Choosing a co-op is often framed as a checklist: skills to gain, tools to learn, titles to add to a resume. But for Nalini Maharaj, a co-op student with Davis Pier through Dalhousie’s Corporate Residency MBA (CRMBA) program, the decision was guided by something less tangible—and far more important—a feeling.
Coming into the program without a traditional business background, Nalini was drawn to Davis Pier’s strong public sector focus and commitment to purpose‑driven, people‑centred work. With prior experience in government and deep roots in Nova Scotia, the opportunity felt aligned not just with professional interests, but with personal values as well.
“It truly felt like a place where I could engage in work that focuses on tangible outcomes for communities—while learning about consulting in a practical and formative way.”
That sense of alignment has shaped Nalini’s experience from day one.
Learning to trust transferable skills
One of Nalini’s biggest learnings during the work term has been recognizing the value of skills developed outside of conventional business settings. With an undergraduate background in psychology and law—and years shaped by the demands of being a student‑athlete—stepping into consulting initially came with uncertainty.
At Davis Pier, however, curiosity, collaboration, and trust in different ways of thinking are deeply embedded in the culture. Rather than being asked to approach problems in a single way, Nalini was encouraged to lean into her natural way of thinking, even when it felt messy or nonlinear.
“I often describe my brain as having too many tabs open. I assumed that would be my biggest challenge, instead, I’ve learned it can actually be an asset.”
That ability to make connections across ideas, adapt quickly, and approach challenges from multiple angles proved invaluable in real-world public impact work.
When learning becomes a two‑way conversation
While frameworks from the CRMBA program helped support the transition into consulting, working in a real environment reframed how learning happens. Rather than directly applying classroom tools, Nalini describes the experience as an ongoing conversation—adapting theory to real constraints, learning through implementation, and bringing those insights back into the classroom.
This hands‑on experience has already influenced how Nalini plans to return to school. With a sharper, more practical lens grounded in lived experience.
Finding meaning in consistency
When asked about a standout moment from the co-op, Nalini didn’t point to one single project or milestone. Instead, what has made the experience meaningful is its consistency: being trusted with substantive work, held to the same standards as everyone else, and supported through challenge and growth.
“This experience hasn’t been defined by one big moment but by an accumulation of small ones.”
That steady balance of trust, accountability, and inclusion has shaped Nalini’s understanding of what public impact work can look like when people are invited to contribute fully from the start.
If Nalini had to describe her co-op experience at Davis Pier in three words?
Human. Impactful. Values‑driven.
And that’s exactly the kind of learning environment Davis Pier aims to create.
