Welcome to Digital Nova Scotia, My, Matthew & Jaclyn! – Digital Nova Scotia – Leading Digital Industry
Welcome to Digital Nova Scotia, My, Matthew & Jaclyn!

May 9, 2023

We are thrilled to welcome three new incredible students to the DNS team this Summer! Up first to tell us a bit about themselves is our Project Coordinator, My Nguyen.

Tell us about yourself, My!

I was born and raised in Saigon, Viet Nam. Moved to Canada in 2017 to pursue my studies and a better life. I’m currently in my last year of school, studying Finance and Entrepreneurship and doing my last Co-Op term with Digital NS. I spent my first couple of years doing language interpretation for US Companies and lots of extracurriculars. Then after that my first co-op was with MUFG Investor Services where we serviced Private Equity clients. My second co-op was with Winners where they trained me to become an off-price retail manager. And now I’m excited to see where my journey at Digital NS will take me!

What do you love most about your program at University?

I love the events and networking opportunities outside of class that the school offers.

What excites you the most about the tech sector in Nova Scotia?

It’s the potential! Because of the fact that we are a very young province that is now experiencing exponential growth, there are a lot of opportunities for companies and businesses to take advantage of and lots of room for growth!

What is your dream career? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

Recently I have decided that I will become an owner of a small and local Vietnamese coffee shop when I retire. In 5 or 10 years, I see myself becoming a Canadian citizen and still contributing to the economy, but I’m not sure about the details yet. Maybe I’ll take my Masters or even backpack through Europe!

What’s something you’re passionate about that would surprise us?

I really enjoy yoyos! The sophistication of each yoyo trick and all the elements that come into creating a performance is very fascinating to me. It really pushes me to spend more time researching and learning how to become a better player.

What three items you cannot live without (excluding food, water etc-)?

Definitely my guitar, the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series and my tennis gear.

Quick hitters!

Spring or Fall? Spring
Android or iPhone? iPhone
Comedy or Thriller? Comedy
Coffee or Tea? Coffee
Chocolate or Vanilla? Vanilla
Laptop or Desktop? Desktop
Breakfast or Dinner? Dinners
Early Bird or Night Owl? Early Bird
Fun fact: I’ve helped deliver over 20 babies!


Tell us about yourself, Matthew!

I am currently studying Political Science at Saint Mary’s University. I’m in my second year at SMU and in the Fall I completed a study abroad experience in Limerick, Ireland. I have previous work experience at Workers Compensation Board of Nova Scotia. I was raised in Lower Sackville, just outside of Halifax, but I’m a frequent traveler to Europe.

What do you love most about your program at University?

My favorite part of the program is doing the writing for an essay after the extensive research has already been completed.

What excites you the most about the tech sector in Nova Scotia?

The growth in environmental technology in Nova Scotia is extremely exciting. The implementation of technological developments and commitment to change in order to combat climate change is something to be proud of.

What is your dream career? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

My dream is to have a career will I feel I am testing myself everyday with challenging work that involves helping others. In 5-10 years I would like to be finished with University, in a job I am excited about that has growth potential, and be looking at purchasing a home.

What’s something you’re passionate about that would surprise us?

Philosophy.

What three items you cannot live without (excluding food, water etc-)?

-headphones
-passport
-water bottle

Quick hitters!

Spring or Fall? Fall
Android or iPhone? iPhone
Comedy or Thriller? Comedy
Coffee or Tea? Tea
Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate
Laptop or Desktop? Laptop
Breakfast or Dinner? Dinner
Early Bird or Night Owl? Early Bird
Ocean or Lake? Ocean
Fun fact: Although I am in University, I do not have a high school diploma.


Tell us about yourself, Jaclyn!

My name is Jaclyn Bourque, and I am a second-year Public Relations student at Mount Saint Vincent University. Growing up in Bedford Nova Scotia I have always loved to communicate with others. I decided to pursue a degree in public relations because I want to help businesses and organizations connect with different audiences through storytelling in a meaningful way.

What do you love most about your program at University?

What I love most about my program at university is that it’s a tight-knit group of students so it’s easy to get to know each other. I appreciate the fact that I have three built-in co-op terms so I can receive hands-on experience to figure out what I like and dislike in the field before I go on to begin my career.

What excites you the most about the tech sector in Nova Scotia?

I love that Nova Scotia is really supportive of entrepreneurship in tech. As a province we are very encouraging of small businesses, especially in the tech sector. We provide access to funding and mentorship for new entrepreneurs to start their businesses. Tech is also such a broad industry that includes so many other facets of our lives, and so I really enjoy seeing how Nova Scotians continue to innovate and utilize technology to improve all of our lives, in so many different ways.

What is your dream career? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

As a second year student, it is difficult to know exactly what my dream career would be. I do hope to leverage my public relations skills to work for an organization that incorporates my passion for animals. Something that also interests me is working with children, I have been reading to elementary students for the past few months and I have really enjoyed it. My dream career is any job that I can incorporate my passions into.

What’s something you’re passionate about that would surprise us?

One thing that I’m passionate about that might surprise you are dogs. I spent last summer working alongside a small group of passionate women at a doggy daycare. I learned so much about dogs and their behaviour from working with them hands-on. It gave me a new appreciation for animals, their different personalities, and how they should be treated.

What three items you cannot live without (excluding food, water etc-)?

Three things I cannot live without are the beach, my dog Murphy, and my friends.

Quick hitters!

Spring or Fall? Fall
Android or iPhone? iPhone
Comedy or Thriller? Thriller
Coffee or Tea? Tea
Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate
Laptop or Desktop? Laptop
Breakfast or Dinner? Dinner
Early Bird or Night Owl? Night Owl
Ocean or Lake? Ocean
Fun fact: I played volleyball and basketball when I was younger.