Entuitive Co-op Diaries: Alex Cheng

At Entuitive, we’re committed to helping the next generation of professionals gain meaningful experience and grow their skills. Alex Cheng, a Commerce student at Queen’s University, joined our Business Development and Proposals team this summer to apply what she’s been learning in class to real-world projects.

During her co-op, Alex supported proposal submissions, conducted research, and helped organize internal resources while building connections across teams and learning from mentors who encouraged her curiosity and growth. As a Commerce student, I’ve explored a wide range of business disciplines, from marketing to strategy. When the opportunity to join Entuitive came up, I was excited to apply what I’d been learning in class to a professional setting. My role as a Summer Student involved tasks like competitive analysis and organizing internal resources, which gave me the chance to put my research and communication skills into practice.  

Even so, I was nervous on my first day. It was my first office job, and I didn’t know what to expect. Thankfully, those nerves disappeared quickly—the BD and Proposals team was so welcoming, patient, and supportive. Right away, I felt comfortable, started building connections, and was able to contribute in meaningful ways. 

Day to day, my responsibilities included research, supporting proposal submissions, monitoring industry news, and helping colleagues find the information they needed. I especially enjoyed tasks that allowed me to connect with others, whether it was chatting with coworkers, learning about different projects from engineers, or helping make someone’s workload a little lighter with research or support. 

One of the larger projects I worked on was a competitor analysis. It gave me the chance to apply business frameworks I’d studied at school while sharpening my research skills. I found it fascinating to see how other firms operate, and how those insights can shape our strategy and messaging. 

My biggest takeaway from this summer is the importance of soft skills. Learning how to navigate a professional environment, build relationships, and collaborate with others gave me confidence and helped me grow both personally and professionally. 

For future co-op students, my advice is simple: talk to as many people as you can. Everyone here has a unique story and role, and they’re more than happy to share their insights if you ask. I learned so much just by being curious and open. 

Finally, I’d like to thank Sara Harvey, who I worked closely with throughout my term. She was an incredibly kind and generous mentor—always willing to answer my questions, no matter how small, and show me the ropes. I’m very grateful for her guidance and for the support I received from the whole team.