Human-Centered Problem Solving

Rutvick Bodarya’s interest in digital innovation stemmed from his passion for technology. “I was always curious about computer science, learning new programming languages, exploring tools, and looking for ways technology could solve real‑world problems,” he says.

After graduating from his Bachelor of Dental Surgery, he was drawn to the non‑clinical side of healthcare. Spending time as a Dental Billing Specialist opened his eyes to the healthcare system’s reliance on manual, paper‑based processes. “I saw firsthand how simple automation and structured data could reduce that burden and improve efficiency.”

This experience made Rutvick’s path clear: he wanted to contribute to healthcare through technology. “When I discovered the Master of Digital Innovation program at Dalhousie, especially with the Health Informatics certificate, it aligned perfectly with my goals,” he says, “Getting admitted was the start of a journey where I’ve learned concepts and tools that can genuinely transform healthcare and address real‑world challenges.”

Don’t box yourself in. Be willing to step outside your comfort zone, try new things, and trust your ability to learn quickly.

 “When I first started my co-op job search, I was very conservative—only looking for roles in health informatics because that’s what I was studying.” This mindset changed after a conversation with his Work‑Integrated Learning Advisor, Caroline. “She helped me understand that co‑op isn’t just about finding a job in your field; it’s an opportunity to explore different industries, discover your interests, and gain real-world experience.”

Caroline encouraged Rutvick to search for jobs based on his current skills and the skills he wanted to build, rather than focusing on job titles. “That advice opened doors I never would have considered,” he says.

My co‑op experience taught me that I thrive in environments where I can experiment, iterate, and learn through doing. I realized I’m far more adaptable than I expected, whether it’s picking up a new tool quickly or stepping into a completely unfamiliar industry without prior exposure.

A key moment in Rutvick’s co-op journey was working on the digital transformation project at Wagners Law Firm. “I had never worked in the legal industry before, so getting the chance to learn their processes and workflows was both challenging and exciting,” he says. 

“While researching tools and trends, I was genuinely surprised by how many opportunities there were to optimize workflows, improve quality, and help the firm stay competitive,” says Rutvick. He discovered how much he enjoyed interviewing people, helping him better understand their pain points and map out solutions.

 “The highlight for me was presenting my recommendations to the board and seeing them taken seriously, especially knowing that one of my suggestions would save the firm a significant amount of money,” he says. 

Rutvick reflected on the opportunity to lead the project. “It pushed me to think deeply, stretch my skills, and step far outside my comfort zone. It was mentally demanding at times, but the outcome made every bit of effort worth it.”

Since completing his work term, Rutvick now works as an Innovation and Technology Manager, building on the same curiosity about computer science and passion for human-centred problem-solving.