Change can be scary – here is why you need change makers in uncertain times

Everything’s changing. 

AI is evolving. Markets are shifting. Budgets are shrinking. In these times, how do you stay ahead as an organization? How do you adapt, pivot and innovate as the world changes? 

You bring in change makers. 

These are the problem solvers and innovators. They embrace change. They challenge the norm. They ask the right questions and bring fresh thinking to every project. 

And they’re not just senior leaders in the boardrooms. Often, change makers are emerging talent, like co-op students and those early in their career, with bold ideas and the ability to adapt fast.  

Here’s how change makers  can impact your workplace: 

1. Bring fresh insights 

Change makers spot gaps you didn’t even know existed. 

During a work term as a research assistant at the National Research Council Canada / Conseil national de recherches Canada , Michelle Kao (she/her), the 2024 Waterloo Co-op Student of the Year for the Faculty of Science, developed tools to help optimize Canada’s next space telescope mission, CASTOR. Her fresh approach helped the science team see the bigger picture, revealing how one survey could be restructured to double observing efficiency and save up to $6 million. Read Michelle’s story. 

2. Help you innovate 

Change makers aren’t afraid to tackle the hard stuff. 

At Omnium , Laura Bumbulis (she/her) (BMath ’22) (MMath ’24), the 2021 Waterloo Co-op Student of the Year for the Faculty of Mathematics, created a new method to assess the risk of grocery item discontinuation. Her innovative approach helped improve the company’s previous technique and has since been used to deliver stronger insights to the company’s clients. Read Laura’s story. 

3. Apply a global mindset 

Change makers can navigate new cultures, adapt fast and still innovate. 

Waterloo student Bruce Wu (he/him) supported refugee education in Thailand and found that traditional methods were still the norm for student enrollment. He took the initiative to build digital tools that streamlined inventory and enrollment while helping staff boost their digital literacy along the way. Read Bruce’s story. 

4. Build what’s next 

Change makers stay ahead of the trends and bring ideas to life. 

During her work term, Linda W. , the 2024 Waterloo Co-op Student of the Year for the Faculty of Mathematics utilized AI technologies to develop a solution for RBC Financial Group’s Global HR Advice Centre. The solution, called “heyHR,” is a pre-call portal for employees to visit when they need to contact HR Advice. Linda’s idea has led to a 20 per cent reduction in call volume and an average of five minutes of time savings per call, resulting in more than $1.65 million in annual restored productivity. Read Linda’s story. 

Want to attract and retain change makers?  

• Start early: Engage emerging talent now. Tap into co-op and work-integrated learning programs. They are launchpads for the next generation of leaders. 

• Make the mission clear: Change makers are mission-driven; make sure they know how their work impacts the company and beyond.  

• Give them ownership: Delegate meaningful work, let them drive real impact.  

Learn practical strategies to attract change makers  

The University of Waterloo’s Co-operative and Experiential Education team has insights to make attracting and retaining emerging talent easy! Join the free 2025 Employer Impact Conference on April 29 to empower your organization with the tools, strategies and connections needed to thrive in today’s ever-evolving workplace.  

This free, award-winning conference brings together future-focused leaders, organizations and innovators to explore strategies that drive growth, foster collaboration and create impactful change. Join for one session or stay for the full experience; either way, you’ll walk away with invaluable insights.  

This conference is approved for continuing professional development credits from HRPA - Human Resources Professionals Association .

Register now to save your spot!