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“I was first introduced to the real estate business at a young age when I shadowed my dad with his house flipping side gig,” says Hatfield, a fourth-year Bachelor of Commerce co-op student. “At the time, I thought it was such a simple money maker. That’s where I first found my passion for business and real estate.”

The lure of co-op opportunities

Growing up in Halifax, Hatfield gravitated to ������Ƶ University to pursue his passion. He was encouraged in part by his brother, a Dal alum who shared his experiences with him, but also by the fact that the Faculty of Management offered the opportunity to do co-op work terms.

“The job market is a competitive field, and having three co-op experiences under my belt coming out of school is a real advantage,” he says. “The experience you receive at Dal is unique to any other university in Canada.

More than experience, the co-op program made it possible for Hatfield to get a better sense of the career paths that appealed to him. He has taken an interest in finance as a result.

“I did two accounting co-ops that have helped me in my finance academics because there is much overlap,” Hatfield says. “What I like about finance is that you’re making your best judgment of what is going to happen,” he says. “That means more research and more room for creativity.”

The impact of donors

Hatfield has also benefitted from the generosity of Dal donors through the BComm Class of 1997 Scholarship. Established by the graduating class of 1997 in 2022 to commemorate their 25^th reunion, the scholarship recognizes Bachelor of Commerce students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and leadership.

Hatfield says the news was timely. His everyday expenses were such that he was looking at taking on a second part-time job in addition to doing property management work for his family—something that would have detracted from his studies.

“Being a student right now, financially, is very tough with the rising costs of living,” Hatfield says. “Having to take on multiple jobs on top of a full course load doesn’t leave much time for studying and extracurriculars. Financial awards like these not only would positively impact me, but all students today.”

Even hearing that he had been chosen for the BComm Class of 1997 Scholarship was a major boost for Hatfield.

“It feels good to have your achievements acknowledged and to know that you have something that is going to help out with everyday life.”

The award has helped Hatfield make the most of his ������Ƶ experience through extracurricular activities. During his first two years, he played for the Dal Tigers baseball team and later joined the football team that won the 2022 AFL championship. Hatfield has also been able to build connections and skills through participation in the Dal Investment Society (DALIS) and the Dal Real Estate Association (DREA), serving as its co-president.

“It’s like running a small business,” Hatfield says. “Working with our strong team has taught me many skills, but have also gained skills like public speaking, and making valuable connections. That’s been a great experience.”

Hatfield is starting to think about life after university and is interested in joining a property appraisal or development company. He wants donors to know that their gifts are helping to make dreams like his possible.

“Awards like these help those that didn’t consider pursuing post secondary as an option to start applying,” he says. “It doesn’t just impact those individuals alone, but society as a whole.”