Beat the Odds connects Concordia students with District 3 startups

Concordia’s Beat the Odds (BTO) internship program recently teamed up with the D3 Innovation Hub for the D3 x BTO Hiring Event to join students and startups for networking, shared problem-solving and on-the-spot hiring.
The goal was to match District 3 entrepreneurs with students from the Beat the Odds — an inclusive initiative that helps students from equity-deserving groups gain hands-on experience in their area of study.
This innovative approach to recruitment allowed students to connect quickly with employers and explore hiring opportunities. It was designed to reflect the changing labour market by replacing the usual lengthy interview and selection process with something more dynamic, personal and efficient.
“I’ve seen the challenges students face when trying to access meaningful work — especially those from equity-deserving backgrounds,” says Jessica King, Beat the Odds program coordinator.
“Too often, they’re told to take what they can get. Together with D3, we created a space where hiring felt more human — less transactional, more relational — and where students could feel empowered to choose, not just apply.”
Paid internships tailored to students’ goals
Beat the Odds offers undergraduate students from all four faculties paid, flexible internships tailored to their academic and career goals. Before beginning their placements, all BTO interns participate in the Beat the Odds Academy, a preparatory program that equips them with the professional skills, confidence and tools they need to excel in their internships and future careers.
For BTO participants like Zeev Beacham, a biology student, the event offered a refreshing take on recruitment.
“I loved the hiring event. Tt was unlike any other hiring process I’ve participated in,” he says. “It felt laid back but organized, taking the stress away from interviews without compromising professionalism.”
Beacham says he is very happy to have been hired as an intern at Aescia, a health-tech startup: “The company aligns almost perfectly with my career path and interests, and I can already tell I’ll learn a lot from this experience.”
James Kurrle, Aescia’s founder and a critical care doctor, says the event provided an opportunity to discover new talent for his growing business.
“Beat the Odds is fantastic. An unexpected bonus was meeting real people, not just résumés,” he says.
“Interns bring fresh perspectives and real momentum to a small team where everyone wears many hats. We joined Beat the Odds to meet motivated students who could help us achieve our goals, and Zeev’s enthusiasm made him an easy choice.”
Recent gift to extend the program’s reach
Beat the Odds is one of many experiential learning programs across Concordia, supporting the institution’s goal of ensuring that every undergraduate student has access to at least two experiential learning opportunities during their studies.
Thanks to a recent $500,000 gift from RBC to the Campaign for Concordia: Next-Gen Now, the university will soon expand the program’s capacity to include additional students.
Learn more about experiential learning opportunities at Concordia.