The 2007 Student Choice Awards

The Management Co-op department at the University of Toronto Scarborough strives to build lasting relationships with outstanding employers. As a result, our students are fortunate enough to work with some of the finest employers in the country and around the world.

Each year the department enjoys the opportunity to reward our employers with recognition of offering exceptional student work opportunities and for fostering the concept of co-operative education throughout their respective companies.

Every year students who believe their employer is exceptional, have the opportunity to nominate them to be considered for the Student Choice Award.

In 2007, we received several nominations for the award. The criteria for the award include providing an excellent Co-op opportunity which is based on:

• The high quality of work/tasks/projects
• The opportunity for skills development and training
• The guidance and direction provided on the work term

Employers are chosen on the basis of the range and quality of experience provided to Co-op students. They are also evaluated on the development and training provided by the supervisor in charge. This includes being readily accessible, helpful and encouraging. Furthermore, students value meaningful experience and believe it to be an essential constituent of a great work term.

Nominated by 2 students, Kruger Products Ltd. is the recipient of the award  for 2006. Founded in 1904, Kruger has operations all across Canada, as well as the United States and the United Kingdom. The company has 10,000 employees. Its activities include paper products, packaging, forest and wood products, energy and recycling. This award proves Kruger’s strong commitment to its workers, and especially towards its co-op recruits. This award was presented to Alex Teijeira Director, Human Resources and Legal Counsel at Kruger Products Ltd. at the MESA (Management and Economics Students’ Association) Gala, held on March 29, 2007 at the Premiere Ballroom & Convention Center. Our students had great things to say about Mr. Teijeira:

“Alex is not only an exceptional supervisor, he is my mentor.  With his guidance, I worked on a multitude of exciting projects which had a direct impact on employees. He constantly sought my input and ensured that the work I was doing was interesting, challenging and would develop my career knowledge. Alex is always extremely supportive and never treated me as a student, but rather as a peer.  No matter how busy he was, he always made time for me.” - Sarah Loucks

“Alex is an outstanding employer because he truly embraces his role as a coach, guide and role model. He takes time on a daily basis, to meet with me and give me some feedback, or help me with what I am doing. He is available 24/7, and makes sure I get all the necessary resources to succeed. He takes the quality of my experience at heart, and often communicates with me to be reassured that we are enjoying our time at the company.” - Julie Peloquin