Navigating the future of communications and corporate reputation
Callie Sweet (she/her) is a second-year Arts and Business student majoring in Communication Studies. Callie shares her work experiences at EY Canada in corporate reputation and executive communications, highlighting her hands-on experience with emerging technologies and artificial intelligence (AI).
Callie’s co-op journey:
Summer internship: Before her first work term, Callie secured an internship with EY Canada's Brand, Marketing and Communications team, where she contributed to the national communications & engagement pillar. During her internship, she elevated the EY brand by managing communications for firm awards, leading the promotion of an innovative metaverse learning program and collaborating with executive leadership on thought leadership content.
Work term one: Callie returned to EY Canada for her first co-op term, this time supporting executive communications, talent strategy and special projects. She provides strategic counsel on the Canadian communications strategy to executive leaders across the company, implementing the new EY global brand refresh and its alignment with both talent initiatives and geopolitics.
Q & A with Callie:
What is one thing you were curious to learn about at EY Canada?
Before I joined EY, I had never experienced a professional services environment. I was curious to learn more about the breadth of services – exploring different sectors and functions across assurance, consulting, strategy and transactions, and tax. I was attracted to the idea of working on a project with consultants one day and working with the risk management team the next day. I’ve always enjoyed challenges and variety, so I thought EY would be a great place to experience that.
What do you enjoy about the culture at EY Canada?
During both of my work terms at EY and across three offices, I’ve really experienced a strong culture of personal and professional growth. In my first term, I took part in the intern learning program, which emphasized flexibility and wellbeing from the start. Teams are encouraged to come together for ‘moments that matter’, so I have a flexible hybrid schedule that provides balance.
There’s also a real focus on thriving through continuous personal development. For example, I have a career counselor who actively looks for learning opportunities and interesting projects that fuel my growth. I’m currently working toward my EY Badge in AI, a learning program for future-focused skills, thanks to the support of both my manager and counselor.
As a co-op student, it’s been incredibly valuable to feel this kind of support in pursuing my career goals and exploring new functions of the business.
Overall, what I really enjoy about the culture at EY is the focus on being intentional – from building strong teams to celebrating wins and recognizing everyone’s unique contributions.
What is the most interesting thing you've done while on your work term?
The most interesting part of my work term has definitely been working with the Executive Committee. It's incredibly rewarding to know that I'm contributing to transformative programs and strategies within the business.
I’ve been involved in a variety of fascinating projects, so it’s tough to pick just one.
If I had to choose my top four standouts, working on the firm awards has been a highlight – from drafting articles and social posts to attending the Great Place to Work Awards Gala to celebrate EY’s winning culture.
I’ve also enjoyed communications enablement and digital transformation projects, particularly introducing new technologies to the team. Another area I’ve found really exciting is supporting leadership briefings, where I help prepare leaders with people profiles, relevant news and positioning on key clients before major events and meetings – including the recent updates regarding trade and tariffs.
Finally, working on the EY WeVerse project has been a fantastic experience. I collaborated with diverse teams across the Americas to launch an award-winning metaverse platform, which was both challenging and rewarding.
Experiencing so many diverse projects has solidified my confidence in pursuing a future career in corporate reputation and executive communications.
How did you build a network while on a work term?
During my time at EY, I’ve had the opportunity to be part of three different office communities in Ontario – Toronto, Waterloo and London. From the very beginning of each term, I made it a priority to schedule coffee chats. In my first term alone, I completed 26 coffee chats, which helped me build a strong network across brand, marketing and communications, talent, business development, consulting, risk management, operations, and various industry groups. Now, as I return to EY, I’m fortunate to know so many diverse people across the business.
I found that cold outreach via email and LinkedIn worked well for me, along with participating in a weekly matching program, Ten Thousand Coffees. I also made a point of scheduling regular chats with my new connections to continue to stay in touch.
This approach not only fosters a strong sense of community but also provides a valuable opportunity to seek answers to unique questions. There's always something new to learn and fresh perspectives to gain.
How has co-op helped you with your career goals?
My work terms at EY have helped me gain clarity on the niche areas of communications I want to pursue, particularly enablement and digital transformation, as well as the intersection of communications with talent development and retention strategies. The projects I've worked on with executive leaders have been incredible learning opportunities, where I not only learned a great deal but also felt my contributions and insights were valued and recognized.
Working at EY has given me two key takeaways: a clear focus on corporate reputation and talent strategy for my future career, and an appreciation for the importance of a culture that develops, empowers and fuels an extraordinary you.
What’s next for you?
I’ll be going into my 2B term this spring taking classes on-campus, continuing as a Residence Life Don at United College, and preparing for my role as the incoming Co-President of the Arts and Business Society. In the fall, I’ll be on a four-month co-op term, where I hope to explore public relations, executive communications, digital transformation and brand management. I’m excited for where the rest of my term at EY takes me!