Bruce Power is Canada’s first private nuclear generator, providing 30% of Ontario’s power at 30% less than the average cost to generate residential power. Our eight units provide over 4,000 jobs to highly skilled employees and thousands more indirectly. We inject billions of dollars into Ontario’s economy annually, while producing safe energy that produces zero carbon emissions.
There are many opportunities for advancement through our organization and we offer an excellent work-life balance in an area that’s famous for its beautiful beaches, four-season sports and recreation activities and picturesque towns and villages.
Many employees find working at Bruce Power the best of all worlds. They earn competitive salaries with comprehensive benefits and pension programs, while enjoying the friendliness of small town rural living.
- Where are you working? What are you doing in your role?
I am currently completing my co-op term at Bruce Power as a Human Resources Development Student in the Total Rewards Department within HR. I support and participate in the delivery of Total Rewards programs, including base and variable pay programs, extended health, dental and benefit plans, wellness initiatives, recognition, and job evaluation. I have also been given the opportunity to shadow other departments in HR and help wherever needed. This has given me a fantastic introduction to all different aspects of HR, allowing me to pinpoint my specific area of interest that I’d like to concentrate on for my next work term.
- What are you getting out of this experience that will help you in future employment opportunities?
I was SUPER nervous about moving away to take this job. It’s very isolated and I’ve never lived away from family and friends so that was a huge adjustment for me. I am so proud and excited that I took the leap and embraced this opportunity! It has given me so much more than I could have asked for in terms of both professional and personal development and growth opportunities.
I am learning transferable skills that can be applied in any future endeavors. For example, I have gotten a chance to build and enhance my Microsoft Office skills, something that is valuable in any industry and any role. I have also gained knowledge of Human Resources as a whole and how it plays an important role in a company or workplace. My role requires me to communicate not only with people in the HR department, but also with people across the entire company. Because of this, I have been able to enhance my communication and teamwork skills, something that will be transferable in the future.
- How has your co-op experience helped prepare you for the "real world"?
My co-op experience has improved my confidence in my abilities as a worker and as a person by allowing me to apply the theoretical principles I learned in the classroom, to real life, practical work. Co-op has opened my eyes as to what to expect in life after university is done, while also teaching me how to be a successful worker throughout my career.
- What tips would you give other co-op students seeking a similar work experience?
Be ambitious, take risks, and have a positive attitude. You are here to work but you are also here to learn, so take advantage of all the opportunities you are given throughout your term. Express your interests to your managers. They want to help and will do what they can to assign tasks that fit your interests. With that being said, be open to pushing outside of your comfort zone and learning new things. Co-op is all about giving you a taste of what you are interested in or are good at, and the best way to do that is to soak in as many opportunities as possible. If you are able to do some job shadowing in other departments, do it! It’s a great way to expose you to potential interests in the field. Finally, don’t be scared to ask lots of questions. Not only will you learn more by asking questions, but you will also show your managers and co-workers that you are serious about your job and want to do the best you can throughout your term.
Name: Samantha Marasco de Man
Program: BCOMM-Business Administration Co-op
Working at: Bruce Power-Tiverton Ontario
Role: HR Development Student