For Stephen Manley, technology is not only a much- loved career, but also a passion of his. As an Industrial Technology Advisor with the National Research Council of Canada and the Industrial Research Assistance Program, Manley is a self-starting, problem solver.

In his position, which he calls his dream job; Manley plays a pivotal role in assisting start-up companies to further their businesses. It is not, “just writing cheques for funding,” says Manley; rather he is always seeking to optimize successful outcomes and he becomes incredibly involved with the projects taken on by the National Research Council.

Growing up in North-side East Bay, Manley admired the beauty of Cape Breton and was an avid visitor at Ski Ben Eoin. Post-secondary education drew him away from the island, but with the conviction that he would someday return, Stephen freely explored the world as an engineer.

A risk- taker in nature, Manley feels that his work with the National Research Council is a perfect fit. His role allows him to take part in the experimental and developmental stages of new entrepreneurial businesses. “I help others take risks with their new business ideas,” Manley explains. His position also enables him to be in the easy living atmosphere of Cape Breton.

In his line of work, intelligence in technology is crucial, but so is the ability to engage with potential partners, foster relationships and communicate fully with aspiring entrepreneurs. Manley is a firm believer that small businesses start-ups in Cape Breton could keep young people here; making Cape Breton home needs to be at the top of the list. Manley feels that employment is what you make it, adding, “the only truly sustainable job is one that you create yourself.”

Since starting his position with the National Research Council in April, Manley has been enjoyed an array of opportunities, including providing funding for new projects, advising and consulting potential clients, as well as networking and connecting related firms and youth employment programs.

From personal experience, Manley advises, “you don’t have to be in a big city to create great things. In Cape Breton we need to be more entrepreneurial in our nature.”

For more information about starting your own business and for other opportunities, please contact the National Research Council at (902) 270 3549.

*Originally published in the NextGen Connect. 

Raised by local restaurateurs, Alex Morrison was immersed in the hospitality industry from an early age. Working in her family’s restaurant and interacting with customers was something that Morrison looked forward to with every shift, so when it came time to decide what type of career she wanted to pursue, the answer was really quite simple.

Following her passion for the hospitality industry, Morrison enrolled in the Business Administration program at NSCC Marconi Campus. Of the decision she says, “taking Business Administration felt like the first natural step in pursuing this type of career.” After completing her courses Morrison chose Membertou Trade and Convention Centre to fulfill the program’s work placement requirement. Two and a half years later, Morrison remains with the Trade and Convention Centre in the role of Sales Associate. Her responsibilities include organizing and executing all of the weddings, galas, day-to-day business meetings and other events hosted at the Convention Centre.

Experience is an asset that employers look for when hiring an event coordinator. Only 19 years old on the day she graduated from the Business Administration program, Morrison lacked the experience of established industry professionals, but she did have a solid foundation in education, an incredible drive and a desire showcase her abilities; “I had the opportunity to prove myself and my work ethic during my five week work term before the interview process for the Sales Associate position even began,” explained Morrison. She made an impression with management and was offered the role of Sales Associate at the age of 19.

Morrison believes that more entry level positions with a livable rate pay need to be created for young people looking for careers in Cape Breton. She feels that on one hand, youth need to pay their dues and work their way up the ladder, but on the other, they also need to be given more credit for their capabilities and desire to learn. “We have to invest in the community for it to flourish,” noted Morrison.

Membertou Trade and Convention Centre provide their employees with opportunities to get ahead. With 85% of the centre’s employees under the age of 40, there is plenty of room for growth for anyone looking to further themselves within the organization.

Working at Membertou Trade and Convention Centre has been a dream come true for Morrison and she has found the recent flurry of activity in the community to be fulfilling. In only a few short months the community of Membertou has celebrated the Grand Openings of the Hampton Inn, the Membertou Heritage Centre, not to mention the regular high-paced season for weddings and conferences. Despite the work load, the environment she works in and the people she interacts with each day keep Morrison smiling.

Moving forward, Morrison would like to take on more responsibility at the Centre, but presently her focus is on her education and personal milestones. Her immediate goals include obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Mount Saint Vincent University and putting the finishing touches on the new house she and her fiancé are building.

To book your event at Membertou Trade and Convention Centre, call Alex Morrison at (902) 562-6826.