Laurier Business Administration student Erika Draskovic honoured with 2020 Co-op Student of the Year Award

March 23, 2021

Wilfrid Laurier University has awarded fourth-year Business Administration student Erika Draskovic with its 2020 Co-op Student of the Year Award for workplace achievements while completing work terms at Deloitte Canada during winter and fall 2020.

The annual award program recognizes deserving co-op students based on achievements during their work term, with nominations submitted by co-op employer partners. Draskovic is one of 34 outstanding students nominated for the 2020 award, the highest number of nominations ever received.  

“Laurier’s co-op students have a reputation for professionalism, innovation and dedication in the workplace and that reputation remained strong amid the challenges of the past year,” says Jan Basso, Laurier’s assistant vice-president of Experiential Learning and Career Development. “Erika is an excellent ambassador for Laurier’s co-op program and demonstrates the talent for which Laurier students are known.” 

While at Deloitte Canada, an international professional services firm specializing in audit, tax, consulting and financial advising, Draskovic remotely led projects focusing on regulatory compliance for a 10-member audit and assurance team at the company's Toronto office, a rare task for a co-op student to take on. She coordinated audit evidence from clients, addressed questions from senior managers and advised incoming staff. Draskovic also served as a Deloitte campus ambassador, engaging with Laurier students and recent alumni during virtual career recruitment events.

“Erika exemplifies all that a Deloitte employee represents,” says James Wells (BBA ’12), senior manager at Deloitte Canada. “She is a forward-thinking young leader who focuses on maintaining excellent client relationships and keen attention to detail. Erika has a promising career ahead of her and we look forward to seeing what she can bring to Deloitte in the future.”

Draskovic says co-op work terms at Deloitte Canada helped solidify her dream of becoming a chartered professional accountant (CPA). Laurier’s CPA-accredited accounting option, offered through the business administration and economics programs, is among the best in Canada.

“I chose Laurier for its co-op program, which has provided the opportunity to jump-start my career in accounting and build the confidence necessary to succeed,” says Draskovic. “I am honoured to receive the Co-op Student of the Year Award. Because of my co-op experience, I have future-ready work experience, which has become invaluable to my personal and professional growth.” 

Draskovic has accepted a position at Deloitte Canada’s Toronto office beginning in January 2022. After finishing her undergraduate degree this summer, she plans to complete a graduate diploma in accounting at Laurier’s Lazaridis School of Business and Economics.  

About Co-operative Education at Laurier 

Laurier supports the largest business degree co-op program in Canada and has more than 2,700 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in arts, business, economics and science co-op programs. Employers and students interested in learning more about Laurier’s co-op program can contact Laurie Lahn, associate director: Co-operative Education and External Relations, at llahn@wlu.ca.