Gonenc Fenton
Business Developer
University of Waterloo

Roles/Involvement with EWO: Member

After working in the private sector for a few different organizations, I joined UW 17 years ago as Field Coordinator. That role was a combination of working with students, employers, and job development. As we pivoted to more role specialization, I moved into a Student Advisor role and about 7 years ago shifted into Business Development. 

In our historical model as Field Coordinators business development ended up as the lowest priority as we serviced our two key stakeholders, and now as we continue to scale the need for dedicated business development has become even more important to our success. There is so more competition for students these days, so this gives us more agility to support our employers and students.

2. What impact do you feel you have on employers that you work with?

When employers see the reputation of the school and our students, they really start to see the impact of what we do. The impact is having employers look at our students as part of their growth plan. It also has an impact on the students, in starting their career path.

3. What brings you satisfaction in your role?

Working with a new employer. Scoring that initial meeting, seeing that relationship develop and working towards them getting their first successful hire. The first impression we make is such an underrated impact on that long term relationship.

4. What is the best part of working at your institution? 

We are well structured and have the people in place to make our work a success. While the priorities of my role do not always align with those of other teams, there is a respect there. We appreciate each other and we enjoy what we do, so there is a shared goal of moving us forward.

It’s also an environment where our input is sought. We are part of the dialogue on how things evolve, so that is a key factor. 

5. What keeps you motivated? 

A lot of the same things that bring me job satisfaction. The role has really developed, and I am doing more beyond the role. For example, I am a coach, so I support the other business developers in systems and process.

We have also doubled in size over the past few years, so that growth is very telling of the need for these roles and importance we have for the portfolio. Business development has been a focus this past year and we see the impact of our work and how it has helped everyone else.

6. What advice would you give to your younger professional self?

Do a little more networking. LinkedIn is a great tool for managing connections and sharing content, but also working with those contacts. Also learning about the roles of others. See how we can work with them. Ask about who they know. All those things we tell our students to do.