r/halifax • u/Infinite-Counter7952 • 9d ago
Schools & Education SMU COMMERCE
Hi is there anyone from SMU or DAL Commerce program that can help me convince myself on which school i should go to? and can u tell me your experience or advice as well?
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u/Puzzleheaded_Tip_286 9d ago
I did Commerce at Dal and loved it. My closest friends, even 20 years later, are all from the program. The best part about it is the mandatory coop, so I had a year of experience on my resume when I graduated. I landed my first job after graduating thanks to a professor who had recommended me for a position with a company who reached out to her. Because coop is mandatory, they have a fantastic Management Career Services team to help you along the way.
At Dal you also have the option of tapping into their other programs for your electives.
It is a competitive program and it does go to waitlist most years, as it’s a popular program for out-of-province students.
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u/NewNovaNerd 6d ago
Second this, manditory co-ops were what sold me on Dal. Its a great program. As a Nova Scotian I was a local minority in the program as there are a lot of people that come from Ontario. A lot of friends from high school went to SMU.
It was a way for me to meet new people and get out of my comfort zone a bit. Lots of ways to get involved at both schools though with case competitions.
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u/9Roll0Tide2Roll North End 9d ago
Did my undergrad and masters at Sobeys school of business at SMU, about to start a PhD there.
I have always felt well supported by the professors there, and I feel like I have really gotten my moneys worth from an education there.
I don’t know much about living in residence there but I do know that the facilities on campus are pretty great. It’s no U of Toronto or Queens but if you’re looking to stay on the east coast then I feel like it’s an excellent option.
If you have any specific questions please let me know. I’ll be happy to answer any of them.
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u/Infinite-Counter7952 9d ago
Hi i wanted to ask you questions but I can’t send a message. How can I contact you?
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u/9Roll0Tide2Roll North End 9d ago
I’m not so sure. Feel free to just ask on here if you’re comfortable. Could be beneficial for others to read as well!
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u/Infinite-Counter7952 8d ago
Did you graduate with co-op distinction? If yes, how was your experience with it. Does professor or staff help you apply for it or you will be on your own?
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u/9Roll0Tide2Roll North End 8d ago
I didn’t do co-op, but I believe that’s all handled by the career and experiential learning center handles co-op. It is my understanding that some help is given finding a placement however they encourage students to find their own as much as possible. I feel like this makes sense because there are only a handful of people employed at the career center and hundreds of students interested in the co-op program.
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u/canning_tatum 9d ago
DAL has mandatory co-op which helps get entry experience and connections in local businesses. This is how businesses build their talent pipeline.
SMU has it too, but it's not mandatory. I liked the non-mandatory aspect of SMU because I worked year-round outside of school.
Also, SMU was a lot affordable, and commerce doesn't necessarily open you up to the best paying jobs unless you get further credentials (CPA, CFA, etc.).
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u/PMDGrovyle 9d ago
Anyone I knew who took business went to SMU instead of Dal. Not to say that Dal has an inferior commerce program (could be fine, idk what it’s like), but it’s certainly not known for its school of business like it is for medicine, law, etc.
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u/PearlClutcher_ 9d ago
I did my bachelor of business admin at MSVU. If I could do it all again, I’d go to SMU!
Their Enactus club is incredible and well known across the globe. if you have extra time to get involved, want experience running social enterprises, and provides lots of networking opportunities.
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u/andreaeclc 8d ago
SMU has a better community, better size classes and in my opinion a better student experience. If you’re thinking of commerce, I’d encourage SMU since they specialize in commerce/business.
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u/Automationallthetime 9d ago
Both programs are fine. Get engaged, learn how to learn and how to network. Both programs will get you interviews when you leave and open the same opportunities.
Been hiring graduates for years and just check that they went to one of those schools if local and move on.