Business/economics scholar named top co-op student

by Maria Lironi

Cyril Elbers is truly an international man.At 24, he speaks five languages and has spent more time abroad than most diplomats. He’s also a busy man, taking two concurrent degrees at UVic—a bachelor of commerce and a bachelor of arts in economics.

And now, Elbers has been named UVic’s top business co-op student of the year. He received the award at a ceremony on Nov. 12.

“It’s very humbling to receive this,” says Elbers, “especially since I have so many excellent peers.”

Elbers may have many outstanding peers, but his work certainly stands

out. While enrolled in Camosun’s hospitality program, Elbers completed co-op terms at a five-star Japanese hotel in Amsterdam and a ski resort in Japan. Most recently, during his 11-month stay in China, he worked for five months as a commercial assistant at the Canadian Embassy in Beijing.

“His work was highly praised by both his supervisor and the ambassador at the embassy,” says Norah McRae, the business co-op and career centre’s program manager. “He was also an excellent ambassador for the centre and the faculty of business.”

There were 55 students eligible for the position in 2002 and each was evaluated on their contributions to their co-op employers, UVic, the business co-op and career centre, and to the community. Each student also had excellent evaluations from their work term employers and had a cumulative GPA of at least 6.5.

To be considered for the award, the candidates were asked to compose a letter about their co-op experiences and how they promoted the faculty and the co-op program during their work term. Twenty-four of the nominees wrote letters.

“The application letters were very compelling and it wasn’t an easy choice,” McRae recalls. “Cyril, however, had all the attributes we were looking for—high achievement on his work term, excellence in his academics, and a contribution to his community as well.”

The “fantastic environment” at the co-op placement would allow any student to excel, says Elbers. “The embassy’s constant encouragement and feedback gave me ‘ownership’ of my tasks, so I was more inclined to represent the university and embassy well. It just makes sense—when your employers think the best of you and appreciate your ideas. That’s the environment where you’re going to thrive.”

During his time at the embassy, Elbers was responsible for developing a portfolio of Canadian trade and investment opportunities for the Beijing Olympics. “The most rewarding part of my experience at the embassy was the opportunity to help Canadian firms expand their businesses into China,” says Elbers. “It helped clarify my career goals—to work in trade financing with a focus on emerging markets in Asia.”

As the award winner, Elbers receives $500 from the TD Bank Financial Group. He plans to put the money toward his education.

(Joy Poliquin photo)