Work Terms for a Better World
How Working for a Better World funding helped BCom student Jesa Harrison combine business skills with nonprofit work at Scale Collaborative
When a summer co-op with the UN fell through, Jesa Harrison could have paused her search for a work term. Instead, she leaned on the support of the Working for a Better World funding, which ensures that students can pursue practical work experiences, while employers who are contributing to social or environmental impact – but may not have the funding to hire a co-op student – have the freedom to say yes.
That’s how Jesa found herself at Scale Collaborative—a small but mighty organization that helps nonprofits and social enterprises reimagine what’s possible.
From Calgary to the Coast
Originally from Calgary, Jesa chose UVic and the Gustavson School of Business for the adventure of living near the ocean and the flexibility of a degree that could take her in many directions. Along the way, she’s discovered how meaningful it feels to apply those skills in the non-profit sector.
At Scale Collaborative over her summer work term, Jesa was immersed in projects that blended business skills with social impact. She wrote a survey analysis on blended finance, contributed to case studies on loan guarantees and developed an online course for the firm’s Thriving Nonprofits initiative. The course helps small organizations access capital and resources.
One of Jesa’s key projects was the survey analysis report exploring the current landscape and future potential of blended finance in Canada. “These reports bring together insights from funders, community leaders and finance practitioners,” she explains. “I’ve also played a role in helping achieve their goals of demystifying these terms, uncovering innovative strategies and generating connections that advance catalytic and blended finance.”
For Jesa, the work is more than research—it’s about turning complex ideas into actionable strategies. Every report, case study and course module she develops becomes a bridge between knowledge and impact, showing that students on work terms can make a difference.
Inside Scale Collaborative
For Scale Collaborative, students like Jesa are more than co-op work term placements—they’re part of how the organization grows alongside the sector it serves.
“Scale Collaborative is a certified B-Corporation,” says Jesa. “They increase access to resources and capital through coaching, consulting, capacity building, funding and research for the social impact sector. The goal is to transform non-profits, charities, social enterprises and other impact sector organizations to become more enterprising, resilient and financially sustainable.”
During her time at Scale, Jesa primarily worked with the Scale Institute, which drives research, development and educational programming in social innovation, social enterprise, social procurement and social finance. “My time at Scale was incredibly formative,” she reflects. “This experience has deepened my commitment to pursuing meaningful work that drives social and economic impact.”
For anyone eager to contribute to systems change and learn from a forward-thinking organization, Jesa recommends Scale Collaborative without hesitation. “it’s an environment reimagining the future of the non-profit sector—and it gives students a chance to play a role in that transformation.”
Building networks and community impact
Jesa also thrived on the community side of her work, attending events, planning courses and meeting non-profit leaders. Her office space, TheDock Centre for Social Impact, is a co-working space, shared with other social change sector organizations in 樱花影视. TheDock is a space to foster connections, access to learning, and unique events within an inspiring culture and exposed her to a network of like-minded professionals while sparking new inspiration.
The work term experience has already shaped Jesa’s perspective on business and social impact. While she initially thought finance wasn’t her strength, she now sees it as a tool to support non-profits thrive. “I didn’t think finance would be my thing,” she admits, “but seeing how it helps nonprofits create revenue and grow their impact has been eye-opening.”
Making it happen with Working for a Better World funding
Having wrapped up her co-op, Jesa is now on exchange in France. We joke about it being her own “Emily in Paris” moment, but she frames it as a chance for both personal growth and professional exploration. “I just want to travel, learn and continue working somewhere that’s impactful,” she says.
“I hope my exchange in France will give me the chance to step outside my comfort zone and see the world through different cultural perspectives,” she says. “By meeting new people and learning from their experiences, I want to broaden how I think about community and the role of social impact organizations across different contexts. I believe these experiences will help me grow both personally and professionally, shaping a more global and inclusive outlook for my future career.”
At Scale Collaborative, Jesa was to pair her business education with her passion for the non-profit sector in ways that feel both practical and purposeful. “Every day I learned something new and met people who inspired me,” she says. Opportunities like hers are made possible through the Working for a Better World funding, which helps students contribute to organizations with a strong focus on social and/or environmental impact.