Meet One of Our Talented Co-op Students– Ashley Martin!

Here at Babcock, we know that embarking on a new career should be one of the most exciting times in a student’s life and we are committed to helping individuals achieve success.

Our award winning co-op program offers students an opportunity to develop their career in a supportive environment, while giving them room to grow and providing them access to the collected wisdom and experience of over 30,000 skilled Babcock personnel spread across six continents.

From engineering; to human resources; marketing, and other business disciplines, Babcock has a wide assortment of co-op placements and opportunities for students.

We are excited to introduce Ashley Martin, who is currently a Document Management Coordinator Co-op. We sat down with Ashley earlier this month to talk about her experience as a co-op student with Babcock.

Q. How long have you been at Babcock and what is your current position?

AM: I have been with Babcock for seven months, starting in May 2021. My current position is Document Management Coordinator Co-op.

Q. What is your academic background?

AM: I currently in my fourth and final year of my undergraduate degree at the University of Victoria and am in the commerce program at the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business. I am dual specializing with a primary in Service Management and a secondary in Entrepreneurship. Throughout my undergraduate degree, I received the certificate in Excellence in Engagement and am Co-chair for the upcoming Graduate Class’s Gustavson School of Business Conference.

Q. Why did you decide to study the current program you are in?

AM: I have had an interest in business since high school, this was inspired by businesses owned by family members and companies my parents have worked for.

I also have interests in creating my own business or pursuing a career in law, both would benefit having a business background. Many students in my university program either solidify or change their specialization in their first year of studies. After my first year, I still found a large interest in this field and wanted to pursue it with the friends I made and remain working with today. It’s also a really fun program and introduces me to something new and challenging every day.

Q: Why did you decide to work for Babcock during your co-op term?

AM: This is my second term with Babcock, and the team and people I work with are a big reason that I wanted to stay, along with the positive work culture. This new position was also an opportunity to challenge myself and try something in a sector that I have not had the chance to work in before.

Initially, I decided to work for Babcock as my personal values of trust and respect aligned with the company’s values. As well, my positions fit within my primary specialization, which is of high interest to me.

Q. What does a typical day on the job look like for you?

AM: Checking the Document Control and Program Support Mailboxes for items needing to be looked at for the Document Release Process or to grant access to members in SharePoint sites.It also involves completing technical edits for different form types that typically will be routed internally for signatures and submitted to our customer after the routing process is completed.

As well as,creating archived project SharePoint sites and attending and contributing in meetings with internal and external users, answering any questions from stakeholders directed towards the SharePoint or Nintex systems.

Q. Can you describe your experience as a co-op student here at Babcock?

AM: Nothing but positives have come out of my experience here at Babcock. I have increased my personal confidence and other skill sets in both positions overtime. I have also enjoyed the opportunity to work in a professional setting to gain experience outside of a strictly academic lens.

Babcock takes the time to train and understand their members, which is felt through the strong company culture.

Q: What is the biggest lesson you have learned so far in your co-op term?

AM: It’s okay to make mistakes, you learn and grow from these. Take on challenges with a positive mindset and take your time on projects to avoid simple mistakes.

Q. Do you have any advice for future students thinking about doing co-op and/or looking for a co-op placement?

AM: Go for it! These two co-op terms at Babcock have been the best experiences I have had in a full time position, I would reapply in a heartbeat.

Pursue what interests you, there are many co-op placements available in multiple sectors within the company ranging from HR to Engineering.

Q. Where do you see yourself in five years?

This is hard to say, with the uncertainty brought on by the pandemic I’m unsure what five years from today may look like. I could see myself at Babcock, in a Master’s program, or owning my own business. Whatever this looks like, I’m excited to see what and where I will be five years from now.

Q. What is one thing you wish you could tell your younger self?

Keep doing what you’re doing and what feels right, I would not change a thing or decision I made. Keep challenging yourself and trying new things. Also, maybe avoid Physics and Chemistry classes… we were not destined for STEM!