First-term Waterloo students bring unique skill set and drive to Nissan

By: Namish Modi

Nissan embraces first-term Waterloo co-op students because they bring novel ideas to the organization while generally not exhibiting any pre-conceived biases.

“I think first work-term students bring a unique perspective without any corporate culture biases," says Asif Farooq, sales manager at Nissan Canada Inc., "they bring a determined work ethic, and an uncompromising effort to succeed; I think that’s a perfect recipe.”

Farooq adds that first-term students are “go-getters” and willing to bring more to the table than simply what is in the job description.

Dayna Varga, Operations Manager at Nissan Canada Extended Services Inc., says her team tends to hire more experienced students. However, if students have job experiences in non-co-op settings, she believes that helps too, if they are looking for their first work term. 

“Just because they’re not experienced, doesn’t mean they don’t have that hunger,” says Varga. “I would definitely say that is considered.” 

Building their skills for a bright future:

Co-op students at Nissan build their portfolio, enhance their skills, and have opportunities to build a long-term relationship with the organization. 

Farooq sees employees start as co-op students and eventually reach the executive level.“Interns only have room to grow, and where their career takes them in the industry; they can go right to the top,” he says. “As the saying goes, the sky’s the limit. And I think that’s actually the case here.” 

Varga explains that students shouldn’t focus on one direct path as their career progresses, nor should they follow a “pre-defined approach.”

Co-op students are well versed and prepared for the recruitment process, Varga says, adding that she’s very impressed with the quality of applicants Nissan gets from Waterloo. 

What roles do students work in?

Both Varga and Farooq have examples of Waterloo students who are employed in business and marketing.

Farooq’s department’s operations are data-driven, and therefore they recruit a lot of students from Math and Engineering.

Co-op students have helped improve efficiency in Farooq’s department by creating Excel macros for databases.

“What’s important for us is someone who could fit into the team,” he adds.“There’s a team environment, and team is the main concept of Nissan as a culture.” 

Like Farooq, Varga says Nissan isn’t necessarily tied to hiring from specific programs. 

“If you come in with a curious approach, I think that you’re going to be successful with the team.” 

“Most of them will come in, and they help automate reports and presentations,” he says. 

In Varga’s department, students are involved in projects such as product analysis and launches, documenting policies and procedures, or even rebranding exercises. 

Working through COVID-19:

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought forward the idea of virtual journeys or digital customers. This approach results in an increased demand for a different and dynamic set of skills. 

Included among those are skills are an emphasis on human-centric skills, which Waterloo Arts students are exceptional at providing. 

Farooq says it's important that students can “communicate in an effective matter”, and his department has also hired Economics, Fine Arts and Political Science students under the Arts umbrella.

“There’s a different skillset involved now dealing with customers online and ensuring that their experience is up-to-par with that they expect,” Farooq says, adding that the expectations for digital skills are very important.