Get to know the students at MNP Portage la Prairie

MNP offers opportunities every summer to help students grow their career skills. We recently sat down with six students from MNP Portage la Prairie in Manitoba to discuss their experiences so far and what excites them on the path ahead.

Q: What have you enjoyed most about your experience at MNP?

Noah Green: The partner group has been engaged with sharing their knowledge and experiences with our student group. They are approachable, which makes it easy to ask questions.

Cory Dysart-Moody: I enjoyed the opportunity to apply the theory and knowledge I learned in the classroom into real-life scenarios with the guidance of experienced mentors.

Q: What made you pursue a career with MNP?

Alison Tolg: I heard so many good things about MNP from people at school, such as a good workplace culture, work-life balance, and opportunities to grow and improve your career. I also heard that MNP provides a lot of support while you are getting your CPA.

Noah Green: MNP’s team approach makes me feel as though I’m not in a top-down work atmosphere. I feel supported and uplifted by my team members and partners, and like there is lots of room to grow within the firm.

Q: What’s made your MNP experience unique?

Ayushi Patel: I had a chance to learn about diverse fields at MNP — such as agriculture and Indigenous Services. I also visited Indigenous communities and Hutterite colonies, which gave me insight into their specific opportunities, challenges, and operations.

Additionally, MNP has a strong workplace culture that emphasizes team-building activities and mentorship. This helped me connect with colleagues, develop my skills, broaden my knowledge, improve my ability to work with clients, and understand different organizational environments. MNP provides an enriching environment for both personal and professional growth — setting a solid foundation for my career ahead.

Noah Green: We work hard but also make room to connect with colleagues and have fun at MNP. We have month-end gatherings and crib games during breaks, which allows teams to grow closer.

Q: What are you most looking forward to this summer?

Joshua Penner: My goals for the summer included gaining a whole new understanding — of both in-person work with client information and the businesses that support that work. I wasn’t sure what to expect or what working in an office would be like, since I’ve never worked in this field before. My experience so far has been great. The different skills I’ve learned and types of jobs I’ve been doing have helped increase my knowledge in the business field.

Ayushi Patel: I come from a background that values helping others — whether through charity work or volunteering. I am eager to contribute to events that support meaningful causes, and last summer I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Portage Hospital fundraising event. I’m looking forward to continuing such impactful engagements in the future.

 Q: What has surprised you the most about your experience so far?

Alison Tolg: I’m surprised by MNP’s patience with students. They understand it is a lot to learn — and that you’ll take awhile to get used to it.

Carson Dubois: I’m most surprised by the difference one summer makes. This is my second summer at MNP, and it felt overwhelming to learn all the information and processes during the first summer. The assistance from team members in my first summer was unmatched. The reassurance that it takes time and repetition to become familiar with the programs, processes, and work makes the second summer a lot easier — and enabled me to work with more confidence.

Q: If you could tell future students one thing about MNP, what would you say?

Carson Dubois: The work environment at MNP is exceptional. I am new to the industry and was worried it would involve sitting at your desk day in and day out. While you spend time working at your desk, the client interactions, office activities, and events completely changed my perspective. There are opportunities to learn from the knowledgeable professionals around you and advance your career — or have a fun and interactive office environment. MNP is the place for both.

Cory Dysart-Moody: I would emphasize the unparalleled commitment to mentorship in the office. At this firm, you will find a collaborative environment that cultivates career growth — and a family away from home.