Student Experience

What to Expect

Algonquin College is proud to provide a diverse and dynamic student experience. Check out the highlights below to get a sense of what to expect as a student in the Bachelor of Commerce (Supply Chain Management) program.

Gain insight on the program from the coordinator, and alumni who are working in industry:

Success Stories and Testimonials

Read the Ottawa Business Journal article about Zahraa’s journey which led her to the Bachelor of Commerce (Supply Chain Management) program, and ultimately, to full-time employment in her field.

“Zahraa transitioned to the Bachelor of Commerce (Supply Chain Management) program at Algonquin College in 2019, driven by the program’s rich co-op placements and the expertise of professors with real-world workplace experience.

Four years and three co-ops later, Mehsen completed her BComm supply chain degree last month and was immediately bridged into full-time employment as a procurement officer at Shared Services Canada (SSC).”

“Engaging in experiential learning through class projects has been a game-changer for my career. The hands-on application of optimization methods has deepened my problem-solving skills, while collaborating with industry professionals provided invaluable insights into real-world decision-making. This experience has not only bolstered my technical expertise but has also enhanced my adaptability and communication skills. I am confident that the skills gained will continue to propel my career forward, providing a solid foundation for navigating the complexities of my chosen field.”
– Etienne Dininolamy, Graduate

“I would like to take some time to underscore the benefits to my learning experience at Algonquin College in one of the applied research studies (DiCom Company: Supply Chain Capacity Allocation Modelling with Revenue Management) with whom I was involved. It was the first academic research study that I have ever been a part of. One of the most striking parts of participating in this research was the that it tangibly attached my academic studies to a practical real-world company. While we learned the theoretical complexities of logistics optimization in class, the research study allowed us to apply our academic learning in a way that really clarified a lot of the theory that we had learned. To give a concrete example, we were provided with virtual tours of the warehousing facilities to understand the strategy and rationale behind their current logistics operations. This was an excellent opportunity to ask questions and to understand real-world constraints. It also allowed us to think creatively about the extensions of our academic learning. Through the literature review process, I got to learn a lot about existing research in logistics space. It was interesting to learn about other real-life problems.”
– Meaghan Browne, Graduate

“My co-op experience was fantastic – I now work for Canada Revenue, the same organization where I did my co-op terms. The job market is excellent. Many of my classmates walked right into jobs after graduation. In fact, there is a competition among businesses to hire grads because there are more positions than grads to fill them.”
– Ken, Graduate

“One of the most in depth degree programs offered to students who seek a career in the Supply Chain Management profession. This program not only teaches the students theory and tools of this profession, but through the co-op program, allows them to apply this knowledge first hand in the field. The Ottawa District of the Ontario Institute of the Purchasing Management Association of Canada is a proud supporter of this innovative and effective program which will help students become leaders of the profession.”
– Ottawa District of the Ontario Institute of the Purchasing Management Association of Canada

“The success the division is having with the co-op program for DRP clearly shows the value of this type of initiative – both from the perspective of the department and the students. As we go through the transformation process we need innovative solutions to advance the defence supply chain. Through our student bridge initiative these students have the potential to join the workforce when they finish the program and continue contributing to the division. The department and the CF would benefit greatly by having their talents and enthusiasm.”
– Director General, Material Systems and Supply Chain – National Defence

“You’re able to participate to in all these networking events, all these cool things that you don’t get at larger schools because it is a close knit vibe here. I’m graduating with SAP, I’m graduating with PMI. That’s what employers want, so being able to graduate and be that one step ahead of the game is really beneficial for employers.”
– Elizabeth, Student

Work-Integrated Learning

  • Three mandatory, paid co-op work terms of 4 months each ensure that students have hands-on knowledge and skills necessary to enter the workforce
  • Applied learning is integrated throughout the program through industry-related team and individual projects, and three mandatory co-op placements
  • Combined with part-time work, students often graduate with 1.5 years of experience, making for a seamless transition to full-time work
  • The program uses current industry software such as SAP to give students the skills they need in order to be prepared to enter the work force

This program has almost a 100% employment rate, with graduates being hired by companies such as Deloitte, the Department of National Defence, the City of Ottawa, the Ottawa Hospital, and Research in Motion, to name just a few.