Odette School of Business student Abigail McLeod received a Rising Star Award for her contributions during a co-op placement with PromoShop. During her work term, she helped improve the company's email marketing performance and supported business development efforts that led to new client acquisitions. (SUBMITTED BY ABIGAIL MCLEOD/University of Windsor)
By Victor Romao
For Abigail McLeod, a co-op placement at PromoShop became an opportunity to make a measurable impact while discovering where she wants her career to go.
The third-year Odette School of Business student contributed to marketing and business development initiatives that helped strengthen client relationships, improve campaign performance and support company growth.
Working alongside PromoShop's marketing and finance team, McLeod helped develop a new email marketing strategy that increased email open rates by 20 per cent in just four months. She also supported new business development efforts, helping secure new clients and create opportunities for future growth.
Her accomplishments earned her a Rising Star Award, recognizing outstanding co-op students. In this Q&A, McLeod reflects on the projects that made an impact, the skills she developed and how the experience shaped her future plans.
Q: What was your role during your co-op placement at PromoShop?
A: I worked in both marketing and new business development. My responsibilities included creating email marketing campaigns, writing copy, segmenting audiences and supporting outreach efforts. I also helped develop materials and strategies to connect with prospective clients and build new business relationships.
Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of during your work term?
A: I'm proud of being able to work on projects that produced measurable results. Through our email marketing efforts, we increased open rates by approximately 20 per cent. I also contributed to outreach initiatives and client pitches that helped secure new business opportunities for the company.
Q: What was the most significant learning experience during your co-op placement?
A: The most significant learning experience was developing the confidence to take ownership of my work in a corporate environment. My supervisor trusted me with real responsibility and encouraged me to learn through experience. I discovered that I grow the most when I am challenged to solve problems independently and take accountability for the outcomes.
Q: What was it like to see your ideas translate into real business results?
A: It was incredibly rewarding. In the classroom, success is often measured through assignments and grades. At PromoShop, I had the opportunity to see how strategic ideas could influence business outcomes. Whether it was improving marketing performance or helping secure new client opportunities, it showed me how meaningful work can create tangible value for an organization.
Q: What did you learn about working with clients and building relationships?
A: Through developing client pitches and supporting business development initiatives, I learned how important it is to understand a client's needs and communicate value effectively. I gained experience addressing concerns, building trust and creating solutions that align with what clients are looking for.
Q: How did the experience contribute to your personal and professional growth?
A: Professionally, I strengthened my communication, marketing and strategic thinking skills. Personally, I learned to be more adaptable and willing to embrace new challenges. The experience encouraged me to trust my abilities and approach unfamiliar situations with greater confidence.
Q: Did the experience influence your future career or educational plans?
A: Absolutely. The experience showed me how much I enjoy working on projects that combine creativity, problem-solving and relationship building. It reinforced my interest in strategic marketing and business development and confirmed that this is the area of business I want to pursue after graduation. I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue working with PromoShop while I complete my degree.
McLeod's experience demonstrates how work-integrated learning can help students apply classroom knowledge, develop professional skills and contribute to impactful business outcomes. Through hands-on experience in marketing and business development, she gained valuable insight into the career path she plans to pursue after graduation.
This article is part of a series celebrating excellence in experiential learning and recognizing Rising Star Award recipients selected by Co-op, Career & Experiential Education.
New employers looking to learn more about hiring a co-op student can contact hire@uwindsor.ca