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Three people standing in front of a sign that reads Enova.
Enova Power Corp. energizes experience-based learning for Laurier students

Enova Power Corp. energizes experience-based learning for Laurier students

Aug. 20, 2024

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A university-workplace partnership is energizing experiential learning for Wilfrid Laurier University students.

Enova Power Corp. (Enova), Waterloo Region’s largest electric utility provider, offers Laurier students career-ready experiences in geographic information systems, information technology and corporate communications, among other areas, through in-course projects and paid co-op work terms.

Community-workplace partnerships and co-op allow Laurier students to apply classroom learning to real-world projects and develop future-ready skills while providing employers with creative and innovative emerging talent.

“Laurier students are creative, insightful and ready to take on the challenge presented to them,” says Kelly McMath, communications supervisor at Enova. “Partnering with Laurier for course projects and co-op positions is always a positive experience for Enova.”

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Laurier co-op students Colton Porchak and Priscilla Jude with Kiel Edge of Enova (centre).

During the winter 2024 term, Enova’s communications team partnered with Laurier Assistant Professor Osama Butt and students in his fourth-year social marketing and networks class for an in-course project aimed at improving public perception of Enova’s commitment to electrical safety through social media and marketing strategies.

“Partnering with a Laurier marketing class provided excellent perspective from a demographic that actively uses social media to identify some of our strengths and weaknesses on Instagram,” says McMath. “Our team came away with actionable insights that we have been able to implement. The students presented very thoughtful and insightful work.”

Enova has also partnered with Laurier Adjunct Professor Edmund Okoree and his second-year Geography students in GG261: Powering Earth. Okoree’s students have been tasked with preparing various energy-related business cases for Enova, including the installation of electric-vehicle charging stations in Waterloo Region and a research project to gauge customer interest in energy issues.

“Laurier students truly benefit from working with incredible partners like Enova, who provide opportunities to gain industry experience, provide mentorship and develop their professional skill sets and networks,” says Colleen Myronyk, director of Co-operative Education and Workplace Partnerships at Laurier. “We are grateful for the community partners helping us develop future talent in Laurier’s host communities.”

Powering Corporate Communications

As a Communication Studies major, Priscilla Jude’s co-op position with Enova’s communications team matched her interest and academic focus with industry-specific work experience.

During the spring 2024 work term, Jude worked as a corporate communications team member at Enova’s Waterloo office, assisting with internal communications, social media strategy and execution, and corporate event planning.

“Priscilla has been an invaluable addition to our team,” says McMath. “She jumped into projects with enthusiasm and professionalism and delivered high-quality work.”

Jude also assisted with designing Enova’s spring 2024 bill insert, sharpening her copywriting and design skills in Adobe Illustrator. Her work has been distributed to more than 160,000 households and businesses in the Waterloo Region.

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Enova's spring 2024 bill insert designed by Laurier co-op student Priscilla Jude.

“Enova has created an environment where students are seen as trusted members of the team,” says Jude. “My ideas and feedback are valued and encouraged and I have had the opportunity to pitch projects and deliver. My co-op experience at Enova has been incredible and I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of the team.”

Laurier partners with organizations across Ontario and Canada to create curricular and co-curricular experiential learning opportunities across academic disciplines and industries. Find out more about Community and Workplace Partnerships and Co-op at Laurier.

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