How Careers in Motion shaped Sam Keays’s path at JDI
How Careers in Motion shaped Sam Keays’s path at JDI
When Sam Keays graduated from the University of New Brunswick (UNB) with a Bachelor of Software Engineering, he left with more than a degree. Through hands-on learning, meaningful relationships and support from mentors at J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI), Sam transitioned directly from student to full-time employee.
His journey began when he joined UNB’s Co-op program. This decision introduced him to JDI’s Transportation and Logistics division through its Careers in Motion program, where he rotated through various positions across the division and applied his academic learning to real industry challenges.
Sam’s first term placed him at Universal Truck and Trailer as a Data Analyst Student. Working with shop maintenance data, he saw how raw, unorganized information is transformed into clear and actionable insight. For the first time, he connected theories and tools from his degree to the systems and processes used in a real operational environment.
His second term brought him to Sunbury Transportation as a Business Analyst Student. With experience behind him and more confidence in his abilities, Sam discovered a growing interest in the transportation sector. He built dashboards that helped bridge data and decision making, giving him a deeper understanding of how information directly supports business outcomes.
In 2025, more than 60 per cent of Careers in Motion students received fulltime job offers. Sam was among them. Recognized for the quality of his work and the impact he made during his terms, he returned to the trucking office as a Business Systems Analyst for RST Transportation.
Since joining JDI full-time, Sam has also been able to explore more opportunities to contribute to his community. Giving back to youth has always mattered to Sam. For more than 13 years, he has been a hockey referee in the Saint John region and is now a mentor to young officials who are just starting out.
Now through JDI’s partnership with PALS (Partners Assisting Local Schools), Sam volunteers delivering lunches and helping with school events such as the Glen Falls Christmas Dinner, where he ensured every student received a meal.
“When I was their age, I am sure someone was helping me too,” Sam said. “It feels important to be there for them now.”
Being hired before graduation eased the stress that many students feel and showed Sam that the time he invested throughout his co-op terms did not go unnoticed. He looks forward to continuing to make a positive impact in his workplace and community.
For students entering the Careers in Motion program, Sam offers one key piece of advice.
“Take as much as you can from the resources around you,” he said. “There are a lot of knowledgeable people at these companies, and the more you learn from them, the better off you are going to be in the long term.”
About RST
RST is a recognized leader in safe and efficient tank transportation throughout Atlantic Canada, Ontario, Quebec and the eastern United States. Along with meeting top tier industry standards in cargo transport, RST provides emergency response and training services across Atlantic Canada.
About Careers in Motion
Careers in Motion gives students hands-on exposure to JDI’s transportation operations and the chance to present their insights to key business leaders at the end of their terms. By cultivating talent like Sam, the program supports strong talent pipelines and attracts exceptional new graduates.
Interested in an opportunity? Visit careers.jdirving.com to explore current openings.
