When Nicholas Lea began his Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness at the University of Manitoba, he never imagined that it would lead to a role with one of Canada’s leading financial institutions, TD Bank Group.
Nicholas knew TD was a bank with a social conscious as demonstrated through its support of Enactus Canada. With a passion for helping his community and a background in Agriculture, Nicholas was on the search for a career that combined both. Through the TD Business Banking Associate Program, Nicholas attended a career night on campus and knew this was his chance to impress.
Nicholas had the opportunity to connect with several TD business leaders and applied for a role, after which he was invited to join TD executives at a dinner they were sponsoring – the annual Harvest Gala, presented by the Red River Exhibition Association and Manitoba Agriculture Hall of Fame.
Networking was the key to success for Nicholas, both at the career night and then at the gala. Through these events and his unrelenting commitment, Nicholas secured an interview for two positions closely related to his interests. Nicholas now works at TD Bank Group as an Analyst for TD Agriculture Services.
Enactus helped Nicholas develop his time management and organizational skills, critical to the role of an analyst and he’s committed to giving back. Nicholas volunteered at the 2015 Enactus Canada National Exposition and also served as a judge of the Enactus National Competition.
“Hard work doesn’t go unnoticed at TD,” says Nicholas. “If you do a good job you will be recognized through career advancement and through opportunities to do things that are important to you.”
Finding a career that is right for you is important and sometimes you need to apply to different roles to eventually land in the “sweet spot.”
“If you know what you want to do after university, start building and gaining experience in that industry now. Look for part-time or summer positions that will give you skills that will make you stand out,” says Nicholas.