development role.”
“I'm excited to continue building my experience in sales analytics and customer strategy while learning more about the industry. Long term, I'd love to continue growing within the FMCG space and potentially explore international opportunities in the future.”
“Outside of work, I'm looking forward to spending more time on hobbies like skydiving and riding motorcycles before heading back for another work term.”