As students across Canada break free from the confines of their campus libraries, we wanted to take a look at the 11/12 school year and shine a light on a few notable students. So much of what student life is all about now is getting involved and earning valuable real life experiences – outside of the classroom. What’s that you say? Aren’t I going to school to learn in the classroom? Well yes…and no.

Post –secondary students are becoming increasingly involved with progressives programs, challenges and opportunities that aim to make student life bigger and better.  This is something that Canada’s Next Top Ad Exec (CNTAE) has fully embraced. Started in 2007 by the DeGroote School of Business, CNTAE was founded on the principles of bridging the gap between learning’s in the classroom and application in real industry.  CNTAE brings Canada’s top students together and into the real world of advertising – or at least the world outside the classroom.

Partnered with Chevrolet, the 2012 competition challenged teams to develop an integrated marketing communications strategy for the launch of the 2013 Chevrolet Spark in major Canadian urban centers. Up for grabs in first place was the grand prize of two 2013 Chevrolet Sparks which was awarded to the winning duo who hail from McMaster University, Kailee Jaimeson and Ryan Moran!  We caught up with them in the early morning after their big win and it was clear that the excitement was fresh in their voices. “Being a part this opportunity has been so surreal” said Kailee, “it has been an absolute blast doing this with Ryan and I think I can speak for both of us by saying that it really has made everything we’ve done in the classroom become so much more significant.”

These students have been hard at work since January designing, creating, strategizing and envisioning what they would want Chevrolet to tell them about the new Spark. The amazing runner up duo of Elizabeth Harris and Emily Dimytosh from Queen’s University, and third place pair, Christopher Larryant and Veronica Yeung from University of British Columbia, all agreed. “It’s so important for companies to get involved with student life to present opportunities like [CNTAE]” declared Emily Dimytosh. This program is a great example of merging the relationships between consumer and brand to form an authentic relationship.

“If I had the opportunity to tell a first year student about the one thing they needed to do when they got to University it would be to seek opportunities and get involved outside of class” said Veronica Yeung. The CampusPerks team agrees – In the last 2 school years we have hooked up students with not only exclusive opportunities, national recognition and some fun challenges along the way. We have also been able to reward these students with over $620,000 in sponsorship and scholarships.

Stand out on campus and get involved. To find out about how to get involved with Canada’s Next Top Ad Exec for 2013 and more info on this past years program and winners head to their website here.

If you want to find out about some exclusive opportunities right now check out CampusPerks.ca or comment below and we’ll fill you in on how to get involved right now!

Photos Provided By: Lucas Scarfone

At Laurier, we take pride in many of our clubs and of course the tremendous spirit that effortlessly oozes out of students. There is one club in particular—JDCC Laurier—that never seizes to amaze us with their commitment to raising the bar in competition spirit, academics and networking. We sat down with Jordan Bishop, Laurier’s JDCC Co-Captain as he shares with us how it feels to represent such a talented team, while pushing his boundaries on leadership and teamwork. We hope that our interview with Jordan gives you a sense of his charismatic personality and his enthusiasm for being Co-Captain of JDCC Laurier.

Jordan is a third-year BBA co-op, and the co-Captain for Laurier’s JDC Central 2012 team. He’s been a participant with 5 Days for the Homeless, and enjoys being an SBE Mentor to other students. To keep a balanced life, he stays involved with athletics, reading about business and social ventures, and learning more about leadership and what motivates others.

Being Co-Captain of JDCC Laurier has been a truly transformative experience for Jordan. Seeing the other students around him develop on a weekly basis, both as business students and as all-around young people, gives great value to the time he invests into JDCC Laurier.

Jordan explains that “It’s inspiring to see the incredible levels of motivation throughout the entire 40-perosn team, and it’s a privilege to work with them so closely The reason I wanted to be Co-Captain of JDCC Laurier is for the challenge – every day I’m tested as both a student of business and as a leader. I’ve had to establish a vision for the team, choose the top Laurier business students to fit that vision, and then shape and mould them to work cohesively within a team environment. It’s been one of my toughest tasks so far to understand what motivates each individual, and to cater my leadership style to that, and as a result, every day throws new challenges my way. “

Jordan also emphasizes the importance of teamwork and how paramount it is for JDCC Laurier. “I’m inspired to be a leader by I’ve been able to develop as a person and continue to learn about myself. Most importantly, I’m constantly learning what motivates others, and in doing so, I’ve realized that the ambitions of the people around me are the primary driving force that motivates me.”

-Written by Safia & Judy @ WLU

Carleton can be like other universities in many ways: same old school stuff, different year. Unlike other universities though, Carleton is unique in that it has a thriving Greek community. By Greek community, I mean the strong presence of fraternities and sororities on campus. This month is recruitment season or as some may call it ‘rush’. Recruitment happens twice a year for most organizations – once in the Fall (September) and once in the Winter (January). During this period, organizations host brotherhood/sisterhood events, philanthropic events, and social events, inviting all students to attend. At the end of the designated period, which is usually 3-4 weeks, ‘bids’ or invitations are extended to new members who have displayed a keen interest in becoming a part of Carleton’s Greek life.

Rush is always exciting as it is a time when new friendships are made and fun events take place. It is a great way to meet new people, get involved and learn about Greek life on campus. Often times, students are unaware of the existence of Carleton’s Greek community and the benefits they can gain from joining an organization. The Carleton University Greek Council (CUGC) sets up tables at Carleton Expo during Orientation Week, and a ‘Greek Week’ event in the winter where each organization can promote their own recruitment. Furthermore, CUGC holds anti-hazing seminars each term, a Greek Gala at the end of the year, Women’s Day every year, and socials such as ‘Greek Speed Dating.’

Marika Washchyshyn, Vice President Communications for CUGC and member of Tau Sigma Phi says, “We have great parties with the fraternities, solid relationships with other sororities and genuine loyalty with each other.”

All in all there are seven fraternities and six sororities at Carleton. The fraternities are Acacia, Alpha Epsilon Pi, Beta Theta Pi, Kappa Sigma, Omega Psi Phi, Sigma Pi, and Tau Kappa Epsilon; the list of sororities include Alpha Omicron Pi, Alpha Pi Phi, Delta Psi Delta, Phi Sigma Sigma, Tau Sigma Phi, and Xi Delta Theta.

All 13 organizations are recognized by the CUGC and bounded by its constitution. Marika says, “The CUGC is body that regulates and oversees operations in the Greek Community at Carleton. They plan monthly events to promote a sense of unity among organizations, as most of the time they are competing for new recruitment, and every once in awhile, things may get sticky.”

Often times, Greeks are categorized under ‘the popular crowd’ or ‘party animal’ stereotypes, and though they may like to have a good time, Marika explains, “It is our commitment to furthering our academics and philanthropic efforts that set us apart.”

“We must maintain a minimum GPA to be a part of Tau Sigma Phi, and attend regular mandatory study sessions and learning services to achieve that. We donate many hours to different charities, and volunteer regularly on campus – as Orientation Week leaders, Carleton Serves volunteers, peer helpers and more,” she shares.

To her, being Greek is about realizing the potential you have as an individual to make a difference on campus, surrounded by an amazing support system of like-minded individuals, becoming a force together.

-Written by Janelle @ Carleton